23 July 1927: The Broadcast That Changed India Forever

India observes National Broadcasting Day on 23 July to commemorate the beginning of organised radio broadcasting in the country in 1927, a milestone that laid the foundation for one of the nation’s most influential public institutions.

Guided by the Buddhist principle ‘Bahujana Hitaya, Bahujana Sukhaya’, for the welfare and happiness of the many, All India Radio (Akashvani) has, for nearly a century, informed, educated and united generations of Indians.

Radio broadcasting began with the launch of the Indian Broadcasting Company’s Bombay station on 23 July 1927.

After the company faced financial difficulties, the Government took over operations in 1930 under the Indian State Broadcasting Service.

The organisation was therefore renamed All India Radio on 8 June 1936 and officially adopted the name Akashvani, meaning ‘Voice from the Sky’, in 1956.

The launch of Vividh Bharati in 1957 expanded entertainment programming, while the creation of Prasar Bharati in 1997 granted greater autonomy to public broadcasting.

From just six radio stations at the time of Independence, Akashvani has grown into one of the world’s largest broadcasting networks, reaching almost the entire population and over 92 per cent of India’s geographical area.

Long before the internet and television, radio united India across regions, languages and cultures.

Over the decades, All India Radio has informed citizens, preserved cultural heritage and remained a trusted source of news.

Even in the digital age, Akashvani continues to connect millions through its credibility, accessibility and enduring public service.

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