Guruvani Community Radio Compendium @ 90.8 FM

Contact Person: Mr.  Bharat Jadav

Broadcast Languages: Gujarati, Hindi and English

Genesis: Since its establishment in 2012, Gujarat University Community Radio, Guruvani, 90.8 FM has amassed a library of more than 430 hours of programming. These programmes have aided in information sharing, group networking, and delivery of skills and training, and all of these are unquestionably essential components in fostering a sense of community among students. It has given university students and members of various communities the ability to use radio to promote themselves and interact with their peers.  

Thematic Focus: The creation of educational and informative content for the student community, which is the station’s primary target audience, has been the major thematic focus. 

Sustainable Development Goals: The CRS works on all the SDGs for the upliftment of the community, but the main focus has been on the following SDG:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being 

SDG 4: Quality Education 

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth 

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure 

Primetime Programmes: Education, environment, health, science, and general information are all topics covered during the primetime programmes.  Since they are created and designed by a team of academicians and students from the university and colleges, these programmes are primarily educational in nature. To create these programmes, the student community works on a variety of topics and issues both inside and outside the campus. The CRS runs community and youth-focused programmes that delve into various subjects and issues. 

Innovations in format or any other way: Narrations, recitals, drama, talk shows, debates, and other formats make up the majority of radio programmes.  The team diligently curates high-quality content, such as discussions about various academic fields and disciplines. 

After the establishment of the CRS,  it has been able to significantly cater to the needs of the students’ community. All communication regarding instructions and information of the university is delivered through the CRS. The CRS has been able to create awareness regarding all the SDG goals in the community and improve the ecological health of its campus. They have also been able to draw support in the form of scholarships from different organisations for students who excel in studies and other fields. 

Core Team: The current staff consists of four members: the centre director, producer, production assistant, and technical assistant, as well as a group of educators and students. The producer, production assistant, and technical assistance oversee content creation and programme broadcasting; the centre director interacts with stakeholders and is the primary decision-maker. The CRS receives advice from the teachers and students on the panel while curating the content that will benefit the listener community.

Major Projects Undertaken: In the past, the CRS has worked on projects with UNICEF and the Gujarat Department of Women and Child Care. During COVID-19, they also collaborated with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and worked on projects with SMART NGO.  

Sustainable Strategies: The parent organisation, EMRC Gujarat University, provides technical and financial support for the operation of the community radio station. Along with this, they also raise funds through joint initiatives with top businesses, NGOs, and government agencies.   

Number of listeners and Potential Outreach:  Seven geographical areas of Ahmedabad city are served by the  CRS; these include the campus of Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Gulbai Tekra, Nehrunagar, Vastrapur, Memnagar, and Ambawadi. These areas also fall within the narrowcasting range of the CRS. According to census data gathered from the local governments, there are roughly 3 lakh people living in this region. The CRS has an estimated 60,000 active listeners from this outreach potential.

Major concerns in the Community: Eliminating unhealthy practices, such as smoking cigarettes, and consumption of prohibited substances amongst the youth are major areas of concern in the community. This demands intervention at both the community and government level. The CRS and the neighbourhood will benefit greatly from increased state and local government involvement.