Rudi No Radio @ 90.4 FM

Contact Person: Ms. Anita Patel 

Broadcasting Language: Gujarati 

Genesis: Rudi No Radio is based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and was launched on 26th November, 2009 with a mission to address the needs of the rural communities in the region. The CRS acts as a medium of communication that conveys crucial messages, and is also a source of information and entertainment for the local community. Such an initiative was conceptualised in the aftermath of the severe earthquakes in Gujarat, to meet communication needs of the region in the hour of a calamity or mishap. 

Thematic Focus: The primary focus areas of Rudi No Radio are health, education, folk music and folklore, employment and livelihoods, agriculture, and traditional medicines. The CRS also focuses on creating awareness about the welfare schemes and policies of the governments, so that the community members can benefit from them. 

Sustainable Development Goals: Rudi No Radio focuses on the following SDGs:

SDG 1: No Poverty

SDG 4: Quality Education

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

SDG 13: Climate Action

Primetime Programmes: Rudi No Radio broadcasts eight Prime Time programmes: Saptrangi, Vadhmana, Rudu Upvan, Vadlo Bole Che, Killol, Rudi No Radio, Satvik Jivan, and Aakash mare Aambhanu Che. These programmes have been developed in different formats to engage and educate the listeners, and are based on a range of topics including current affairs, health, agriculture, events in the city, and spirituality. Through these programmes, the community members also voice their concerns and opinions. 

Innovations in format or any other way: Gujarati culture has many performing art forms like Bhavayi, Dayro, and Ranglo Rangli, which involve singing and conversation. Radio programmes are created regularly in these forms, with community participation being a key aspect. Members-based organisations, such as co-operatives, self-help groups, savings, and credit associations, are encouraged to contribute small amounts to develop content for radio programmes. Women, children, elders, and youth participate through Shrota Mandals (Listener Groups), The narrowcasting of radio programmes ensures a wider reach and appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat.

Core Team: The core team of Rudi No Radio is constituted by eleven members who handle unique responsibilities to ensure the smooth functioning of the CRS. Community vole

Major Projects Undertaken: Rudi No Radio has mainly worked on projects and initiatives in collaboration with its sister concerns, including Video SEWA, SEWA Bank, SEWA, and Insurance co-operative of SEWA. The CRS has also been a part of regional and national initiatives in collaboration with organisations like UNICEF, CEMCA, and NCSTC.

Sustainable Strategies: Rudi No Radio is financially and technically funded by its parent organisation, Indian Academy for Self-Employed Women. The CRS also manages to generate revenue through paid collaborations with external organisations and agencies. 

Number of listeners and Potential Outreach: Rudi No Radio has as many as forty villages within its broadcast range, and the estimated outreach potential is nearly one lakh.

Major concerns in the Community:  The lack of knowledge about government programmes and their outreach in the community’s villages are the main issues. Lack of education among girls, child marriage, and addictions are some of the significant problems. Basic sanitation and drainage services, as well as related schemes, are not being executed. The primary industry of agriculture is declining as a result of the sale of land to corporations and multinational firms, and at the same time, new job skills are not readily available.