Radio Kanchenjunga @ 91.2 MHz

Contact Person: Mr. Pahal Man Rai

Broadcasting Language: Nepali

Genesis: Radio Kanchenjunga 91.2 was established by the non-profit organisation Arithang Neelgagan Development Society (ANDS), in Martam, West Sikkim. The efforts to establish a community radio started in 2011 and after eight years of ceaseless work, Radio Kanchenjunga finally became operational on 16th December 2018. 

Radio Kanchenjunga is the only community radio station in the north-eastern state of Sikkim. 

Thematic Focus: Radio Kanchenjunga focuses on creating content which is relevant to the local community and focuses on a range of areas including health, education, women empowerment, and agriculture.

Sustainable Development Goals: Radio Kanchenjunga is focussed on achieving the following SDGs:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

SDG 4: Quality Education

SDG 5:Gender Equality

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Primetime Programmes: The primetime programmes that are broadcast on Radio Kanchenjunga are Krishi Karyakaram, Jana Swashtha Karyakaram, and Mahila Evam Sishu Kalyan Karyakaram. 

Krishi Karyakaram is for the farmers of the local community of the villages. The head of the concerned department (Agriculture/Horticulture) visits the station once every month and gives interviews on different schemes launched by the state for the convenience of the local farmers.  The farmers share their experience on farming through this programme. 

In Jana Swashtha Karyakaram, health workers are invited to the CRS. They interact with the community and address their concerns on various diseases, and discuss their preventive measures and treatment. 

Mahila Awam Sishu Kalyan Karyakaram focuses on women and children, especially the breastfeeding mothers and infants in the community.  ASHA and Aganwadi workers discuss the importance of breastfeeding and nutrition through this programme.

Innovations in format or any other way: Despite being situated in a challenging geographical terrain, Radio Kanchenjunga often resorts to narrowcasting as it helps to engage with community members who are either in media-dark areas or do not tune in to radio programmes.

Because of the high altitude, harsh weather conditions and difficult terrain, the CRS often faces trouble in broadcast, but this does not deter Radio Kanchenjunga’s efforts to work for the welfare of its target community. The CRS has primarily focused on rural livelihood development and as a result, the target community is now equipped. The CRS has played a pivotal role in maintaining momentum for sustainable development in terms of SDGs. 

Core Team: In order to ensure the smooth functioning of the CRS, Radio Kanchenjunga has a general body, executive board and technical staff. The executive board is constituted by the President, Vice President, General Secretary cum Executive Director, Joint Secretary, Treasurer, and Joint Treasurer. 

Major Projects Undertaken: Radio Kanchenjunga has been a part of the following projects.

1. Usha Silai School project sponsored by Usha International Ltd.          

2. Engaging Community Radios to Empower Adolescents and Youth for COVID-19 response as ‘young warriors’ sponsored by CRA-UNICEF 
3. International Yoga Day campaign 2021 and 2022, sponsored by the Ministry of AYUSH (Govt. Of India) with an aim to popularise the practice of Yoga among the local communities through the Common Yoga Protocol course.   

4. Project on COVID-19 S&D prevention campaign and vaccination: A month-long initiative sponsored by UNICEF, in association with CRA.

5. Pledge for Good Health project, sponsored by UNICEF, in association with CRA. 

Sustainable Strategies: Radio Kanchenjunga is able to raise funds through its externally funded projects. The CRS also actively involves volunteers from the local community which significantly helps in cost-management. 

Number of listeners and Potential Outreach: The CRS covers the region of West Sikkim and has a healthy outreach potential. The actual listener base is to be ascertained. 

Major concerns in the Community: The community has been severely affected by unemployment. Access to drinking water is another issue that the community is concerned about. Connectivity by road is also a major concern due to the difficult terrain and geographic conditions.