Radio Sikhya @ 90.4 FM

Contact Person: Amiya Mohanty   

Broadcast Languages: Odia and Hindi

Genesis: Radio Sikhya is a Community Radio Station based in Mayurganj district of Odisha. The radio station was launched as a support system for the local community and helped them do better in different aspects such as agriculture, health and hygiene, livestock management etc. It is an initiative by the Sikhya O’ Sikhya organisation based in Odisha.

Thematic Focus: Radio Sikhya’s primary focus is maximising the productivity and yield of the community members through modern, sustainable agriculture and farming techniques (which include knowledge of the use of organic and biofertilizers, tilling the soil, cultivating crops, and raising livestock). For the economic growth of the community, the CRS also imparts information about the preparation of plant and animal products for human consumption and their distribution to end markets, as well as travel, tribal tourism, skill development, and entrepreneurship (within the constraints of the resources available).  Supporting government initiatives in the areas of education, health and hygiene, food and nutrition, solar energy, the environment, gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, cultural development and the promotion of local artists etc. are also amongst Radio Sikhya’s intervention areas.

Sustainable Development Goals: The following are the SDGs that Radio Sikhya focuses on and aspires to achieve in its target community 

SDG 3. Good health and wellbeing

SDG 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDG 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

SDG 12. Responsible Consumption and production. 

Primetime Programmes: The focus areas and intervention points of the community are prevalent in many of the programmes on Radio Sikhya. The primary goal of the primetime programmes is to educate the community about agriculture and other occupations and fields in which community members are active. The CRS also airs educational programmes on topics like education, disaster management, the environment, and health and hygiene.

Innovations in format or any other way: Radio Sikhya interacts with the community through narrowcasting in addition to the more conventional practice of broadcasting. The CRS also collaborates with the local KGBV schools to plan initiatives in an effort to reduce school dropout rates, particularly for girls.

Core Team: The six-member staff is made up of the station director, station incharge, recordist, two core employees, and one radio jockey. The station director concentrates on obtaining projects from governmental, semi-governmental and private organisations. Administration, technical support, and content are all the responsibility of the station in charge. The core member provides support for content creation and other tasks. 

Major Projects Undertaken: Being a young organisation, Radio Sikhya has yet to secure a significant project from any of the nation’s top organisations. The CRS has solely focused on internal projects up until this point.

Sustainable Strategies: Since the CRS is still in its early stages and hasn’t yet taken on any significant projects, SIKHYA – O – SIKHYA, the parent organisation, provides Radio Sikhya with all of its annual budget in the form of technical and financial support. 

Number of listeners and Potential Outreach: Around 40,000 people in Radio Sikhya’s coverage area are believed to be active listeners, but more precise figures can only be determined after an in-depth study. 

Major concerns in the Community: The primary need of the community is sustainable economic growth, which can be achieved through increasing employment opportunities and by optimising resources in various sectors like agriculture, livestock, entrepreneurship etc. To address this issue, the CRS broadcasts a programme called Sambhabhana ’O’ Sujog in which it conducts interviews with entrepreneurs and successful, award-winning farmers, which helps the community members gain crucial insights.