Vidyavani Community Radio @ 107.4 FM

Contact Person: Ms. Shridatta Gaikwad 

Broadcasting Language: Marathi, Hindi and English

Genesis: Vidyavani community radio was established in 2005 by Savitribai Phule Pune University (erstwhile Pune University). The CRS is established with a vision to impart and enhance the chances of education, and provide guidance to children and youth in the community. It also aims for the inclusion of women stakeholders in the radio activities. The CRS started regular broadcast on 11 June 2005 with just two hours of daily broadcast and today it has scaled up to become a CRS that broadcasts thirteen hours of programmes every day, with the complete support of the community. Vidyavani has been successful in making a positive impact in the lives of its target community. 

Thematic Focus: Vidyavani community radio majorly focuses on community development through participation in radio and its initiatives. The CRS also focuses on women empowerment through different programmes. Awareness programmes on health, economic independence, family development through values, skill based educational programmes, programmes on societal responsibilities, and programmes on cultural developmental issues like conservation, environment, pollution etc. are also taken into consideration. After the COVD-19 pandemic, more emphasis has been placed on general health, hygiene and well-being. 

Sustainable Development Goals: Vidyavani Community Radio is working on achieving the following SDGs:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

SDG 4: Quality Education

SDG 5: Gender Equality

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

SDG 13: Climate Action

Primetime Programmes: The following are the primetime programmes that are broadcast on Vidyavani.

Aayurvedatun Aarogyamantra – After the pandemic, the CRS focused on the health and well-being of the community, therefore the programme aims to improve health using traditional systems such as Ayurveda. 

Career Guidance – It is a blended programme, focused on youth, which discusses education, career guidance, soft skills, etc.

Community Katta – This programme aims to give voice to the voiceless, through discussions, interviews, and magazine programmes. It is an open platform for community members to showcase their talent and also discuss local issues like water contamination, pollution, traffic jams or road safety, exploitation/harassment of women, domestic violence, etc.   

Kaydyachya Choukatit –  This programme features experts from the field of law to discuss the issues related to civil rules and regulations. 

Swarmadhuri – The programme explores the rich heritage of Indian classical music by providing a platform to local talents in classical music.

Innovations in format or any other way: Vidyavani has developed a project named ‘Community Women Leaders’ in which the CRS trains women from the local community.  These women even work as volunteers for the CRS. This has been a powerful initiative that has helped the women explore their strengths and fight the different challenges that they face in everyday life. The CRS plans to replicate this initiative in other communities too. 

Core Team: There are seven CRMC members on the board of Vidyavani, and four members constitute the core team. In addition to the core team, the CRS is supported by a group of dedicated student- and community volunteers who coordinate activities in the community. 

Major Projects Undertaken: The following are some of the major projects that Vidyavani has been a part of:

• Swastya Sankalp – in association with CRA and UNICEF 
• Aamchi Urmila – in association with SBC3 and UNICEF 
• Yoga for All – in association with CEMCA 
• Climate Change – in association with SMART and UNICEF 

Sustainable Strategies: Vidyavani is financially and technically supported by its parent organisation, Savitribai Phule Pune University. In addition to this, Vidyavani collaborates with external organisations for funded projects. The CRS is also empanelled with CBC and receives advertisements from different government agencies and departments.

Number of listeners and Potential Outreach: The areas of Pimpari Chinchwad Municipal Corporation area – like Sangvi, Baner, Pashan, Kalewadi-Rahatani, Pimpari, and Chincwad fall within the broadcast range of Vidyavani. The CRS caters to a large population of at least fifty lakh people. The CRS has an active listener base of approximately 30,000 listeners. 

Major concerns in the Community: The major concerns in the target community include unemployment, lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure, lack of hygiene and adequate sanitation facilities, addictions, and high rates of school dropout.