Radio Namaskar @ 90.4 FM

Contact Person: Mr. N. A. Shah Ansari

Broadcasting Language: Odia, Hindi & Telugu

Genesis: Radio Namaskar, the first community radio station in Odisha, was established in 2010 by Young India, a non-governmental development organisation. Radio Namaskar has made significant impact through its various projects and intervention strategies. Recognized as a Lead Community Radio station by the Government of India, Radio Namaskar has received numerous awards for its community-centric programmes, including five National Community Radio Awards, and over 15 national and international awards. The station’s success in engaging and empowering listeners through innovative programming and outreach activities has made it a trusted source of information and support for the local community. Located in the internationally renowned tourist destination Konark, Radio Namaskar has become a vital part of the community and a beacon of hope for the people it serves.

Thematic Focus: Radio Namaskar’s foremost aim is to create programmes that promote the holistic development of its target community by educating and empowering them. The CRS has worked on several core areas that have a direct impact on the lives of the  target community. These areas include local self governance, human rights, access to information, education, disaster management, gender equity, societal peace, and indigenous trade, and culture survival.

Sustainable Development Goals: Radio Namaskar focuses on these SDGs:

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

SDG 4: Quality Education

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

SDG 15: Life on Land

Primetime Programmes: The following are the primetime programmes of the Radio Namaskar:

• Chasa Basa Katha : A magazine on agriculture, this is the interactive session among local farmers & experts. 
• Jana Soochana : Information about government welfare schemes, programmes, Acts, citizen entitlements, etc. 
• Hal Chal: Interactive discussion on local programmes and events. 
• Ajira Nari : Women-oriented programme with information on women rights, issues, and gender concerns.
• Yuba Barta : Youth-based programme with a focus on career prospects.
• Angya Namaskar  : Interview with distinguished personalities/citizens from the community on different issues. 
• Shisu Raija  :  A weekly programme for children
• Chala School ku Jiba :   Campaign to reduce school dropouts
• Mita Pain Gita Tie :  A cultural programme by/for the listeners, produced by the community
• Janata Darbar (Citizens’ Court) : People’s forum to raise different issues and social concerns
•  Janile Jiniba :  Special daily episode based on women’s health and nutrition. 

Innovations in format or any other way: Radio Namaskar advocates community participation and organises social-gatherings to address the concerns of the community members. The CRS specially focuses on preserving the local culture and traditions, and therefore encourages the community members to sing folk songs and perform folk art forms. The CRS has 122 listener groups within the community. 

The CRS is also active on all social media platforms. 

Core Team: Radio Namaskar has 21 CRMC members, from different fields, on its board. The core team comprises 13 members including the Station Head, Programme Head, Sound Editors, Broadcast Incharge, and a team of reporters. 

Major Projects Undertaken: Radio Namaskar has been a part of various national and regional projects since its inception and has collaborated with a large number of leading organisations and government agencies. These initiatives include awareness campaigns, extensive community projects, and interventions directed at the welfare of the target community. 

Sustainable Strategies: Some of the sustainability strategies of Radio Namaskar include: 

• Creating partnerships and collaborations with local organisations, businesses, and government agencies to support its operations. 
• Adopting environmentally sustainable practices such as using renewable energy sources and minimising waste generation. 
• Ensuring financial sustainability through effective fundraising and revenue generation strategies.  

Number of listeners and Potential Outreach: Radio Namaskar covers almost 700 villages within its broadcast range and has a strong outreach potential of at least five lakh people. 

Major concerns in the Community: There are several major concerns in the community that Radio Namaskar aims to address through its programming and outreach activities. One of the most pressing issues is access to quality healthcare services, particularly for women and marginalised communities. Lack of awareness about available services, financial constraints, and social stigma are among the key barriers that prevent many people in the community from accessing healthcare when they need it. Another significant concern is education, particularly for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Many families in the area struggle to provide their children with quality education due to financial constraints or a lack of resources. This can have long-term implications for the children’s future prospects and opportunities. Environmental sustainability is also a major concern in the community, with issues such as waste management, water scarcity, and deforestation posing significant challenges for local residents.