Kuthar Radio @ 90.8 FM

Contact Person: Mr. Balamurugan Ganabathy

Broadcasting Language: Tamil and English

Genesis: Community Radio Kuthar was established in the year 2018 by Himachal Harijan Kalyan Sanstha, its parent organisation, with the aim to uplift the hilly and backward areas of rural communities without any discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, religion and gender. The population residing in the hills, more than 100 km away from the district headquarters, are mostly farmers and many of them are living below the poverty line and remain neglected even today. 

Thematic Focus: The radio focuses on organic agriculture, education, development of art and culture. The programmes also involve youth and women groups through outreach programmes, encouraging people to bring them on their sound footing. 

Sustainable Development Goals: The SDGs that Kuthar Radio focuses on are: 

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

SDG 4: Quality Education,  

SDG 5: Gender Equality 

SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth

Primetime Programmes: Kuthar Radio broadcasts Bhajan in the local language, Naitik Shiksha for the creation of a better atmosphere in families and among children. The studio thus tries to impart cultural education. Other such programmes are ‘Subha Savera’ which focuses on livelihood opportunities, art and culture. Another programme titled ‘Ek Mulakat’, ‘Zindagi ke Rang aise Bhi’, deals with issues related to gender discrimination, well-being and health for all.

Innovations in format or any other way: The Radio broadcasts its programmes majorly in Pahari (local language) and the rest of the content in Hindi to adequately communicate with its listeners. Also, Kuthar Radio launched outreach programmes to meet the people at their doorsteps, and collaborated with village youths and women groups to make them aware of the activities done by the CRS through narrowcasting and group discussions from time to time. The exercise encourages them to ask questions about the programmes and engage in informative discussions, which creates a good educational atmosphere.

Core Team: At present, the station holds a devoted staff of ten. It includes the Station director, two radio jockeys and seven volunteers. The Station Director is the authoritative figure that takes care of all aspects of managing the CRS. The RJs establish contacts with the listeners and broadcast the programmes approved by the Director. The volunteers play a crucial role in disseminating information and collecting responses to ensure the smooth functioning of the CRS.

Major Projects Undertaken: The station undertook several major projects in its operative years. Notable is the COVID-19 awareness programme partnership with CRA, UNICEF and MOHW. Kuthar Radio also partnered with SMART and the GoI for environment protection and the TB Challenge. From time to time, the station has collaborated with concerned Ministries to educate, aware and motivate the hill area population for their betterment and good health.

Sustainable Strategies: The station receives technical support and some financial support from its parent organisation, Himachal Harijan Kalyan Sanstha and the rest of the expenses are met by undertaking projects from various agencies. The CRS ensures sustainability in all aspects.

Number of listeners and Potential Outreach: The CRS is situated in the midst of two districts i.e., Shimla and Sirmour. Kuthar sits on their outskirts. Based on the analysis of the populace responding to their programmes from Rajgarh, Narag, Naina Tikkar and Dhartu Khari near Pulbhal of Chopal, approximately one lakh people listen to the radio daily.

Major Concerns in the Community: An important need in the community is better irrigation facility. Unemployment is another major issue for educated youth, which leads to migration. Eradication of poverty is a major need for equity in society. Awareness and support from government bodies can help improve the conditions at present.