National Broadcasting Day: Marking 1st ever radio broadcast from Bombay station in 1927

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National Broadcasting Day is observed to commemorate India’s first-ever radio broadcast which went on air on July 23, 1927, from the Bombay Station of the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC).

Key Points & Analysis

1. Historical Significance
   • The first radio broadcast in India was made on 23 July 1927 from Bombay (now Mumbai) under the Indian Broadcasting Company.
   • This event marked the beginning of a new era in mass communication in India.
2. Evolution of Broadcasting in India
   • On 8 June 1936, the Indian State Broadcasting Service was renamed All India Radio (AIR).
   • In 1956, the name “Akashvani” was formally adopted for AIR.
   • The Vividh Bharati Service, launched in 1957, became immensely popular for its film music and entertainment programs.
3. Role in Nation Building
   • During the freedom struggle, radio served as a medium of unity and awareness, spreading information across regions.
   • Post-independence, AIR became vital for educational outreach, agricultural extension, and health awareness, especially in rural India.
   • The service has been central to nation-building, public information, and cultural preservation.
4. Cultural and Social Impact
   • AIR’s motto, “Bahujana Hitaya, Bahujana Sukhaya” (for the welfare and happiness of the masses), reflects its mission to inform, educate, and entertain.
   • It has served as a bridge connecting diverse linguistic and cultural communities across the nation.
5. Contemporary Relevance
   • Even in the digital age, Akashvani continues to be a trusted source of news, particularly in remote and rural areas.
   • The observance of National Broadcasting Day reminds citizens of the transformative power of communication media in India’s progress.

Static/Background Information

• All India Radio (AIR): Established officially in 1936, headquartered in New Delhi.
• Vividh Bharati Service: Started in 1957; broadcasts entertainment and cultural programs.
• Akashvani: Sanskrit term meaning “Voice from the Sky.”
• Motto: Bahujana Hitaya, Bahujana Sukhaya — for the welfare and happiness of the many.
  
  Updated - July 23, 2025 10:12 AM | News On Air