On this day, about seventy years ago, Gandhi addressed the people of India from AIR for the first ( and perhaps the last time) on the plight of refugees. Today, we once again, remember the importance of the communication system which connected to the world before the discovery of TV and internet.
Accessibility
Radio sets or ‘ trans- sister’ were very famous and even poor household could possess them. They were also prominently used in public places like panchayat offices, schools, public gardens, etc. The rural people were informed about nation and international news, crop news, health and hygiene and so on. In fact, radio played an enormous role in public life and promoted public awareness.
Technology
The invention of TVs, and later, computers, internet and online have relegated the importance of radio sets. Two- way and multi – way communication became popular and now, they have become prime source of communication in urban areas specially.
Future
Hence, the future of radio appears to be bleak. But it is still the cheapest form of appliance that can be purchased. It can be used without service providers by simply operating with batteries or current. With telephonic connections, radios are broadcasting people oriented programs and modifying their contents in tune with modern times.
The broadcast of PM’s ‘ Mann ki baat’ indicates that radio is still a primary source in villages which have little access to Internet. Radio has the advantage of listening anywhere and workers take small sets with them. Therefore, radio should not be neglected and it’s value in poor and muddle class households should not be underrated.
Gandhi used the communication system effectively. He showed the importance of communication through radio. The importance of this vital invention is still relevant and even more effective than modern discoveries which are mostly inaccessible to lower strata of society