SRINAGAR: The Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) launched its Community Radio Station, Radio CUKashmir 90.8 FM, at the Tulmulla campus on Saturday. The station was inaugurated by the university’s Chancellor, Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, in the presence of Vice-Chancellor Prof A Ravinder Nath and other faculty members and officials.
In his inaugural address, Lt. Gen (Retd) Hasnain described community radio as a transformative tool that reaches the unreached, playing a crucial role in addressing pressing social issues such as drug abuse, corruption, and mental health crises. He also underscored its importance in disaster management, particularly in a region prone to earthquakes and floods.
“The Community Radio should serve as a platform to disseminate crucial information on disaster preparedness, ensuring that people are equipped with the necessary knowledge to safeguard lives and property,” he said. He further encouraged the station to contribute towards India’s sustainable development goals and national initiatives such as Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. A. Ravinder Nath called the launch a new era in community-driven broadcasting. “The airwaves of Radio CUKashmir will now carry the promise of empowerment, education, and meaningful engagement,” he stated. He urged the Department of Communication and Journalism (DCJ) to use the platform for awareness programmes on Swachh Bharat, climate change, and public health initiatives.
A pre-recorded message from Dr R Sreedher, former Director of CEMCA, was also played, in which he hailed Radio CUKashmir as a “voice for the people” that would promote local storytelling, culture, and knowledge-sharing.
Dean Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Media Studies, Prof Shahid Rasool, who hosted the first on-air programme, emphasised the role of community radio in preserving local traditions and languages. He noted that the station would not only focus on educational content but also address contemporary social issues. “This platform will provide youth a space to showcase their talent and discuss matters that impact their lives,” he added.
Registrar Prof M Afzal Zargar highlighted the significance of community radio in bridging the gap between academia and the public. He noted that Radio CUKashmir would offer students and faculty a means to share their insights and research with a wider audience.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Head of DCJ, Dr Arif Nazir. Following the launch, Lt Gen (Retd) Hasnain interacted with faculty members and university officials.
