Odisha’s Radio Namaskar Wins National Recognition at Community Radio Conference During WAVES 2025

Mumbai: At the 8th National Community Radio Conference held alongside the World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 in Mumbai, Radio Namaskar, a community radio station based in Konark, Puri district of Odisha, brought pride to the state by securing the second prize in the ‘Sustainability Model’ category at the 10th National Community Radio Awards.

Organized by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), the event recognized excellence across India’s vibrant community radio landscape. Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, presented the awards and congratulated the winners for their meaningful contributions to grassroots communication and social change.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Murugan emphasized the role of community radio in advancing the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, “Community Radio is a vital tool for reaching every corner of our country. These stations promote welfare, tradition, and developmental messaging, playing an essential role in inclusive nation-building.” He praised the awardees, including Radio Namaskar, for their innovative and impactful work.

The recognition of Radio Namaskar highlights its sustainable operational model, which has enabled it to consistently serve local communities with socially relevant programming while maintaining financial and institutional stability. The station has been instrumental in promoting health, education, gender equity, and environmental awareness in rural Odisha, particularly among tribal and marginalized populations.

The conference brought together over 400 representatives from the country’s 531 community radio stations, offering a unique platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration. In addition to awarding excellence, the conference focused on strengthening community media through innovation, inclusivity, and long-term impact.

Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Sanjay Jaju; Joint Secretary (Broadcasting) and MD, NFDC, Prithul Kumar; and IIMC Vice Chancellor Dr. Anupama Bhatnagar were present at the event.

As the creative economy continues to evolve, community radio stations like Radio Namaskar stand out for their resilience, relevance, and dedication to public service—making them indispensable pillars of India’s media ecosystem.