All India Radio, Shillong celebrated its 75th foundation day with its former staff and officers of the station, here today.
Director and Head of Office, AIR Shillong, T Hynniewta shared the roles played by the radio station over the years in spreading information to the public and entertainment at the same time. He stated that AIR Shillong has established itself as a reputed organisation providing factual information to its listeners due to the hard work put in by many people including retired officials and staff.
He lauded the efforts put in by all existing staff and retired personnel who have contributed to the cause of All India Radio as the ‘Public Service Broadcaster.’
Hynniewta also mentioned various initiatives taken up by AIR Shillong to cater to the needs of its young listeners like streaming its programmes and news online through various social media platforms and different apps.
Former Chief Producer of Doordarshan Sweety S Diengdoh expressed happiness over the fact that AIR Shillong has contributed immensely in bringing entertainment and information to the public of Meghalaya. She urged the station to continue with the good work.
Former Station Director, Narimon Shadap said that due to the rise in different forms of media, All India Radio should be a class of its own by providing factual information.
Meanwhile, the station will conduct various year-long programmes till July 1, 2023 as part of the 75th year of its service for the public and school children.
It may be recalled that All India Radio Shillong was inaugurated on July 1, 1948 by the then Governor of Assam, Akbar Hydari in the presence of the then Chief Minister of Assam, Gopinath Bordoloi. Laxmanan Narayan was the Director-General of All India Radio.
The first Khasi song sung at the inauguration was ‘U Sier Lapalang. In 1956 the station staged the first Khasi Drama “U Tirot Singh” written, designed and directed by Bashai Rai Dohling. Music by Jaiaw Orchestra was conducted by E.W.Davies Jyrwa.