Ganderbal, Mar 29: Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) achieved a mile-stone with Chancellor, Lt. Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, inaugurating the Communi-ty Radio Station, Radio CUKashmir 90.8 FM, under the Department of Communica-tion and Journalism (DCJ) at Tulmulla campus here on Saturday.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, Registrar, Prof. M Afzal Zargar, Deans of Schools, Finance Officer, Heads and Coordinators of the departments, faculty members, administrative staff, scholars and students.
In the first broadcast on the CUKashmir 90.8 FM beamed across the district, Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, described the Community Radio as a transformative medi-um that not only supplements and promotes education among masses, but also plays a pivotal and critical role in combating the social evils, challenges and malpractices like drug abuse, corruption, rampant suicides and raises awareness about the natural disasters. “Community Radio is a medium which reaches to the unreached,” Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain remarked. Hailing the CUKashmir for launching the Com-munity Radio, he said the forum should be used to promote the sustainable develop-ment goals as envisaged by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, in order to achieve the dream of the Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, further added that the Community Radio can be extremely helpful in disseminating information about the disaster management. “Kashmir being a seismic zone and flood prone as gauged from the devastating 2005 earthquake and 2014 floods, the Community Ra-dio should prepare awareness programmes about the disaster management and in-form the people about the ways and means to protect the lives and property during the adverse situations,” he added.
In his broadcast, Vice Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, said, the inauguration of Radio CUKashmir 90.8 FM marks the beginning of a new era in community-driven broadcasting at the CUKashmir. “As the radio waves of CUKashmir begin to resonate across the region, they carry with them the promise of empowerment, education, awareness, and meaningful engagement for all,” Prof. A Ravinder Nath said. He asked the DCJ to focus on disseminating information about various initiatives launched by the Government of India including the Swachh Bharat, Swasth Bharat and issues pertaining to climate change and environmental degradation.
A recorded message from Dr. R. Sreedher, Former Director of CEMCA, was also played on the occasion, wherein he congratulated the university for launching the Community Radio. “Radio CUKashmir 90.8 FM is not just a frequency; it will be a voice for the people. It will serve as a powerful platform for local communities to share stories, ideas, and knowledge.” Dr. Sreedher further asked the DCJ to continu-ously discuss the prevalent health issues and promote cultural events.
Registrar, Prof. M Afzal Zargar in his address highlighted the significance of com-munity radio in modern education and social outreach. He emphasized the role of Radio CUKashmir in bridging the gap between academia and the community, provid-ing a medium for students and faculty members to share insights and knowledge with a broader audience.
HoD, DCJ, Dr. Arif Nazir ended the first broadcast by proposing the vote of thanks
Later, the Chancellor interacted with the faculty and senior functionaries of the uni-versity, which was conducted by Dr. Asif Khan.
