Public Service Broadcasting Day(PSBD), also known as Jan Prasaran Diwas, is annually observed across India on 12th November to commemorate the first and only visit of Mahatma Gandhi to the studio of the All India Radio (AIR), now known as Akashvani in New Delhi(Delhi), in 1947.
Background:
i.After the partition of India and Pakistan, Mahatma Gandhi visited the AIR studios at Broadcasting House, New Delhi to address the refugees (from Pakistan) who were camped in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
ii.An event was organised on 12th November 1997 to commemorate 50 years of Gandhi’s visit to AIR.
iii.In 2001, 12th November of every year was declared as Public Service Broadcasting Day. The observance was conceptualised by Suhas Borker, Convenor of Jan Prasar.
All India Radio (AIR):
i.AIR is a Public Service Broadcaster of India and the radio vertical of Prasar Bharati.
ii.The home service of AIR includes 479 stations spread across India, reaching nearly 92% of India’s area and 99.19% of the total population.
iii.AIR originates programming in 23 languages and 179 dialects.
Events 2024:
i.The PSBD 2024 was observed in Akashvani Bhawan. The celebration highlights the vital role of Akashvani in informing, educating, and promoting cultural diversity across the nation.
ii.During the event, Prasar Bharti Chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal highlighted Mahatma Gandhi’s commitment towards the nation.
iii.Dr Pragya Paliwal Gaur, Director General (DG) of Akashvani, Kanchan Prasad, DG Doordarshan and other senior officers were also present during the event.
About All India Radio (AIR):
In 1936, the Indian State Broadcasting Service was transformed into AIR.
Director General(DG)– Dr Pragya Paliwal Gaur
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
