The Cultural Heritage of Akashvani and Doordarshan: The Role of the Pune Station

Akashvani and Doordarshan have made an unforgettable contribution to the cultural, social, and educational fabric of India. These mediums have been more than just tools for entertainment; they have served as powerful platforms for education, awareness, and national integration. The Akashvani Pune station, in particular, has become the voice of Marathi identity by providing a stage for Marathi literature, music, folk arts, and social enlightenment. This article sheds light on all facets of this journey—from the historical evolution of Akashvani and Doordarshan to the specific contributions of the Pune station, from its popular programs to its relevance in the digital age.

The Establishment of Radio and Akashvani in India

Radio broadcasting in India began in 1923 with the Radio Club of Bombay. In 1927, the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) was formed but soon shut down due to financial difficulties. In 1930, the government took over its operations, and in 1936, All India Radio (AIR) was established. After independence, in 1956, it was renamed 'Akashvani', a name inspired by a suggestion from the poet Rabindranath Tagore. Akashvani connected India's rural and urban areas, provided a platform for local languages, and fostered cultural unity. Services like Vividh Bharati, local stations, and educational programs made Akashvani immensely popular among the masses.

The Establishment and Growth of Doordarshan

Television broadcasting in India began in 1959 as an experimental project in Delhi. Regular transmissions started in 1965, and in 1976, Doordarshan became an independent entity. With the advent of colour broadcasting and the expansion of the national network in 1982, Doordarshan reached every Indian household. For Marathi viewers, the 'Sahyadri' channel offered a treasure trove of cultural and social programs. Iconic shows like 'Chitrahaar', 'Hum Log', 'Ramayan', and 'Mahabharat' turned Doordarshan into a vehicle for a cultural revolution.

Entertainment and the Contribution of Akashvani-Doordarshan

The means of entertainment in Indian society have evolved over time. In the early 20th century, plays, folk arts, kirtans, and the gramophone were the primary sources of entertainment. The arrival of the radio brought music, news, plays, and literary programs to every village. Akashvani successfully carved its own niche, even amidst the competition from the commercial popularity of 'Radio Ceylon'. In the 1980s, Doordarshan brought social values and cultural heritage into homes through its serials, films, and cultural programs. Beyond entertainment, the programming of Akashvani and Doordarshan raised awareness on crucial subjects like education, health, and family planning.

Contribution to Nation-Building Post-Independence

Akashvani and Doordarshan played a significant role in shaping India as a cohesive nation after independence. Akashvani brought together diverse linguistic and cultural groups. While 'Vividh Bharati' popularized Hindi cinema, local stations promoted regional arts and literature. Doordarshan brought rural India into the mainstream of progress through programs on national integration, agricultural information, and education. These media were instrumental in instilling social reforms, gender equality, a scientific outlook, and national pride. For instance, epics like 'Ramayan' and 'Mahabharat' revitalized moral values and the nation's cultural heritage.

The History of Akashvani Pune Station

The Akashvani Pune station was established on October 2, 1953. Located in Pune, the epicenter of Marathi literature and culture, the station quickly gained popularity. It began broadcasting with limited resources but gradually expanded to air programs on literature, music, drama, and social awareness. The Pune station gave Marathi literary traditions and folk arts a national and international platform. In 1955-56, its program 'Geet Ramayan' placed the Pune station at the forefront of the cultural landscape.

Key Programs and the Cultural Legacy of the Pune Station

The programs of Akashvani Pune transformed the lives of people in the city and its surrounding rural areas, offering diverse content for various age groups and social strata.

• Krishivani and Majhe Ghar Majhe Shet (My Home, My Farm) provided farmers with information on modern agricultural practices, crop management, and government schemes, helping increase their income.

• Vanita Mandal (Women's Circle) empowered rural and urban women by addressing topics like health, education, self-employment, and family planning.

• Balodyan (Children's Garden) nurtured creativity and moral values in children through stories, songs, and educational content.

• Amrut Kalash (The Nectar Pot) offered mental support to senior citizens.

• Nadabrahma (The Sound of the Divine) brought the music of legends like Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Kumar Gandharva to connoisseurs.

• Programs like Vyaktivedh and Vishesh Geetganga featured interviews with stalwarts from Nilu Phule, P. L. Deshpande, Lata Mangeshkar, and Shanta Shelke to prominent contemporary artists.

• Sahitya Saurabh (Literary Fragrance) presented Marathi poetry, stories, and plays.

• Yuvavani (Voice of the Youth) provided inspirational information on employment and education.

• Saad Samvad (Call and Conversation) and Saptah Vishesh Charcha (Weekly Special Discussion) facilitated debates on social, political, and cultural issues.

• Kamgar Sabha (Workers' Assembly) highlighted the rights and welfare schemes for laborers.

• Nabhonatya, the radio adaptations of Marathi plays, captivated audiences.

• Folk music programs provided a platform for Powada, Lavani, Kirtan, Bhaktigeet, and other traditional art forms, preserving Marathi cultural heritage.

These programs turned the Pune station into a Marathi cultural hub. Additionally, Akashvani Pune produced quality content on topics like family life, health, environment, science, technology, philosophy, Indian culture, history, and the Sanskrit language. The station's signature tune has become a nostalgic part of daily life for the people of Pune.  

Changes in Broadcasting and Technology

Akashvani and Doordarshan have adapted to technology over the years. In the 1990s, FM broadcasting expanded Akashvani's reach, during which Akashvani's Vividh Bharati Pune FM channel was launched. Doordarshan reached its audience through colour transmission, satellite channels, and DTH services. Today, Akashvani's

NewsOnAir app

and Doordarshan's

DD Free Dish

mark their entry into the digital age. Prasar Bharati has also launched an OTT platform named

WAVES

, where popular programs from Doordarshan and Akashvani's archives are available. The live broadcast of Akashvani Pune station, along with other major channels, is available on the NewsOnAir app and WAVES, allowing Marathi listeners worldwide to experience their cultural heritage digitally. Akashvani Pune has started its own YouTube channel, where programs are regularly uploaded, allowing listeners to catch up on broadcasts they may have missed. Furthermore, Akashvani and Doordarshan are active on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, using these platforms to share program information and engage with audience feedback.

The Importance of Akashvani Pune in India's Media Landscape

In India's media sector, Akashvani and Doordarshan are recognized as credible and inclusive media outlets. Within Akashvani's national network, the Pune station is known as a Marathi cultural center. It has made a significant contribution to India's media landscape by giving a national platform to Marathi literature, music, and folk arts. Broadcasts of the Marathi Sahitya Sammelan (literary meets), Kavi Sammelans (poetry gatherings), and cultural festivals have strengthened Marathi identity. The Akashvani Pune station holds a priceless archive of approximately 17,000 hours of recordings since 1953, preserving the treasures of Marathi literature, music, and culture. Many renowned artists currently working in film, television, and radio began their careers on Akashvani Pune's programs like

Balodyan

,

Yuvavani

, or

Nabhonatya

.

The Relevance of Akashvani in the Digital Age

Even in the era of the internet, OTT platforms, and private radio channels, Akashvani's importance endures. To this day, Akashvani News is considered the most trustworthy news source in the country. The Pune station maintains its relevance in the digital age and will continue to be the voice of Marathi identity in the future. While private channels prioritize commercial interests, Akashvani and Doordarshan give importance to social and cultural values. Digital services like the NewsOnAir mobile app, WAVES OTT, and DD Free Dish have given these media new dimensions. In rural areas with limited internet access, Akashvani and Doordarshan remain reliable sources of information. In the future, by leveraging artificial intelligence, online streaming, and local language content, Akashvani and Doordarshan will continue to connect the hearts and minds of Indians. The Pune station, in particular, will remain at the forefront of preserving the Marathi cultural heritage and passing it on to the next generation.

-Mr. Indrajit Anil Bagal

Station Director, Akashvani (All India Radio) and Doordarshan, Pune. ( This article is the translated version of the original article

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written by Mr. Indrajit Anil Bagal published in the Sahitya Chaprak Diwali Ank 2025 )   https://youtu.be/D_DRA-yDl7w https://shop.chaprak.com/product/diwali-ank-2025/