Archive · 15 Aug 2025
Radio Zeesen's Propaganda in India During the Freedom Struggle
Before India had its own radio station, Radio Zeesen from Germany was listened to by many people in India.
The radio programs, which started in 1939, shared exciting news, praised the people fighting for India's freedom, and criticized the British rulers.
However, these programs were actually spreading Nazi propaganda.
The programs used tricks to make people turn against the British.
The messages in these programs encouraged Indians to fight against the British.
Officials like Lionel Fielden noticed the impact and wrote about these programs.
Radio Zeesen broadcasts gained popularity in India from 1939, predating Azad Hind Radio.
The broadcasts included fabricated war reports, praise for Indian freedom fighters, and anti-British commentary.
The broadcasts were Nazi propaganda.
Author Chandrika Kaul noted the broadcasts encouraged Indians to revolt against British rule.
Lionel Fielden, Controller of Broadcasting in India, wrote a letter about the German broadcasts to the BBC.
- Who
- Radio Zeesen
- What
- Radio Zeesen broadcasts were popular in India, carrying Nazi propaganda.
- When
- Starting as early as 1939
- Where
- India
- Why
- To encourage revolt against British rule through propaganda.
- Radio Station
- Radio Zeesen
- Origin
- Germany
- Broadcast Type
- Nazi propaganda
- Target Audience
- Indians
- Key Message
- Encouragement to revolt against the British
- Controller of Broadcasting in India
- Lionel Fielden