Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Book Review: 'The Story of Our Akashvani' Chronicles a Century of Indian Broadcasting
Imagine a special radio station in India called Akashvani.
It's like a grandfather of all Indian radio, almost 100 years old!
A new book tells its amazing story.
It started very small with just a few people who loved radios.
Over time, it grew into a big station that brought news, fun songs, exciting radio plays, and sports to everyone's homes.
Many people remember the comforting voices of the announcers and how radio was like a family member.
The book also talks about catchy commercials and music shows that everyone loved.
It shows how this radio station was not just about sound, but also about connecting people and sharing India's culture.
The book 'The Story of Our Akashvani' is a tribute to All India Radio as it approaches its centenary in 2026.
AIR, or Akashvani, began with enthusiast-run radio clubs in 1923 and evolved into the government-run All India Radio.
The book highlights legendary newsreaders, commentators, and announcers whose voices were familiar to generations.
It delves into the golden era of radio theatre, music broadcasts, and the influence of programs like Vividh Bharati.
The review praises the book for blending history, anecdotes, and cultural analysis to show AIR's impact on modern India.
- Who
- Authors of 'The Story of Our Akashvani'
- What
- A review of the book that chronicles the history and cultural impact of All India Radio (Akashvani)
- When
- Leading up to Akashvani's centenary in 2026, covering its history from 1923 onwards
- Where
- India
- Why
- To celebrate and document the significant role Akashvani has played in shaping news, entertainment, culture, and collective memory in India.
- Book Title
- The Story of Our Akashvani
- Subject
- All India Radio (Akashvani) Centenary
- Origin of AIR Name
- Suggested by Viceroy Lord Linlithgow in 1936
- AIR Signature Tune
- Based on Raga Shivranjani, composed by Walter Kaufman in 1937
- First Radio Ad in India
- 1965
- Vividh Bharati Launch
- Response to Radio Ceylon's popularity