Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), Ashwini Vaishnaw, has announced the winners of the 10th National Community Radio Awards. The announcement coincided with the inauguration of India’s 500th Community Radio Station, ‘Apna Radio 90.0 FM,’ operated by the Indian Institute of Mass Communication in Aizawl. The event was graced by Union Minister of State for I&B Dr. L. Murugan and Mizoram’s Chief Minister Lalduhoma.

Minister Vaishnaw emphasized that this new station marks a significant step in India’s community radio journey and aligns with the Government’s Act East policy, promising to bring meaningful changes to the lives of those within Apna Radio’s broadcast area. He also highlighted the record allocation for the North East region under the railway budget, aiming to improve Mizoram’s railway connectivity.

The awards were distributed in various categories:

Thematic Award

First Prize: Radio Mayur, Bihar for ‘Tech Sakhi’
Second Prize: Radio Kochi, Kerala for ‘Nirangal’
Third Prize: Hello Doon, Uttarakhand for ‘Meri Baat’

Most Innovative Community Engagement Award

First Prize: Yerlawani Sangli, Maharashtra for ‘Kahani Sunandachi’
Second Prize: Vaylaga Vanoli, Tamil Nadu for ‘Let’s Build a New Norm’
Third Prize: Salaam Namaste, Uttar Pradesh for ‘Maid Didi’

Promoting Local Culture Award

First Prize: Radio Brahmaputra, Assam for ‘Igarekun’
Second Prize: Radio Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu for ‘En Makkaludan Oru Payanam’
Third Prize: Radio Active, Bihar for ‘Ang Pradesh ki Adbut Dharohar’

Sustainability Model Award

First Prize: Radio Benziger, Kerala
Second Prize: Radio Namaskar, Odisha
Third Prize: Radio Antarwani, Karnataka

Each award category included cash prizes of Rs. 1 lakh for first place, Rs. 75,000 for second, and Rs. 50,000 for third. The awards celebrate and encourage the invaluable contribution of community radio stations to society.