As an ardent listener of The North Eastern Service (N. E. S.) Of Akashvani (formerly known as The North Eastern Service Of All India Radio/A. I. R.) broadcasting from Shillong formerly on shortwave on 60.36m, corresponding to 4970kHz or on 41m, corresponding to 7315kHz and currently on FM on 100.1MHz, I found a radical shift in my pattern of access to critical information and entertainment when domestic shortwave radio broadcasts were shutdown in 2019. Now, while I listen to it on FM which offers a quality experience, it fails to reach the larger part of the North Eastern Region of India due to its line-of-sight (LoS) limitations.

The shutdown was referred to as a 'whimsical decision' by a high-ranking Akashvani official (source: The Hindu) (paywalled article), and in many ways, it was. Shortwave radio is unaffected by atmospheric conditions and physical obstacles, characteristics that make it critical in catering to the whole of our diverse and geographically challenging region. Prasar Bharati's decision overlooks the large proportion of the marginalized population, not only in the North Eastern Region of India but throughout the country, who rely on shortwave for information access.

Indeed, the internet has a growing presence, but its reach is limited, especially in the poorer, remote areas. For large portions of our Indian society, shortwave radio is not a piece of technology of what was, but an essential lifeline for what is.

In bringing back the domestic shortwave radio broadcasts, we are not merely reviving an old guard, but rebuilding a bond with the countless Indian citizens who find stability and comfort in its broadcast. Stand with us, stand with the many unheard voices, and sign this petition to help bring back our shortwave broadcasts. Allow our voices to reach every corner of India.