“Radio is a one-time investment unless it gets repaired. It’s that simple,” Dr T Jaisakthivel remarks with a gleam in his eyes, recalling the thrill of tuning into broadcasting stations.
Dr T Jaisakthivel’s dedication to radio extended beyond mere listening. He diligently wrote letters to radio stations, receiving QSL cards in return as confirmation of his on-air contacts.
He is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Journalism and Communication at the University of Madras and has compiled and published two books on the subject.
Naren Kumar N L stands as another example of how radio can profoundly transform lives. Formerly a video jockey, he has since transitioned into a PhD research scholar in film studies
“Back in the 1980s, when Doordarshan, All India Radio, and newspapers were our sole sources of weather updates, radio played a pivotal role,” reminisces Srinivasan Venkatesh.
Srinivasan found the explanations in the broadcast refreshingly straightforward. “Although updates weren’t as frequent as they are now, especially during natural disasters, radio remained a lifeline,”
In addition to its vital role during emergencies, radio proves indispensable in various crises, as Keerthi Nathan, an amateur (ham) radio enthusiast, vividly recounts.