Report by Rashmi r Parida; New Delhi: Odisha’s first community radio Radio Namaskar gets First National Community Radio Award today at Vigyan Bhawan from S. Jagathrakshakan ,Minister of State, Information & Broadcasting , Govt of India. Radio Namaskar gets first prize in 2 categories that is Thematic and Community Engagement.

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting , Govt of India has constituted this award first time in country this year. During inaugural function of 2nd National Community Radio Sammelan today noted community broadcaster ,social activist & Chairperson of Radio Namaskar Mr N.A.Shah Ansari has received this award with scroll, trophy and cash award of Rs50000.

This is to remember that in Feb 2010 Odisha has got its first community radio Radio Namaskar ,established at the international tourist destination Konark. It is established by the noted non govt development organization Young India ,which has received National Youth Award as best youth organization of the country in 2010 during National Youth Festival at Bhubaneswar.

Radio Namaskar has taken vibrant and effective initiative in the field of child development,education, human rights, promotion of local self governance, local culture etc. Integration of different ICT tools with community radio is the single out practice of Radio Namaskar in the country. It is only community radio in the country which is operated by only community volunteers without any paid employee with maximum community based content . Maximum community participation in its content generation process and management structure is appraised by the selection committee.

On behalf of Radio Namaskar Mr Ansari thanks to all its beloved listeners, team members, management committee, listeners groups, volunteers and advisors for their selfless support which pulled Radio Namaskar to this dias.
National Community Radio Award given in following categories.

Thematic Award
Community Engagement Award
Promoting Local Culture Award
Most Creative/Innovative Programme Content Award
Sustainability Model Award
Each category have first, second and third prize of Rs. 50,000; Rs. 30, 000 and Rs. 20,000 respectively.