Quarterly Volume 10
Apr - Jun 2013
An endeavour for Road Safety The United Nations had declared the week from 6th-12th May, 2013 as the Global Road Safety week with the theme –“Pedestrian Safety”. Radio Madhuban 90.4 FM launched a project “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, Ye Hai Traffic Meri Jaan” to promote safety on roads. The project included several onair programs, promotion capsules and catchy one-liners which were broadcast throughout the week to motivate and encourage people to observe traffic rules. The focal show “7 Din 7 Ghante” was broadcast every day from 6-7 pm featuring discussions and talks with various government officials and related personnel on different aspects and elements of ‘safety on roads’.
A look Inside the RJs tried to highlight the need to look into the matter of safety on roads, while on the other, the local community came forward to share opinions about road traffic related issues and the present state of roads in the area. It was pointed that the condition of roads in Abu road has been deteriorating. While the roads are narrow and marked with innumerable potholes, the lack of footpaths further puts pedestrian safety at risk. The RJs also appealed to the listeners to ‘never drink and drive’ and stay safe.
Day 1 The first day set off on a very dedicated note where on one hand
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Testimonial
Day 2
“Kadak Hawaldar”, a brainchild of the radio Madhuban team, was the on-air mascot of the project – a voice that used satire and wit to inform the community in an interesting and entertaining manner. Following is the detailed day-to-day report of major activities and events.
Environment Day... 2 The gift of Life... 3 Say no to Tobacco... 3 1st Anniversary Celebrations... 3 Re Engineering the ... 6 Say Yes to Organic... 7 New Shows... 8 A hunt for singing star... 8
A special guest Mr. Mahendrapal, Engineer, educated the listeners about road signals and the importance of a divider, a roundabout, reflectors, indicators, sign boards, footpaths and zebra crossing in detail. He mentioned about the emergency services provided on the highways like fuel refilling, repair of vehicles, a telephone booth at every 2 Km and other assistance in case of medical emergencies. He encouraged listeners to follow traffic rules and ‘to always drive in their respective lanes and use indicators while changing lanes’. The whole talk was informative.
“This association with Radio Madhuban and the opportunity to record for 90.4 FM is a very new and special experience for me. I am delighted to get a platform from where my poems and songs can reach a lot more people than from the stage. I feel that radio is a modest platform and gives me extreme pleasure.” Rajendra Vyas Ji, Poet and Lyricist, Bhilwada
Value of the Quarter Simplicity is the state or quality of being simple. Simplicity can be used to imply beauty, purity, or clarity. There's great beauty in simplicity. Simplicity takes us away from artificiality; it simply accepts and in that acceptance shows us grace and humility in every circumstance.
Radio Madhuban - Newsletter : Apr - Jun 2013 Day 3 A survey of the local area was conducted and it was found that most people are unaware of proper safety measures and road traffic rules. To promote basic awareness among people, the RJs explained road safety rules and motivated parents to not allow children below the age of 18 years to drive without adult supervision and to strictly discourage those below 17 years to drive motor vehicles. Day 4 A quiz contest was conducted in the studio with three teams from the community. The listeners were also involved in the quiz and it gave important information about road safety and traffic rules to the people.
pedestrian safety in regional Marwadi language. BK Suresh, H.Q. Coordinator, Transport wing of Brahma Kumaris informed our listeners about the various activities conducted by the wing. RK Bhatt, General Manager, Carnival Club shared his views about safety on roads in Gujarati language. Day 7
On 5th June, throughout the day, the RJ's explained about this theme 'Think, Eat, Save'. Team Radio Madhuban reached out to common people and food experts alike, highlighting the consequences of food insecurity and wastage of food. The message reached out to the local community, especially the farmers and the local authorities who regulate the markets.
The fact that a lot of people came up to support team Radio Madhuban in this endeavour is a testimony to the wide-spread reach of the project. Several callers shared life experiences and pledged on-air to pay heed to road traffic rules and try to always contribute to safety on roads.
During community visits, Ms. Monika, a Government School teacher in Abu Road, shared with our team that she always tries to cook according to the requirement and uses the leftovers the following day. She also remarked that it is unfortunate that so many people have to sleep with hungry bellies.
It was the support of the local community, the co-operation of the authorities concerned and the hard work and effort of our team that led to the completion of this project.
Radio Madhuban also tried to highlight the plight and life of sweepers and cleaners. Our team approached the Railway Station to talk to workers and cleaners. When they were asked about how people can help, one of them remarked that only if people consider it their property, they will automatically take upon themselves the responsibility to keep the platforms and station area clean. Radio Madhuban escalated the public's problem to the Chairman of the local Municipal authority.
Day 5 A special guest, Colonel Jitender Singh, shared his personal experience while discussing about prevention of accidents on roads. Harping on the fact that “prevention is better than cure”; he suggested that drivers must always wear helmets/seat belts and never use mobile phones while driving. He added that casualties must be taken care of at the earliest and no one must panic or run away from the site in case of an accident.
World Environment day The 5th of June is the day of our Mother Nature. This day is celebrated as ‘World Environment Day’ worldwide. For Radio Madhuban too, it was a memorable day.
The students of RK Coaching Classes did a talk show discussing the importance of a driving license, pollution certificate for vehicles, the attributes of a good helmet and various other road safety rules and regulations. Day 6 A senior teacher of the student body of Rajasthan shared his views about
While in some areas, thousands of people are dying due to hunger and malnutrition, in some parts of the world, tons of food grains are being wasted due to improper management and lack of proper storage facilities. Keeping this in view, on this ‘World Environment Day’, UN declared the theme for this as ‘Think, Eat, Save’. Radio Madhuban, directed its efforts to ensure that all community members are aware of the global scenario.
Simultaneously Radio Madhuban recorded and played audio capsules on subjects such as reducing plastic, tree plantation, waste management and eco-friendly practices. These capsules were played frequently to engrave their importance into people's mind. With a hope that such programs will bring about positive changes in the society, Radio Madhuban will continue to embark on such endeavors. 2
Radio Madhuban - Newsletter : Apr - Jun 2013
The gift of life Blood donation is like giving a new life. A blood donor is a savior, a hero in true sense. Radio Madhuban celebrated the World Blood Donor’s Day on 14th June, 2013 to note the contribution of the blood donors and also to encourage other people in donating blood. Dr Anita, an experienced doctor in blood bank services, explained to listeners about the merits of donating blood. While assuring that anybody above the age of 18 years and weighing 45 kg and more is considered a healthy donor, she added that donating blood not only regulates the flow of blood in the donor’s body, but also prevents several cardio-vascular diseases. She strongly opposed all the myths about blood donation and said that it instead enhances the donor’s immunity. Apart from this, other guests and RJs shared their ideas about blood donation and encouraged people to donate blood in every 4 months. Creative promos were also aired to highlight the importance of blood donation. The world blood donor’s day celebrations were covered live form the Om Shanti Bhawan, Mr. Jitendra Kumar, SDM, Mt Abu, and Dr. Pratap Midha, Director of Global Hospitals shared the medical, spiritual and practical benefits of blood donation. They encouraged the youth to be regular blood donors.
Say no to tobacco The World No Tobacco Day is observed on 31st May every year. To free the society from the evils of tobacco, Radio Madhuban took several measures. Dr Anil Chawla, Senior Physican, from Mt Abu recorded a capsule for 90.4 FM that was broadcast several times during 3 days to encourage people to give up smoking and use of tobacco. As a part of the outreach efforts, Radio Madhuban partnered together with the Medical Wing of Brahma Kumaris to organize a special rally in Abu Road to sensitize people about the harmful effects of
tobacco. Local people came together to form a drug de-addiction train. BK Dr Satish Gupta, Mr Banwarilal Soni, President of the Lions Club - Aravali, a special speaker from Surat Ms. Tripti and BK. Bharat shared their ideas about the ill-effects of tobacco and motivated people to give up smoking.
Mr. Naushad Khan, a famous tabla player and drummer, captivated everyone with the rhythm of his percussion. A special guest from France, Miss. Shana also accompanied these maestros to share about her experiments in international music. This wonderful trio recorded several compositions for Radio Madhuban and went on air on the World Music Day to share their insights about music. It was a lucky opportunity for Radio Madhuban to have such inspiring and gifted artists in the studio.
Radio Madhuban Bhavan celebrates 1st Anniversary RJ Ramesh also presented a moving performance in a street play “Kul Deepak” showcasing the downfall of a man’s family because of his smoking habit. Dr Rupal, Counseling Psychologist, Global Hospital, Abu Road persuaded people to pledge to ‘say no to tobacco’. Radio Madhuban also recorded the experiences and messages of local people and aired them throughout the day to spread awareness in the community.
Music –a unifying bond It has always been the endeavor of Radio Madhuban to provide new and informative content to our listeners. Continuing this tradition, the World Music Day was celebrated with joy and fervor. A musician of international fame and winner of talent hunt ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2002’, Mr Anwar Khan provided a one week long training in basics of classical music and voice modulation to the team of Radio Madhuban. Not only him, his younger brother
Radio madhuban was honored to have Mr K. Subramanian, Chairman and Managing Director of BECIL, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, New Delhi, in the studio on 23rd June 2013 to celebrate the 1st anniversary of the Radio Madhuban Bhawan. Mr . Subramanian has been instrumental in the establishment and development of several community radio stations across the country, including Radio Madhuban 90.4 FM. He shared, with our listeners, his opinion about the role and importance of community radio in shaping the society. He explained that a community radio station plays a very crucial part in promoting education and spreading awareness apart from encouraging developmental activities like farming and other small industries. He also appreciated the entire team of Radio Madhuban for presenting such educational yet entertaining shows on 90.4 FM. It was an overwhelming opportunity to have him on such a wonderful occasion. 3
Radio Madhuban - Newsletter : Apr - Jun 2013
Her Excellency, the Governer of Rajasthan, Mrs. Margaret Alva
Mrs. Ranjana Kumar, former Vigilance Commissioner, Central Vigilance Commission, Govt. of India
Smt. Leena Mahendale, Rtd. IAS, Mumbai
Mrs. Kiran Chopda, Director, Punjab Kesari
Mrs. Surabhi Vani Devi, Daughter of former Prime Minister, Mr. P. V. Narasimha Rao
Mr. Krishnakant Shukla, Music Composer
Mrs. Georgina Singh, Academic Writer, Chennai
Dr. Hemixaben Rao, Vice Chancellor & Dr. Nidatt P. Baro, Pro Vice Chancellor, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University
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Radio Madhuban - Newsletter : Apr - Jun 2013
B. Ganesh Kumar, Music Composer, Chennai
Mr. Rakesh Kumar Upadhyay, CMD, BSNL
Poets of National Acclaim at Radio Madhuban
Mr. Anant Mishra, Programme Director, Mumbai
Mr. Kanu Acharya, Literator, Gujrat, Governer award winner
Dr Kamal Kar, Chairman, CLTS Foundation
Mr.Rajdeep Gupta, Energy Auditor, Mumbai
Mr. Aman Verma, Bolly Wood Actor, Mumbai
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Radio Madhuban - Newsletter : Apr - Jun 2013
Re Engineering the Environment In conversation with Mr. Kaustubh Phadke, Environmental Engineer, Mumbai
Radio Madhuban: Could you please tell us about your field of study? Kaustubh Phadke: I passed out as an environmental engineer in 1999. It is a mix of chemical and civil engineering studies. At that time this field was a very new area of study and very little research had been done. My uncle encouraged my interest in environment studies and so I took up this as a choice. However, while studying I found it very interesting and important. RM: What is the scope of environmental studies and what is its importance? KP: I believe that it is highly important for everyone to be aware and educated about the surrounding they live in. Also, the scope of environmental engineering is very wide. It deals with water and waste treatment and management, product recycling guidelines and the impact of various activities on the environment. RM: Could you also tell our listeners about the 8 missions of the National Action Plan of Climate Change (NAPCC)? KP: NAPCC is a comprehensive action plan which outlines measures on climate change related adaptation and mitigation while simultaneously advancing
development. The 8 Missions form the core of the Plan, representing multi-pronged, long termed and integrated strategies for achieving goals in the context of climate change. The Eight Missions are National Solar Mission, National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency, National Mission on Sustainable Habitats, National Water Mission, and National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem, National Mission for a Green India, National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture and National Mission on Strategic Knowledge on Climate Change. RM: What major steps have been taken at the global level for sustaining the environment? KP: A lot of steps have been taken at the global level. When in the 1990s, the thinning of the ozone layer in the higher layers of the atmosphere came to the notice of the world scientific community and its harmful effects were realised, various nations came together and signed a Montreal Protocol to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances responsible for ozone depletion like Chlorofluorocarbons and Hydro chlorofluorocarbons. The deodorants, air conditioning devices, refrigerators emit CFCs. Nowadays a lot of these products come with a “CFC free” certification because of the awareness brought by the Montreal Protocol. RM: What other steps do you think must be taken by individuals to conserve nature? KP: I feel that we must realize the importance of reducing the consumption of resources like water, electricity, fossil fuels and energy. For example the municipality has to supply 135 liters per day for each individual. But due to draught conditions in some parts of the country, this has been forcibly reduced. Now, if we take the responsibility to reduce the need of water, then we can save a lot of water. Energy efficient devices can
be used to save energy in homes and industry. Cooking techniques can be modified for saving fuel, LPG and PNG. For example, the pressure cooker is meant to cook food faster using the steam. The safety valve that is provided for releasing excess steam is instead used as a measure for time used for cooking. We must use gas on ‘low’ for most of the time to save energy. RM: What can people do for waste management? KP: We must always separate the biodegradable waste like vegetable peels, paper etc and the nonbiodegradable waste like old bottles, plastic etc. also; some items can be recycled and reused. We must keep an eye for such items which have a recyclable value. However, reducing the waste is the best strategy, but carefully and intelligently separating waste is also like making best out of waste. Improper waste management leads to a lot of problems in cities and towns today. RM: What has been the best experience of your professional life? KP: There have been many such instances when I have felt pleasure and delight and I will share one such instance with you. Once, due to water shortage, the water supply to a paper manufacturing factory was mostly sewage water. This hampered their paper quality and brightness and also reduced their sales and profit. When we visited the facility, we implemented a live project while the manufacturing process was going on. It enhanced the brightness of the paper to 2%. We worked very hard day and night for one week and that was the first time I was happy with my choice of education.
Energy Saved is Energy Generated 6
Radio Madhuban - Newsletter : Apr - Jun 2013
Say Yes to organic farming It has been a goal for Radio Madhuban to encourage more and more farmers to adopt organic ways of farming. To further this effort, we invited Mr Dilip Rao Deshmukh, Vice Chairman of Maharashtra Organic Farming Federation to share, with our listeners, some tips and economic ideas of organic farming.
While talking about the concept of organic farming, he said that every farmer, small or big, must separate only a small portion of his land and practice organic farming. Because the benefits are many and the losses are zero, he added, the farmers will eventually entirely adopt organic practices. It is a known fact that chemical fertilisers and pesticides kill even the friendly micro-organisms and deteriorate the quality of soil. For relief from this situation, he shared an easy tip with our listeners. He said that farmers should sow 25-30 Kg of a mixture of 60% dicot seeds, 30% monocot seeds and 10% other seeds over one acre of land and cut it after 45-50 days and spread it all over the field to activate the friendly micro-organisms. This method, he said, also improves the soil quality and fertility by balancing the carbon and nitrogen ratio in the soil. He added that farmers should practice shallow farming instead of deep ploughing to prevent soil erosion and leaching. Large tractors, as he rightly pointed out, are being replaced by mini tractors for this reason in most parts of Maharashtra.
When he was asked about selecting the right seeds, he said “farmers must only prefer straight and composite varieties and keep hybrid seeds as the last option. The hybrid seeds come with a lot of cost considerations. They are not only expensive but also require artificial fertilisers to grow. Once they start growing, their succulent leaves are an attractive breeding ground for insects and other organisms, thus making the food unhealthy. Thus the input is more and net profit is significantly less. Genetically modified seeds are also not recommended for organic farming.” He appealed to our listeners to only purchase straight and composite varieties from the market or universities. He also added that straight seeds can be reused again for 3-4 years and farmers must pay attention to identify the best crop in the field and use its seed for the next season. After preparation of land, it is also important to ensure healthy seeds and plants. For this, Mr Deshmukh shared a very unique formula for ‘sanskar’ of seeds. He said that farmers should mix 1 Kg of soil from mounds or termitaris, also called ant hills, 1 Kg cow dung, half a litre cow’s urine, 50 gram jaggery, 50 gram ‘chuna’ (lime), and 250 grams bio-fertilisers like azotobactor for monocot seeds and rhizobium for dicot with some water. The seeds should then be uniformly coated with this mixture, he said, and allowed to dry in shade before sowing in the field. This technique not only ensures complete germination and healthy plant population, but also protects seeds form water stress and insects. The bio-fertilisers provide nutrients to the seeds from the start. This formula can be used for all plants; however, 100 grams of trichoderma viride must be added to this mixture for using with vegetable seeds, he said.
Agriculture research reaps benefits for the farmers Recognising the important role of agricultural growth as a medium of development of the society and economy, the government of Rajasthan set up Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology in Udaipur in 1999. Radio Madhuban was honoured to welcome Mr. O. P. Gill, Vice Chancellor of MPUAT in the studio.
The university, he said, aims to spread agricultural education and awareness while promoting research in this field and providing farmers with the benefits of the modern advancements. He claimed that the researchers at the university had developed the best quality seeds last year which were given to the farmers of Rajasthan. The university, he said, has also developed better varieties of seeds of jowar (milo), rice and corn to increase the yield and also retain the quality of soil. To help the small scale farmers, for whom keeping a cow has economic implications; the university has developed a new breed of goat and hen. The university has been constantly working for the betterment of the farmers of the region by providing them with the necessary knowledge and inputs to earn a living. Not only this, the training and learning centres of the university offer courses in tailoring, stitching and weaving as a part of home science education. It is important, he remarked, for the farmers to grow and prosper and the university is working hard in this regards. 7
Radio Madhuban - Newsletter : Apr - Jun 2013
New Shows Continuing its tradition to bring healthy entertainment to its listeners, Radio Madhuban has launched two new shows in this quarter. The details of these shows are given below 1. Sangeet Ki Duniya:
Every Sunday 9:30 am to 10 am Host: RJ Ramesh, Devendra Kumar Naik, Music teacher, Abu Road Theme: Music is the global language that connects and binds everyone. In order to give a platform to the local musicians, Radio Madhuban has launched this show. The show aims to take the listeners on an enriching journey of Indian classical music. The hosts share the historical significance of each raga in an attempt to attract the listener’s attention towards the story behind the compositions. They also discuss about the various instruments played across the world to encourage people and boost their interest.
The hunt for the Singing Star begins To promote local talents and provide them with a platform to showcase their ability, Radio Madhuban has featured a Singing Reality show and Talent Hunt “Meri Aawaz Hi Pehchaan Hai”. It is a unique opportunity for the young music enthusiasts of age group 15 and above who want to make a career in music and have a passion for singing.
The team Radio Madhuban will go to schools, colleges and villages to bring the local talent to the stage. The judges will select 15 finalists who will compete for the title. The local community will get a chance to vote for their favorite singer and lead him/ her to victory. It is for the first time that Radio Madhuban is conducting a talent hunt on such a large scale. It is our mission to bring the hidden and invaluable talent of th region to forefront.
2. Samay Ki Mang: Every Sunday: 5 pm to 6 pm Host: RJ Raghav Sustainable development is the need of the hour. It is time that we realise that most resources are finite and they will dry up soon in the near future. As the name suggests, that show tries to ring a bell signaling the people to shift from using non-renewable resources to renewable green resources. It aims to motivate people to protect the nature and preserve and conserve the resources. The host shares his ideas and innovative methods to save energy and encourage the listeners to adopt these simple techniques in their daily lives.
Radio Madhuban Community Society To provide a further voice to communities residing in local districts through Community Radio Stations, Radio Madhuban Community Society has been formed. It also aims to sustain Radio Madhuban which is under the patronage of Brahma Kumaris. Anyone can make contributions to the RMCS in cheque and kind to suport the objectives of the society. For further info. Yashwant Patil, Station InCharge m a y b e contacted @ 9414154343
New Team Members Radio Madhuban welcomes two new people in the team. Sangam Gupta, an experienced script writer formerly with FM Suno Lemon, Gwalior, a very friendly and dedicated person who has offered to help us as a volunteer. We are sure that his professional training and experience will add to the creativity of our endeavors. He has been working with the team for the past 4 months and his ability to ideate spontaneously has made him a favorite. Janki Himlani, another gem of a person, has been very kind to volunteer for Radio Madhuban. A Hindi teacher by profession, her experiences help her to connect with the listeners. Her love for the radio, dedication and earnest efforts makes her very natural on the mike. We wish both of them a very best and once again welcome them to the family. You Matter Radio Madhuban welcomes individuals who wishes to volunteer to help us in our socio-cultural developmental endeavors for the local community and the various wide-ranging village-outreach programs. If you think your ideas and voice can bring about a change, Radio Madhuban 90.4 FM is just the right platform for you. There’s a place for everyone creative artists, designers, writers, speakers, technical assistants and media professionals. Use your talent for a cause. Join us and feel empowered, see your ideas shape your surrounding and your efforts make a big difference. Feel free to contact us @ Radio Madhuban Bhavan Shantivan - 307510 Sirohi (Dist.) Rajasthan Phone: 02974 - 228888 Mobile: 9414154343 Email: info@radiomadhuban.in Website: www.radiomadhuban.in Facebook: www.facebook.com/Radio.
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