Newsletter
Oct - Dec 2011
“Nashe ki lat Mout ka khat” A Radio Madhuban’s Initiative “India lives in Villages”, observed the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, Factually; they contribute 45.5% to total employments and 15.7% to the GDP of India. Gandhiji saw villages as the cornerstone of modern India. Radio Madhuban thought of paying homage to the father of the nation on the occasion of his birth anniversary on 2nd October and ran a campaign of 21 days from 26th Sep to 15th Oct’11. During this period we spoke about Gandhian values and spread awareness about the themes of non-violence, de-addiction, selfreliance, discipline and environment conservation among school children and village folks. Non-violence isn’t confined to an assault in person but remains a wide phenomenon pervasive in the every aspect of life. In the present scenario, addiction, Indiscipline and harming the environment should be considered the biggest acts of violence. Crime against someone in person harms just an individual but the above mentioned behaviour harms the whole society. Villagers are soft targets for addiction and it leads them to spoil their own lives. We were startled to know that folks in the region are well-versed with the knowledge and uses of “Jadi-butis” as medicines but to our dismay they misuse this knowledge for addiction too in the absence of self-discipline and inner strength. By realizing their own potential and the power of the goodness
within. some of them promised to give up addiction. We were also prompted to add the slogan “Nashe ki lat Maut ka khat” in our campaign and the results were overwhelming. Our studio got flooded with appreciation letters and phone calls of listeners and participants conveying thanks and requesting for more such programs. Impact of the campaign done in 31 schools was so deep that a Govt. Upper Primary School in Mudarla got freedom from the liquor pouches and bottles in the school premises, such was the direct impact of the rallies we conducted with the school children. Many villagers promised to completely abandon the habit of chewing tobacco. Their experiences were recorded and aired. Though addiction is a major issue in most of the villages -In fact a tradition in this part of India- yet contrasting to it we found a village named Bosa- 50kms away from Abu road completely free from addiction, villagers neither allow selling nor the consumption of liquor. Radio Madhuban announced about the practices of this role model village on air. 1
Our programs were not confined to rallies and lectures only but we also invited creativity of students and village folk in brainstorming sessions, live demonstrations and experience sharing. Intoxication by a man causes him health damage but Intoxication of nature causes disastrous Global impacts. Plantation is the only remedy for detoxification of environment; we effectively managed to promote the idea of de-addiction and explained how the environment is becoming unstable due to the toxicity in it. We also explored the issue of environment conservation. We also distributed and planted 2000 Plants which were sponsored by RERF, Rural Wing Brahma Kumaris.
Let me learn to be gentle with myself; then I can be the same with others.
4
Radio Madhuban
Radio Madhuban
Newsletter
Oct - Dec 2011
Highlights of Amrit Mahotsav “Amrit Mahotsav”, a gathering of Religious and Spiritual leaders of India was organized to commemorate 75 years of The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. Over 300 eminent personalities from different organizations all over India including like OIF, Shankaracharya Math, Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, Kabeer panth, Jain Teerthankars, etc graced the celebration. It is widely accepted that values are needed in our lives to make our world a better place. Within the gathering, there was a consensus that the Brahma Kumaris strong focus on practical application of spirituality has been instrumental in changing the lives of thousands of people. The use of media has been instrumental in bringing about the much-needed awareness amongst the masses. It was this passion and enthusiasm that lead to the birth of Radio Madhuban just over a year ago. The radio station had the fortune of having many of the guests interacting with the team and listeners. Mallikarjuna Swami from Karnataka was very impressed with the peaceful atmosphere of various meditation rooms and thoroughly enjoyed the deeply soothing sanctity of Shantivan. He expressed his concern about the deteriorating
lives of today’s youth, especially the negative influences due to media. He therefore congratulated Radio Madhuban for their mission to provide value based entertainment. He proclaimed that Radio Madhuban is an embodiment of using media in the right way. Swami Chakrapani, Rashtriya Adhyaksh - Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, Delhi expressed his satisfaction at the endeavours of this organization for the betterment of the world. He said that he feels proud that such a university has its base in India. He was particularly proud that such a university is committed to the betterment of everyone, regardless of gender, age, caste, religion, etc. He said that “amrit” – holy water in form of knowledge and values could be seen practically in Shantivan itself. Along with imparting education on self-improvement, the Brahma Kumaris focus on various areas of the society such as the environment . He appreciated the liberal use of renewable energies and recycling of earth’s natural resources. It is our combined responsibility to save and sustain the earth and it is possible to do anything if we put our mind to it. The Brahma Kumaris hence are to be appreciated, for setting the example for the rest of the world to follow.
2
Addressing the head of the organization, Dadi Janki ji, Swami Chakrapani said that though 95 years old, she seems to have the endless zeal for life, using this as an allegory for the mission of the organization. He concluded by congratulating the Brahma Kumaris for their remarkable efforts to transform this very world into a paradise. Swami Narayan Giri from Ghaziabad also visited the radio station to interact with the listeners. He believes that learning accurate Raja Yoga can help us experience God. We can draw on God’s powers to top-up on whatever we feel is lacking within us. We do not need to feel helpless or be subservient to our own weaknesses. We also do not need to be at the mercy of anyone else for our needs; as the Omniscient, Almighty, the all-powerful is available for us, all the time. All we need to do is be ready to receive the help; God is always there to help.
Radio Madhuban
Education is the cure for all social ailments.
“Families may not live in big houses, they may just not be able to enjoy a 3 square meal a day, but it is the foremost duty of every parent to educate their children, to send them to school to read, learn and grow”, said Shri Ram Khilawan Patel, MLA, Satna, Madhya Pradesh. He visited Radio Madhuban and being greatly impressed by the humanitarian services of Brahma Kumaris, he expressed his deep fondness for the ‘will to serve’ of people. Service, he said, may be through health care, food, shelter or in any other sphere but education is the solution to all the problems faced by the world today.
Newsletter discussions, interviews and workshops.Sarpanch, Principal and many other prominent persons from the above mentioned villages participated in the program and shared their valuable knowledge & experiences on conserving energy, saving plants in summer and soil erosion etc. During campaigning, around 1000 plants were distributed among school children and villagers which were sponsored by RERF, Rural Wing Brahma Kumaris. We also celebrated children’s day with Yuva sashaktikaran-Saksharta campaigning; where the children were taught the importance of selfdiscipline, education and utilization of their mental strength in positive way. Experience of children and their expressions were recorded and aired. Udaan and Patshala are the programs liked most by the school children where they are provided with the information on the opportunities that education opens for them.
Oct - Dec 2011
Safe Driving Saves lives
Mr. Brij Kishore- Transport Minister- Rajasthan visited Shantivan for Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Brahma Kumaris. He was over whelmed with the services done by the transport Wing of the organization and the Radio Madhuban to curb road rage. Through the Radio, he requested the listeners to obey traffic rules and never ‘drink and drive’. He added that only if we drive within speed limits, we can save so many lives and prevent so many road accidents that are common in Sirohi and other areas. He complemented the Radio team for doing this deed of encouraging people to drive safe and be safe.
Mera Gaon Mera Anchal RadioMadhuban runs a program fully dedicated to village folks nearby Abu road in order to make them aware and to provide them exposure and platform to express themselves and discuss their problems. They are also encouraged to participate in off-air programs on various prevalent issues of the region organized by Radiomadhuban after regular intervals. A 10-days “Urja Samrakshan Divas” campaigning was organized to make the people aware of their mental energy and its impact on their lives along with the conservation of electricity, water, fuel and environment. We covered 18 villages along with nearby industries i.e. Diamond Factory, JK Cements Factory and Ayurvedic hospital. Program was the blend of rallies, get-together,
‘Use Seatbelt when driving’
New Shows: Panditayin: A simple housewife character, who tells anecdotes and incidents carrying moral values and deep spiritual meanings, narrated by her husband (Pandit ji). It has won the heart of many due to its easy but very implacable presentation. Pandityan-the character- is a witty woman who according to different situations has stories and examples to offer which makes the show entertaining, meaningful and helps making even the very serious situation lighter. Panditayin is aired from 11 am to 12 pm, Saturday and Sunday. 3
Zindagi do Pal ki: Name itself suggests the theme of the show, it focuses at how precious but small life is and we cannot allow it to be consumed by tension, problems.It incorporates individual experiences in different situation and forces listeners to reflect on them.
Finally, host reveals the other side of the issue and provides with viable solutions which bring all at win-win situation.
Zindagi Do Pal Ki is aired from 12 to 1 pm, Monday to Friday.
Radio Madhuban
Newsletter
Oct - Dec 2011
Snapshots of Community Engagement
4
Radio Madhuban
Newsletter
Oct - Dec 2011
Spotlight Values – Talk Shows (UN Initiative) Gleaming faces, laughter and chatter, cups of coffee and biscuits - you’d think these bunch of teenagers were gossiping at their local hangout. But it’s the scene one experiences when participating in Spotlight Values at Om Café. An endeavour of the United Nations, it is all about self empowerment of youth. During the last quarter of the year 2011, the Radio Madhuban Team went around various schools and colleges to conduct workshops on various values. The workshops seek to stimulate discussions amongst youth in order to explore, understand and implement much desired values in their lives. There is a wide acceptance that there is a greater need for moral education, especially amongst the youth.
pass through challenges on the way to your dreams”. If understood and applied correctly, the virtue will never hinder a person’s growth or their happiness. Applying values enriches our lives. Students shared personal experiences, also explored myths surrounding the value to ascertain the crux of the value and concluded with ways to practically implement the value. At the end of the workshop the participants made a pledge on white canvas with color hand impressions to make a conscious effort to apply that value for at least that month. The workshops were a learning experience for all involved. Along with college-goers, Radio Madhuban also conducts workshops for a younger crowd. Om Express, as the name suggests is the “express” format of Om Café workshops conducted at colleges. Here the focus is more on school going adolescents aged 13-17 years of age.
Om Café focuses on youth aged 18-35. Radio Madhuban went to 4 colleges - namely, CIT, SMCC Government College, USB College and Global Hospital Institute of Ophthalmology. The values taken for workshop were Courage and Tolerance with Smile. It provides a platform to the youth to voice their concerns and ideas. The workshops are conducted in small groups of maximum 50 students to allow everyone the opportunity to participate and present their views.
As there is a lack of facilities at the Govt. Schools Radio Madhuban invited the school children to the Shantivan Campus, Abu Road to ensure they get best out of the workshops. The Values discussed were Dignity and Respect.
Sometimes a value can be misunderstood or not understood at all. For example the virtue of Tolerance is often perceived negatively – translating into suffering silently; not having the freedom to speak one’s mind, etc. However, “Tolerance doesn’t mean you let people walk on you…it’s smiling as you
There was a particularly excellent result as these workshops became a means for the tribal children to open up and showcase their talents. Many students now come to the Radio station to interact with the team, sometimes as a Co-RJ in the youth and children show (Jiyo Zindagi and Udaan). 5
There was an overwhelmingly positive response not just from all the students that were directly involved, but also from the management of these schools and colleges. The team got heartfelt thanks, with Letters of Appreciation, Invitation Letters, etc. to repeat the workshops.
In addition to these workshops being conducted, Radio Madhuban hosts a Talk Show every Sunday 4-5 pm. The show focuses on one particular value for a month. For the month of October the chosen value was Non-Violence; November was dedicated to Courage and the last month of the year saw the development of the much needed Respect within those involved. The show is set as an informal, tea-time chat, with a new guest every week. The invited guests, all youth, are from various backgrounds and from all walks of lives to allow an array of views to be presented to the audience.
“In the upcoming months, the team hopes to continue with their endeavours, facilitating more workshops to spread the much needed values of Love in January and Peace in February”.
Radio Madhuban
Newsletter
Oct - Dec 2011
A Moment with Dronacharya Award Winner, Shri Ramphal Mann Ji A Brief Introduction About Our Guest at the Radio Madhuban studio Shri Ramphal Mann ji, a Dronacharya award winner, is the native of small town Kheda Khor, Delhi. He has been an integral part of the Government Wrestling ‘Akhada’ (A School of wrestling) ever since it was formed in 1988. Since then so many of his strong and brave wrestlers have glorified India. Everybody is familiar with his student, Mr. Susheel Kumar, who wrote a new chapter in the Indian wrestling history by winning a bronze medal at the Olympic games in 2008 and went on to make India proud on the world stage by bagging his first gold at the World Wrestling Championship in 2010.
There are just so many wrestlers in India that I believe it should be made the national sport. Padma Shri Mahabali Satpal ji, who is my senior now, is also my childhood friend. I started when I was young and I used to practice a lot in Guru Hanuman Akhada and played at the interstate level until I got a job with the Delhi Government. Since then it has become my profession to produce wrestlers for India. I thank God and feel proud whenever my students win a prize or trophy. I am very happy as a wrestling coach. In 2001, I was awarded the Best Coach and in 2011, the President honored me with the Dronacharya Award. My family is also very happy with my work.
Sir, do you believe that nonvegetarian food is necessary for building a good body? As far as food habits are concerned, all the wrestlers I know are vegetarian. Our diet mostly includes seasonal fruit juices, milk, ghee or butter, daal and roti. We strictly don’t eat eggs. Padmashri Mahabali Satpal ji, Guru Hanuman ji, Jagbandar, Satvir, Krishna Kumar, Premnath, Susheel Kumar, Yogeshwar Dutt are all vegetarians, who have glorified India and defied the myth that non-vegetarian food or even egg proteins are very important for building one’s body.People today think that it is necessary to eat Non vegetarian food to make their body strong, but I strongly recommend that one can build your body simply with Milk and Ghee. Nothing can replace it. Sir, how do you feel on coming to the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Rajasthan?
Others, like Mr. Yogesh Dutt, have also participated in 2004 and 2006 Olympic. Nowadays both Susheel and Yogeswar are busy preparing for the 2012 Olympics to be held in London. Ravinder Mann, Anil Mann, Krishan Kumar, Ravindra Mann are some of his students who earned a good name for India. He has students from all over India eg Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Pune, Maharashtra, UP etc.
Sir, could you give a glimpse of your remarkable journey as a wrestler? Wrestling has been a part of the Indian tradition for a long time now.
Sir, how is the lifestyle of a wrestler different from a common man? The life of a wrestler is very different from a common man’s life. Apart from doing special exercises and lifting weights regularly, they practice celibacy which is such a power without which you can’t play any sport. It is very important for any sportsperson because it improves concentration and focus in the field. You cannot afford to stout or fat. For example Susheel only weighs 66 kg and Yogesh 60 kg. This is just normal weight. But when a common man think about wrestlers, they think of a very heavy weight person. 6
I like the place Madhuban and Shantivan for its pure and peaceful environment. I would love to bring all my International players here to let them experience the vibrations sanctity of this place. I like the knowledge that I got here. It’s very unique. How do you inspire the youth of Rajasthan to join wrestling? I think wrestling has a very bright future in India and more and more young people should become a part of this fraternity. We have students from Rajasthan also. I want all the people out there to believe that Susheel Kumar is also a common man like you. All you need is dedication and the will to achieve. I hope that the world will see many more young wrestlers like Susheel kumar in future. Sir, do women also take interest in wrestling? Continued next page
Radio Madhuban
Newsletter
Oct - Dec 2011
Navratri Celebration - September 27th to October 6th, 2011 Navratri (Nine Nights Festival) is one of the biggest festivals in India, celebrated with great pomp and show, in many parts of the country, especially in West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan;. Radio Madhuban too celebrated the festival along with its listeners, and gave them the benefits of updating their knowledge about the festival of nine Goddesses via radio. Our RJs aired programs covering the festival in their respective shows, wanting to celebrate Navratri with their listeners with lots of enthusiasm. Ranging from Navratri special dishes in the show Aashiyana, to customised content throughout the day, talking about the importance and spiritual significance of the nine deities in the voice of B.K. Sister Usha and also some live coverage of a few GarbaDandiya events in and around the nearby areas and villages by RJs Srinidhi and Mona. Radio Madhuban celebrated this festival with great responses and feedback from its listeners. The festival began on 27 day of September 2011 beginning with the worship of Goddess Saraswati or Maa Saraswati, as addressed by traditional Indians with great affection and devotion. th
Duing the morning show ‘Suprabhat’ from 6 am to 7 am, detailed
information about the ritualistic and methodological worship and pooja of Goddess Durga was also covered. Another morning show Nayi Kiran aired between 7 am and 10 am also covered a brief of how the festival is being celebrated during the nine days in different parts of the country in different ways; especially in Rajasthan, and made an interesting and useful content for listeners in the begining hours of the day.
Navratri special traditional Indian dishes and their recipes were shared with the listeners during the show of Aashiyana between 10 am and 1 pm, to enable them to celebrate the festival with yummy dishes thereby adding more colours to the already colourful festival. Apart from all of the above, there were quizzes regarding deity –idol decoration in the show Udaan from 1 pm to 4 pm. Special Garba and Navratri songs by various artists were aired during the show Khushi Ke Nagme from 8 pm to 9 pm, the time of playing Garba under a canopy and a stage specially erected for the purpose, wherein people from different religious beliefs come together under one roof to enjoy and celebrate the nine-day festival.
Continued: A Moment with Dronacharya Award Winner, Shri Ramphal Mann Ji
Earlier there were no female wrestlers but from past 10 to 12 years, women have started taking interest in the sport. Alka Tomar from UP is best example of female wrestlers who won the Bronze medal for India in the World championship in 2006. Apart from her there are so many other girls like Babita, Sarita from Haryana who have won Gold medal in International Championships and Common Wealth Games. Girls also practice hard and exercise a lot, just like boys.
Sir, what is your message for our listeners? I like this place very much and I expect to come here again and again. I want to tell all the listeners that this radio station in the Brahma Kumaris campus is for you. Everyone must visit and take the full benefit of this place. I promise I will bring all my students here to experience the pure vibrations. They are doing a very good work. 7
Radio Madhuban did a live coverage of the Dussera program held at the Ram Leela Grounds, Mt Abu.
It is notable that there were many guests coming down from Ahmedabad, to be part of these celebrations, including one named Mr. Jaminy Dave, an automobile engineer mentioned that they hardly find these kind of celebrations in their home town, and they enjoy being a part of it, here in Mt Abu. His wife added that they haven’t witnessed such amazing Navratri festivities in the past 40 years and they both wished the listeners of Radio Madhuban, a Happy Navratri. A young patron that we interacted with was a child named Kaushik Bhairaon, who was eagerly waiting at the venue since 5 pm for the program to begin; he added that he liked the character of Rama very much, because Rama is very good, with a good character and he takes good care of his parents. Another young child named Vinay Bhairav, shared that he likes to see the puppets of Ravaan, and his brother Kumbhakaran, and also likes to see the sparklers, going up in the sky. He mentioned that he liked the character of Laxmana, younger brother of Lord Rama because, around 11 years back, the child’s grandfather played this role of Laxmana, who is now no more. That was very touching. Listen Live on www.radiomadhuban.in
Radio Madhuban
On Air “Paatshala” A new initiative to promote education and welfare as a part of community service. To further achieve this aim we started a new radio program titled “Pathshala” on 14th November 2011. In Sirohi district and nearby places, one basic problem of most schools is lack of teachers. To counter this situation, this show provides a unique audio learning platform to students where they can learn basic chapters from the syllabus. Presently, the show caters to the needs of students of class V, to understand basic concepts and revise the chapters taught in class. The chapters are recorded by RJ Mona (Udaan) in strict accordance with the curriculum followed in the schools.
Smt. Rajesh Kumari Mathur, DEO, Sirohi, appreciated the initiative taken and expressed her views that every school should encourage the children to listen Pathshala on Radio Madhuban and learn the lessons. The timings of the program are 2-3 pm, Monday to Friday and if this show is played in the classroom, it can solve the problem of deficiency of teachers. We plan to increase the frequency of the show in future as per the need of the children. Also we aim to cater to the needs
Newsletter of students of class VIII and X very soon with the help of potential teachers to record the lessons and support the interest of the students.
Oct - Dec 2011
Children Show... ...Children's Day
The effort is much appreciated and is welcomed. Teachers and students are benefitted by the show a lot.
We are heading towards our 1st Birthday December- excitement of Christmas and New Year celebrations. The glitters of ceremonies were all around the radio station and our RJs did their best to spread joy and fervor of the New Year. And as the year 2012 approached, the air was filled with sparkles of our first birthday, where our local listeners got a lot of new opportunities, events and shows to enjoy Radio Madhuban. And without doubt, this year’s long journey could not be completed without the support and love of our listeners. we thank all our dear listeners who have encouraged and inspired us to come up with so many shows and community service programs. This Radio is truly for the people who belong to it, the community people who stand by us to support us in our endeavours. we promise to bring lot of new programs and shows to enthrall you in the new year. wish you a very happy new year..!! may this journey continue for years to come and we enjoy each other’s support.
On the Occasion of Diwali, Dadi Janki ji , Chief of Brahma Kumaris Worldwide ,while giving her Greetings & Blessings to the listeners said... “ we are the children of GOD & We should always have the vision of Lakshmi Narayan to bring about their virtues in each one’s lives”. 8
At Radio Madhuban 90.4 Fm the Children's Day is celebrated on 14 November, the birthday of the country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru, who was fondly called Chacha Nehru by the kids, emphasized the importance of giving love and affection to children, who he saw as the bright future of India. Three children from Rajakiya Madhyamik Vidyala-Danvav hosted a show named Udaan here at Radio Madhuban 90.4 fm along with RJ Mona in which they shared their personal stories and experiences. The children also shared their thoughts on their artistic creations such as poetry, songs, artwork, dances, and short stories on Chacha Nehru etc which inspired further new insights among their classmates who were listening to them. The children enjoyed the opportunity to speak freely about different aspects and goals about their future plans. The teachers thanked Radio Madhuban 90.4 FM for giving their students wonderful opportunity which comes rarely in the children’s childhood.