Radio is not just a medium; it is a lifeline that transcends borders, connects people, and amplifies voices. On World Radio Day, as the world celebrates the power of this enduring platform, India stands at the forefront of a remarkable communication revolution.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly broadcast, Mann Ki Baat, which recently aired its 118th episode, exemplifies how radio is experiencing a renaissance in the digital age, proving to be one of the most effective tools of governance, inspiration, and soft power diplomacy. When UNESCO designated February 13 as World Radio Day in 2011, the objective was clear: to recognize the influence of radio in fostering dialogue, spreading awareness, and bridging communities across the world.

Advertisement

In India, Mann Ki Baat is a testimony to the enduring power of radio. Launched in 2014, this monthly programme has transformed into one of the largest and most effective communication experiments in the world, reaching millions of listeners not just in India but globally. With an unparalleled ability to engage audiences through storytelling, Modi’s initiative underscores the relevance of radio in an era dominated by digital noise. At a time when many predicted the decline of traditional radio, Mann Ki Baat has revived and redefined its significance. The programme’s strength lies in its simplicity and relatability.

Every episode delivers not just policy discussions but also inspirational stories of common citizens, grassroots innovations, cultural heritage, and national achievements. The 118th episode was no different, weaving narratives that resonated with the spirit of nation-building, environmental consciousness, and collective responsibility. Beyond its national appeal, Mann Ki Baat has become an instrument of India’s soft-power diplomacy. The global Indian diaspora tunes in eagerly, fostering a sense of connection with the homeland. The broadcast’s reach extends beyond national boundaries, often being translated into multiple languages, including regional South Asian tongues, strengthening India’s diplomatic and cultural ties with neighboring nations.

As India emerges as a global leader, leveraging radio as a tool for soft power projection enhances its image as a nation that values dialogue, shared heritage, and cooperation. South Asia, a region bound by deep historical, cultural, and linguistic ties, finds an unexpected bridge in Mann Ki Baat. The programme’s themes – self-reliance, communitydriven initiatives, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment – are not just relevant to India but also resonate with India’s neighbours. In an era where integration efforts in South Asia often face political roadblocks, the revival of radio as a medium of cultural and ideological exchange holds immense potential.

India’s radio diplomacy, through Mann Ki Baat, can become a catalyst for fostering deeper South Asian engagement, promoting shared developmental narratives, and creating common aspirations among regional populations. Modi’s interactions with citizens, his references to letters and messages from listeners, and his emphasis on people-centric governance make Mann Ki Baat an inclusive space for dialogue. Unlike social media platforms that are often fragmented and dominated by echo chambers, radio, through this programme, emerges as a unifying force that connects the masses in an uninterrupted and intimate manner.

From the fishermen in Tamil Nadu to the farmers in Punjab, from students in Meghalaya to entrepreneurs in Gujarat, Mann Ki Baat speaks to every Indian, transcending linguistic, geographic, and socio-economic barriers. The programme is not just a monologue but an interactive medium that encourages citizen participation, thereby reinforcing democracy in its most organic form. Radio has always been a tool of influence, but Mann Ki Baat takes it a step further by combining traditional broadcasting with modern digital integration. The programme is simultaneously aired on multiple platforms, including community radio stations, AIR (All India Radio), podcasts, and social media channels.

This hybrid model ensures that the message reaches every demographic, from the rural farmer with a transistor radio to the urban professional tuning in via a smartphone app. On World Radio Day, as global discussions revolve around the revival and impact of radio, Mann Ki Baat stands as a shining example of how the medium can be harnessed for nation-building and diplomacy. Countries across the world can draw lessons from India’s use of radio as a tool for constructive engagement, leadership communication, and global outreach. In an era where polarization is rampant, radio’s ability to create a sense of collective consciousness is more valuable than ever. India, with its vast diversity, has found in Mann Ki Baat a unifying voice that reflects the aspirations of its people.

The power of voice, the magic of words, and the intimacy of audio storytelling are elements that make this programme not just a political initiative but a cultural phenomenon. As the world looks for ways to reinvigorate traditional communication platforms, India’s example showcases that radio is not just surviving but thriving in the digital age. As we celebrate World Radio Day, Mann Ki Baat reminds us that while technology evolves, the essence of communication remains the same – connecting, inspiring, and bringing people together.

With its ability to cut across social, political, and geographical divides, radio remains one of the most powerful tools of engagement, and Mann Ki Baat is leading this revival, proving that in the cacophony of digital noise, the human voice still holds the power to unite and inspire.

(The writer is Associate Professor, Centre For South Asian Studies, Pondicherry Central University.)