"Change Starts With Us" : Eric Paul

Leh to Kanyakumari…’ in 6 Days, 15 Hours by differently abled  Eric Paul!

Eric Paul, a paraplegic 

(Paralysed Chest Down) covered 4000 kms in a record time of 6 days and 15 hours. Delhi-based Paul, who works with the Taj group of hotels, has raised awareness about the Government’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan  (Clean India Mission) during his mammoth road journey.

On being asked the reason behind why he chose to promote “Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan”,he promptly said,“while on my way to work one day, I got angry with my mother who was sweeping the area outside our house. Later,on my way to the office I reflected on the incident and realised instead of being supportive of her, I was angry with her. That’s when the thought of raising awareness about the need for cleanliness and bringing about a change in my Country struck me”

Driving was Eric Paul’s passion since his childhood but one major accident changed the course of his life leaving him confined to the bed for nearly two years. With the constant support of his family, Paul decided to face his fears and customized a Hatchback car for himself that would enable him to keep his passion alive as well as spread the message of cleanliness to the entire nation.

In his conversation, Paul stressed on the words “Change Starts with Us”. He went on to state that it is imperative for each citizen to work towards making India a better place. He said, “Our country is our home and family, it is important to keep our nation clean. Change starts with us”.

In his closing remarks, Eric Paul gave thanks to God for bringing him this far and asked the Nation to pray for him as he plans to undertake a new challenge of covering the nation from West to East in the month of November.

On 15th July,2016, Eric Paul's interview with Jainender (PEx, AIR) was broadcast, in the Program #OnAIRMehman 
Click the link below for complete interview of Eric Paul
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DW7JmpW5F_Q

The Road to Dusty Death

“To everything,” goes the song

“There is a season …

And a time to every purpose under heaven.

A time to be born, a time to die…”

A time to plant, a time to reap.

A time to laugh, a time to weep….”

On a dusty road in Jharkhand, we lost a valued colleague. The Programme Head and Deputy Director of All India Radio Ranchi, Neelam Sahay and her husband Prakash Sahay, lost their lives in a road accident at Bakeria under Satbarba police station area of Palamu district. On Sunday morning around nine, a truck hit the car in which they were travelling from Ranchi to Daltonganj.

In faraway Rajasthan, Rajesh Nahata met the same fate on the Jodhpur-Nagaur Highway on April 22. His car collided with a roadways bus coming from the opposite direction. A Director of Engineering heading Doordarshan’s Jodhpur Kendra, he was on his way to Bikaner to assume additional charge of the Bikaner Doordarshan Kendra.

Two lives cut short while on the saddle. Two lives too many.  It is a time to weep…at this irreparable loss. Of two irreplaceable professionals in the prime of life.

“To everything,” goes the song

“There is a season…

And a time to every purpose under heaven.

A time to build up, a time to break down.

A time to dance, a time to mourn….”

It is a time for the Prasar Bharati family to mourn and to stand behind the devastated families in their hour of grief.

Rajesh Nahata will be remembered for his infectious positivity, for being an upright and dynamic officer, and an excellent technocrat. Forever ready to extend a helping hand to his juniors and friends.

Neelam Sahay carried the responsibility of serving the organization in difficult areas. She was also an accomplished music artiste whose stage performances were the talk of town. Her mellifluous voice will be sorely missed. 

And while we write epigraphs for the departed souls, it is also time to ask a few searching questions. A season to stop and ponder, to create hard-hitting mass media campaigns. To take a leaf out of the book of those countries who have bettered their road-safety records. By better planning and policing. Through stronger laws, more effective enforcement and better infrastructure.

                                          “To everything,” goes the song

“There is a season…

And a time to every purpose under heaven.

A time to gain, a time to lose.

A time to rend, a time to sew…”

In this season of loss, perhaps it will not be out of place to take a look at road safety statistics world over. Since reaching a peak in road deaths in the 1970s, rich countries have become much better at reducing the number of traffic accidents. (Poor countries, by contrast, have seen an increasing death toll, as car sales have accelerated.)

In 1997 the Swedish Parliament wrote into law a "Vision Zero" plan, promising to eliminate road fatalities and injuries altogether. Swedes believe—and are now proving—that they can have mobility and safety at the same time.

In the last three years, 17 countries have aligned at least one of their laws with best practice on seat-belts, drunk–driving, speed, motorcycle helmet or child restraints.

Roads in Sweden are built with safety prioritised over speed or convenience. Building 1,500 kilometres (900 miles) of "2+1" roads—where each lane of traffic takes turns to use a middle lane for overtaking—is reckoned to have saved around 145 lives over the first decade of Vision Zero.

12,600 safer crossings, including pedestrian bridges and zebra-stripes flanked by flashing lights and protected with speed-bumps, are estimated to have halved the number of pedestrian deaths over the past five years. Strict policing has also helped: now less than 0.25% of drivers tested are over the alcohol limit. Road deaths of children under seven have plummeted—in 2012 only one was killed, compared with 58 in 1970.

Every life lost in a road crash is an avoidable tragedy. Can we take a leaf out of Sweden’s book?

Shouldn’t we dedicate ourselves to our very own Vision Zero?

It is a season to deliberate, a (high) time to act.

Contributed by   Basudha Banerji, PEX, AIR

The Odissi Angel dancing over the 'Waves'

In the day and age when people are gradually shifting to ‘popular’ dance forms like Jazz, Salsa, Western and Hip-Hop amongst others , Shamayita Das a Transmission Executive from All India Radio, Jaipur, stands out by keeping the age old dance form of Odisha alive.

Here are a few excerpts from her conversation with Sami A. Khan:

     

1    From the little girl of 10 who executed her first perfect tribhang to the accomplished dancer of today who is happy doing chauk, tell us about the evolution of the dancer in you.

 A .     Dance has been the essence of my life. The reason of my very being in this world. This pursuit would have been impossible without the sacrifice of my mother, and my guru Padmashri Smt. Madhavi Mudgal’s mentorship. Apart from my keen interest in dance, it was my Guru who influenced me to the extent that dance is now a passion, dedication, love and salvation. Here I would like to quote my guru- “you should be able to enjoy your pain and only then you can be a true dancer!”

2     In the era of Bollywood fusion and remixes, tell us about the relevance of classical dance forms.

A. Since time immemorial dance has been a way of manifesting the innermost depths of the soul. It depends on what type of dance form one chooses to express their self. It can be anything – Bollywood, western, jazz, or classical.

Though the world has attained a faster pace, and this is an era of crash courses and expectations have increased manifold, yet classical dance or music still retains its charm amongst its connoisseurs. Senior dancers passed on the knowledge through Guru Shishya Parampara. It is on us how successfully we pass on the tradition of classical arts to our next generation. For this we must make good use of social media, administration and academics. Awareness in this regard has increased to an appreciable extent and nowadays we do see organisations and senior dancers conducting workshops and demonstrations for the propagation of their respective dance forms. Its relevance will never be lost as this is our country’s heritage – and this heritage cannot be tarnished by any means.

3   Why did you also insist on pursuing academics when dance already had a bright future in store?

A .    Academics is indispensable. Without knowledge art remains somewhat incomplete. For me, the understanding of basic principles underlying movement like momentum, inertia, torque, have been helpful in honing my dancing skills. It helps to understand the body and the mind better. You become a better person and a better artiste. Though I had early exposure to this glamour-laden world still I did not compromise on academics as it always supplemented my art and dance provided me the necessary impetus for rejuvenation. I owe whatever I’m today both to dance and academics. Because of academics I am financially independent, and dance has contoured my identity.

4     Was this an easy path? Tell us about your struggles, your trials and tribulations, as you tried to do what was closest to your heart? 

A. Well, this goes without saying that nothing comes without a price. As a child of then, I used to travel 56 kms, thrice a week from Faridabad to I.T.O. to learn dance. I was not only pursuing my favourite art form, but my Guru was a strong motivator. Needless to say that the never ending saga of exams and performances kept me on my heels throughout. When others were playing or relaxing, I was already enroute to a practice session. There had been testing times, but unceasing dedication to my art form, devotion for my Guru, support of my parents, and faith in myself kept me moving. I have often heard parents say that it is difficult to pursue your passion whole-heartedly along with academics, but in Tagore’s words I would like to say that, “no knowledge in this life is unlearnt, and nothing goes waste who has the desire to fight.” 

Catch Shamayita Das’s mesmerizing performance

Today (19^th May,2016) at India International Centre, New Delhi at 5 pm. 

Indian Broadcasting Day-23rd July 1923

Indian Broadcasting Day - 23rd July 1923

"Radio---harbinger of new hope and life".

"With the advent of efficient broadcasting - there is nothing to prevent, in time, the farthest confines of Kashmir, Sikkim or Travancore simultaneously receiving the news of the moment. Although by composition, ours is a commercial company, it is the earnest desire of the Board of Directors to do broadcasting in a spirit of public service.", said Sir Ibrahim Rahimtoola, Chairman of the Indian Broadcasting Company.

It was in June 1923, that the very first radio programme in India was broadcast by the Radio Club of Bombay (Mumbai) and then in November, 1923 from Calcutta (Kolkata). These radio broadcasts were made with the efforts of amateurs, later followed by private enterprise. 

This was the beginning, of a medium, which was to connect the country through electric waves and eventually contribute greatly in creating new India in new world order!

Finally, organised broadcasting in India began when the first station of the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) was inaugurated at Bombay by the British Viceroy of India, Lord Irwin on July 23, 1927. Though it gained a lot of popularity, but the Indian Broadcasting Company went into premature liquidation from March 1, 1930. Eventually, from April 1930, broadcasting in India came under the direct control of the Government.

In September 1935, broadcasting began in the princely State of Mysore with the name AKASHVANI. The name All India Radio was adopted from June 08, 1936 and the Delhi Station of the Indian State Broadcasting Service went on air on January 01, 1936 from the temporary studios at 18, Alipur Road.

Dr. Gopalaswamy Professor of Psychology at the Mysore University had set up a 30 Watt transmitter at his house to air the first broadcast in the year 1935. By the end of 1932 when the BBC started its Empire Service, the number of receivers in India was 8557. It increased to 10,872 by the end of 1933 & 16,000 by the end of 1934. Today, AIR covers 99.19% of total Indian population. It Broadcasts via DTH, live streams several AIR channels and updates through various social networking platforms.

National Broadcasting Day celebrates radio!

AIR releases 3 volumes of Jagannath Bhajanavali as country gears for Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra

          It is a red letter day for the Central Archives of All India Radio as three volumes of Jagannath Bhajanavali rendered by renowned artistes of Odisha was released today by the Revered Gajapati Maharaja of Puri.

On this auspicious occasion, Shri S.C. Panda, Member (Personnel), Prasar Bharati , Sh. F. Sheheryar, Director General, All India Radio and Dr. (Smt.) Sudha Mishra, Deputy Director General (Archives) were present at the Maharaja’s Palace in Puri this evening.

During the first Nabakalebara mega event of the present millennium, the AIR Archives feels proud of airing mellifluous voices of those immortal celebrated artistes of Odisha who once had sung the most popular soulful and unique bhajanas five decades ago, dedicated to Parambrahma Lord Jagannath, titled as Shree Jagannath Bhajanavali comprising thirty bhajanas & jananas in three parts.

Akashvani Pune plans 20 days Journey with lakhs of people

Akashvani Pune plans 20 days Journey with lakhs of people

On 10th July 2015, at 4:30 PM the procession will pass through Akashvani Square, Pune!

 

Akashvani teams to be continuously amongst lakhs of people for 24 X 20 hrs

Ashad Wari is a 220 km walk by lakhs of devotees, which starts from Alandi and Dehu two places known for saint Dyneshwar and saint Tukaram and culminates at Pandharpur, the place of Lord Vittal. It is a massive 3 week devotional carnival where in the beginning there are around 2 lack devotees from 8 years to 80 years of age,  getting added while on way and number increases to 15 lacks till final destination (Pandharpur). It is not just a pilgrim walk but a tradition of Maharashtra, which covers all religions, indicates integrity of country in real sense.


AIR Pune has planned a grand event of exclusive coverage of pilgrim, called Ashadh Wari. Station has received sponsorship for state hook up coverage of the event. In addition to curtain raiser, on every day station will produce a radio report of half an hour duration. Also a live commentary of the procession for 2 hrs between 4.30 PM to 6.30 PM on arrival of Wari at Pune will be originated by Akashvani Pune..

Two Akashvani vans will be the part of procession, well decorated and fully equipped. It is as good as AIR studio on wheels. AIR teams in these vans are not only for producing radio reports but they are eager to grab ample rare stories associated with the tradition and personnel experiences of the year old participants. There is scope of its documentation along with suitable photographs in near future. Through this event AIR Pune is taking full advantage of entering as mass media and exhibiting itself as public service broadcaster.

http://airddfamily.blogspot.in/search?q=Wari

Ashadi Ekadasi--Pilgrimage on Foot

Akashvani Pune will continuously be among lakhs of people for 24x20 hrs for covering Ashadh Wari

“Ashadi Ekadasi—Pilgrimage on Foot”

Incredible India

Ashadi Ekadasi is a religious procession and is celebrated during the months of June- July (Aashaadh Shukla paksha). It consists of a beautifully decorated Palkhi having the “padukas” of the lord and the Palkhi procession consists of people collectively walking, singing and dancing the glory of the Lord in what are called as ‘Dindis’. This custom of taking out a holy procession is said to have started in 1810.

Tradition has it that two of the greatest devotees of Lord from the Maharashtra state, Sant Jnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram had set out on a pilgrimage to Lord Vittala from their respective places and reached the Divine Abode in fifteen days time on the auspicious day of Ashadi Ekadasi. Following this set tradition by these great souls, even after their merger with the Divine, devotees from the entire length and breadth of the state and even from outside the state set out for Pandharpur, wearing basil beads and singing His glory on a pilgrimage to reach on this auspicious day to have Divine Darshan. This pilgrimage is traditionally called Dindi Yatra. Commemorating this maiden Dindi Yatra undertaken by these great saints even today people from the state traditionally carry Padukas (divine sandals) of these great souls in palanquins on their procession to Pandharpur. Upon reaching Pandharpur on Ashadi, these devotees take a holy dip in the sacred River Chandrabhaga before proceeding for the Darshan of Lord Vittala.

Legend has it that Pundalik, an earnest devotee of Vithoba, placed the service of his parents higher than to that of God. He commanded the violent Bhima River not to disturb his sleeping parents. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Vishnu blessed him with a boon, and the river mellowed and now flows silently as the Chandrabhaga in Pandharpur. On appearing at Pundalik's doorstep, Vithoba found Pundalik with his parents sleeping with their heads on his lap. So as his parents do not get disturbed, Pundalik slipped a brick forward. Till date one finds Vithoba standing on that brick, waiting to be entertained by his 'host', at Pandharpur.

The Palkhi procession has remained unbroken since it began  despite wars, famines and floods. More than Fifty Palkhis of saints assemble at Pandharpur every year. In Maharashtra “Varkaris” (predominantly simple farmers) is a big community. They usually undertake 21-day walk after they have completed the sowing process in their fields. In the Ashadi Ekadasi festival, people from every faith and religion participate. Learned sages also come for it. Jnyaneshwar preached the Gita which is considered the highest religious text in Maharashtra.

The 'Bhakti Marg' (the path of devotion) as propounded by Sant Jnyaneshwar, teach us to forget the physical self in pursuit of the Lord. When the Varkaris sing and dance during the pilgrimage, they forget the material world around them.

Along with the Dindi procession, seva to the poor and needy is done reflecting that Lord is in all forms. This is called ‘Seva Dindi’. During the Seva Dindi, the people on pilgrimage undertake selfless service to the poor and needy like Amrut Kalash (Annadhan), Narayan seva, Medical seva, Building & repairing rural infrastructure etc.

Participation in Ashadi Dindi and Seva Dindi helps an individual in many ways by bringing good health, peace & prosperity in his life. Chanting the continuous glory of the God in the Ashadi Dindi procession and Seva Dindi purifies an individual, there is an inner cleansing that takes place in Mind, Body and Spirit and the participants tend to lose their individual identities and experience bliss. It develops all aspects of human personality and helps us understand the true purpose of Life.