Karwar: "The number of radio listeners had come down drastically in recent years. Fortunately, the number went up after Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 'Mann ki Baat' programme. His show motivated people to listen to the radio, an effective medium of communication", said MLA Roopali Naik.

Speaking during the silver jubilee celebration of Karwar Akashvani at the Akashvani Kendra premises in Kajubag in Karwar on Sunday evening, she said that Karwar Akashvani had successfully completed 25 years due to the efforts of many persons and they all need to be appreciated during this milestone.

"I listen to Akashvani even now. My uncle who was in the Forest Department was a regular listener of radio. He used to often listen to the news. Now, even I listen to radio while I am travelling in my car. All the programmes of Karwar Akashvani, especially agriculture programmes, are quite useful and informative", she said.

Baad Shivaji College of Education Principal Shivanand Nayak said that the Akashvani Kendra in Karwar had faced many ups and downs in its journey of 25 years. But it could grow in spite of all these issues due to the honest efforts of the cultural and creative minds behind it. He lauded Karwar Akashvani for broadcasting shows which cater to all the sections of the people in a city which is multi-cultural.

Karwar Akashvani Kendra Programme Head H B Ramadagi said that earlier, the signal capacity of the Kendra was two kilowatts. Now, it had been extended to five kilowatts and this had helped in expanding the network to Ankola, Kumta, Yellapur and Joida taluks. This had resulted in an increase in the number of listeners and hence, the responsibility on the Kendra had also escalated. 

He added that providing information and education to people along with entertainment was their main aim.

Prior to the formal programme, Govindgowda and troupe presented Gumatepang show and Padmavathi Gowda and troupe presented folk songs. After the stage programme, artistes of Halakki and Siddi communities presented various cultural programmes.

Neera and troupe sang the welcome song. Kendra Programme anchor Annapoorna Hugar compered the programme. Information & Public Relations Officer Himanthraju G, programme producers Florine Rosh, Deepak Shenvi, Gaja Surangekar, Shivanand Nayak, Krishnanand Nayak, Devidas Nayak, Sandhya Mangeshkar and others were present.