Sahil Manzoor Bhatti
In an era dominated by smartphones, social media and artificial intelligence, it is easy to assume that older technologies have lost their relevance. Yet, some inventions possess a timeless appeal that transcends generations. Radio is one such invention. Despite the rapid growth of digital communication, radio continues to speak to the heart, offering companionship, information and comfort in ways that modern gadgets often cannot.
Since the advent of science and technology, the world has undergone extraordinary transformation. Life has become faster, easier and more interconnected than ever before. We now live in what is often described as a global village, where information travels across continents within seconds. Modern technology has revolutionized communication, transport, education, healthcare and entertainment. Massive infrastructure projects that once required years to complete are now accomplished in a fraction of the time.
Yet, amid this digital revolution, radio continues to hold a unique place in people’s lives. While smartphones provide endless streams of content and social media keeps us constantly connected, radio offers something increasingly rare: simplicity, authenticity and a personal connection.
The Golden Days of Radio
For those who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, radio was more than an electronic device. It was a member of the family. As a child, I remember waking up to the sound of radio programmes that filled our home with music, stories and news. Families gathered around radio sets to listen together, creating moments of togetherness that are difficult to replicate in today’s screen dominated world.
Popular programmes such as Cricket Commentary, Hello Farmaish, Sakhi Saheli, Hawa Mahal, Gaane Naye Zamane Ke, Sheherbeen and various Gojri broadcasts attracted loyal listeners across Jammu and Kashmir. People eagerly waited for their favourite programmes and discussed them with friends and neighbours.
Radio was present everywhere. Shopkeepers listened while attending customers. Drivers tuned in during long journeys. Farmers carried radios to the fields. It was affordable, accessible and available to everyone regardless of age, education or social status.
As legendary broadcaster Edward R. Murrow once observed, “Radio is the most intimate and socially personal medium in the world.”
The Story of Radio in Kashmir
The history of radio in Kashmir is both rich and inspiring. Radio Kashmir Srinagar was established on July 1, 1948, when Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, then Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, inaugurated the station near the Tourist Reception Centre in Srinagar. Situated near Zero Bridge, the station soon emerged as a trusted voice of the Valley.
J. N. Zutshi served as its first Director General, while Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din became the first station head. Over time, Radio Kashmir Srinagar evolved into a powerful institution that informed, educated and entertained generations of listeners.
One of its most celebrated programmes was Zoon Dab, written by renowned playwright Pushkar Bhan. Running for nearly two decades, the programme became part of everyday life in countless Kashmiri households.
Preserving Kashmir’s Cultural Heritage
One of radio’s greatest contributions has been its role in preserving Kashmiri culture, language and traditions. Long before the arrival of digital platforms, radio provided local artists with a stage to showcase their talent.
The legendary Ghulam Hassan Sofi became a household name through radio broadcasts. His soulful renditions of Kashmiri songs touched the hearts of listeners across the Valley. Through All India Radio Srinagar, numerous singers, poets, dramatists and storytellers found audiences far beyond their villages and towns.
Even today, radio remains one of the few platforms that regularly broadcasts traditional Kashmiri music and cultural programmes. At a time when global entertainment often dominates public attention, radio continues to protect and promote local heritage.
Radio During the 2014 Kashmir Floods
Perhaps the strongest reminder of radio’s importance came during the devastating floods that struck Kashmir in September 2014. As communication networks collapsed and electricity supplies failed, radio emerged as the most reliable source of information.
While television channels went off air and internet services became inaccessible, Radio Kashmir Srinagar continued broadcasting. The station became a crucial link between flood affected communities and the administration.
People relied on radio to locate missing relatives, seek assistance and receive updates about rescue operations. Even after floodwaters entered the station premises, staff members continued broadcasting from a temporary facility on Shankaracharya Hill.
The episode demonstrated a lesson that remains relevant today: when sophisticated technology fails, radio often continues to serve.
The Enduring Charm of Radio
What makes radio special in the age of smartphones?
Unlike screens that constantly demand attention, radio allows people to listen while working, travelling or relaxing. It stimulates imagination because listeners create their own mental pictures while hearing stories, dramas and commentaries.
Radio also creates a unique emotional bond. The familiar voice of an announcer can feel like a trusted friend sharing news, music and stories. This personal connection is difficult to replicate through algorithms and scrolling feeds.
Its simplicity remains another strength. Radio does not require expensive devices, high speed internet or complicated applications. A small radio set can connect a listener to the world.
Media scholar Marshall McLuhan captured this quality perfectly when he said, “Radio affects most people intimately, person to person.”
Radio in the Digital Era
Contrary to predictions of its decline, radio has successfully adapted to modern times. Many radio stations now stream online, allowing listeners to tune in from anywhere in the world. FM stations continue to attract loyal audiences, while podcasts have introduced a new generation to the power of audio storytelling.
Millions of people now listen to podcasts during commutes, exercise sessions and daily routines. In many ways, podcasts represent the digital evolution of traditional radio, proving that the human desire to listen remains as strong as ever.
Radio also continues to play an important role in public awareness campaigns. Educational programmes, weather alerts, health advisories and agricultural guidance still reach remote communities through radio broadcasts. In many rural areas, radio remains the most dependable and accessible medium of communication.
A Personal Connection
In my own home, radio continues to occupy a special place. My father, Mr. Ghulam Mohammad Bhatti, remains a devoted listener. Unlike many people of his generation, he has little interest in smartphones, social media or modern television.
For him, radio offers comfort, familiarity and trust. Through radio, he remains connected with the world while enjoying the simplicity that modern technology often lacks.
Watching him listen reminds me that progress does not always mean replacing the old with the new. Sometimes the most enduring inventions are those that continue to touch human emotions.
Conclusion
In the age of smartphones, radio still speaks to the heart. It continues to inform, educate, entertain and inspire millions of people around the world. It has preserved cultures, connected communities and served as a lifeline during times of crisis.
Technology will continue to evolve, bringing newer and more sophisticated devices. Yet radio’s enduring appeal lies not in technological superiority but in its ability to create human connection.
Its voice carries memories of the past, companionship in the present and hope for the future. As long as people seek stories, music, knowledge and connection, radio will remain more than a device. It will remain a trusted friend.
