November 16th 2006, is not only a historic day for these communities but for all of the country who are committed to media democratization and the realization of a three-tiered media structure--public, private and community; based on principles of equity and  inclusiveness.

During the 11 and half years of struggle the community radio movement witnessed several ups and downs before the November 16th endorsement by the government. In 2004, the ministry of Information and  Broadcasting initiated a consultative process to determine an enabling environment for community radio in the country. Through this process, a consensus document was ratified and taken up by the I & B ministry.

But many more hurdles remained to be crossed before the reality of  community radio was to find tangible expression. A consultative  parliamentary committee was set up to take the issue. Subsequently a  group of ministers was set up to take the issue forward. More than a  year passed since their appointment leading many to believe that  community radio would always be a case of so near and yet so far. But ultimately there was light at the end of the tunnel.

The light was amplified by community groups of the poor like Kutch  Mahila Vikas Sanghatan, Namma Dhwani, VOICES, Deccan Development  Society, and others who used narrow casting, cable radio and buying  time from All India Radio to ensure that voices of the poor were not  overwhelmed by the sound of silence. It is their voices that are the  true inheritors of community radio in the country today.

Underlying their efforts were networking, lobbying and advocacy  initiatives that emerged- albeit late in the day. Collaborations with  academia and other social movements strengthened and reinforced the  relevance of community radio. Voice was acknowledged as critical  ingredient in poverty eradication. The question is "Who's voice?"  Ultimately Gandhiji's wisdom that radio is 'shakthi' seems to have prevailed. India needs to now strengthen the Mahatma's vision that the
excluded take their due place in the country's guidance through the  power and force of community radio wave.

For further information please contact:

 Ashish Sen
 Director
 VOICES, Bangalore, India
 email: voice@vsnl.com