Army Launches Sikkim’s First Border Village Community Radio Station
Introduction of Radio Sikkim Sundari
The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps has inaugurated Sikkim’s inaugural border village community radio station, named ‘88.4 FM Radio Sikkim Sundari.’ This initiative aims to enhance connectivity in remote regions of the state.
Radio Sikkim Sundari is designed to facilitate communication and improve access to information in high-altitude border areas of Sikkim, which often face challenges due to geographic isolation, severe weather conditions, and limited mobile and internet services.
Aims and Objectives
The primary objective of the radio station is to bridge the information gap within these remote communities by offering reliable and timely communication. According to a release from the Army, the station is dedicated to serving the citizens of Sikkim.
Furthermore, the radio station is set to provide a platform that promotes local culture and encourages youth participation. It will also create opportunities for the younger population to develop their communication skills and engage actively with their communities.
Inauguration Ceremony
The inauguration event was attended by senior officers from the Trishakti Corps, civil administration representatives, and local community members, illustrating the collaborative nature of this initiative.
A senior officer from the Army expressed optimism, stating that the initiative will connect communities, amplify local voices, and support development in these remote regions.
Accessibility and Broader Initiatives
While primarily serving the border areas, Radio Sikkim Sundari can also be accessed through the Radio Sikkim Sundari 88.4 FM app available on the Google Play Store, broadening its reach.
The Army’s initiative is part of a larger effort to expand its community radio network across various strategic border regions. Other similar projects include ‘Radio Sangam’ (88.8 FM) in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, ‘Ibex Tarana’ (88.4 FM) in Uttarakhand, which focuses on disaster preparedness and health information, and radio stations in remote regions of Ladakh, such as Drass, Kharu, and Hanle, to address communication challenges caused by geographical barriers.
