Community radios go where Odisha can’t, help raise awareness

BHUBANESWAR: In the hinterlands of Odisha, where tribals do not have exposure to information, community radios are trying to fill that void. They have been providing updates on Covid-19 and sensitising villagers about preventive methods to keep the virus at bay.
As many as 13 community radio stations have adopted nearby villages to keep them updated about Covid through their campaign ‘Nua Sakalara Katha’ (story of a new dawn) and help villagers practice wearing mask, maintain social distancing and wash hands regularly. The campaign has received support from the US Consulate General in Hyderabad and Young India, an NGO.
“These radio stations have adopted 81 villages to generate awareness among communities to deliver key messages on quarantine, social distancing, use of mask, proper handwashing and prevent misinformation. People of 55 out of 81 villages are wearing masks and process is underway to ensure other villages follow suit,” said NA Shah Ansari, national adviser of Community Radio Association, India.
Some of these community radios who are the forefront in this battle against Covid are Radio Swayamshakti in Nuapada district, Radio Surabhi in Nayagarh, Radio Dhimsa in Koraput, Radio Hirakhand in Sambalpur and Radio Upakaar in Keonjhar.
“Many hilly and tribal areas are not served by mainstream media. Moreover, many speak local dialect and they are not confident in other languages. We broadcast content in their own language for better understanding,” said Biswajit Padhi, station CEO, Radio Swayamshakti.
Radio Surabhi team has played a vital role in creating awareness among tribal communities in villages of Nayagarh district. During the initial phase of the lockdown, the tribal people who had migrated to cities for livelihood, had started returning their native places. “Our listeners group had informed the local administration about the returnees. As a result spread of Covid could be stopped. Innovative radio programmes were aired in local language to sensitize the tribals,” said Smita Sahoo, station-in-charge of Radio Surabhi.