149/2026-2027

"All India Radio Aizawl is not merely a broadcaster of news; it has been a trusted friend and companion of the Mizo people. While disseminating information in the Mizo language, it has also played a vital role in preserving and promoting the language. Owing to its extensive reach, it has significantly contributed to fostering unity among Zo people."

— Lalduhoma, Chief Minister

Aizawl, 8 June 2026: Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma today attended the celebration marking the 90th anniversary of All India Radio (AIR) and the 60th anniversary of All India Radio Aizawl Station.

The Chief Minister inaugurated the Jubilee Commemorative Stone at AIR Aizawl Station and participated in a brief interview session at the Drama Studio, during which he also selected a song. He later attended the main commemorative function held at Vanapa Hall as the Chief Guest.

In his speech, the Chief Minister stated that the completion of 90 years of All India Radio is a milestone of great significance for the nation. For a long period, Akashvani was the only mass communication medium available in the country. From the time India attained Independence until today, it has served as an invaluable platform for both the government and the people.

AIR Aizawl Station was established on 31 July 1966 with a 150-watt transmitter. Although broadcasts were initially limited to evening programmes, the station quickly became an integral part of people's lives and earned their trust and affection.

Reflecting on the difficult years of unrest in Mizoram, he noted that curfews were frequent and often prolonged. During those challenging times, AIR Aizawl became a vital source of comfort, information, and connection for the people. For many who were unable to gather in churches, listening to hymns and devotional programmes through the radio provided spiritual strength and encouragement.

“Therefore, All India Radio Aizawl is not merely a broadcaster of news; it has been a trusted friend and companion of the Mizo people,” he said.

The Chief Minister further stated that AIR Aizawl has served as an exemplary institution in promoting the proper use of the Mizo language. Through its careful editorial standards and responsible broadcasting, it has earned the trust of the public while simultaneously preserving and strengthening the language.

He also highlighted the station's contribution to strengthening bonds among Zo communities beyond India's borders. Owing to the wide reach of its broadcasts, listeners in neighbouring Myanmar and Bangladesh have long been able to tune in, thereby fostering a greater sense of unity among Zo people and encouraging the wider use of their common language.

The Chief Minister congratulated AIR Aizawl News Editors Pu H.C. Vanlalruata and Pu Issac Zoramsanga, who received the 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Award in 2025. He noted that they are believed to be the first Mizos to receive such a prestigious honour and said that their achievement has opened a new chapter in the history of journalism in Mizoram while bringing recognition to the Mizo people on the global stage. Their success, he added, reflects the high standards and quality of AIR Aizawl.

Addressing journalists and media professionals, the Chief Minister encouraged them to intensify efforts to project Mizoram's stories, achievements, and perspectives to the wider world. He observed that with the inclusion of the Mizo language in Google's translation systems, Artificial Intelligence now enables easier translation of Mizo into other languages, creating new opportunities for wider dissemination of information.

He also noted that the rapid growth of social media platforms has created an environment in which people receive far more information than ever before. While this has many positive aspects, it also presents challenges, including the spread of misinformation and unverified content. In such circumstances, he said, AIR Aizawl, other media houses, and particularly government-accredited journalists must continue to serve as reliable sources of accurate and trustworthy information.

The Chief Minister remarked that he is among those who have personally witnessed the immense value and contribution of AIR Aizawl over the past six decades. He expressed gratitude, on behalf of the people of Mizoram, to all those who have served the station since its inception and commended those who continue to carry forward its legacy with dedication.

At the function held at Vanapa Hall, Dr. Lalropuia, Director and Cluster Head, delivered the welcome address. The programme also featured a screening of an All India Radio documentary, performances by veteran and emerging artistes, and a costume parade. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Pu Biakchungnunga, Head of Programme.

Background: A Brief History of All India Radio

The origins of radio broadcasting in India date back to 1923, when the Radio Club of Bombay launched the country's first radio service. Similar initiatives subsequently emerged in Madras and Calcutta. In 1927, the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) was established, operating stations in Bombay and Calcutta. However, the company ceased operations in 1930.

On 1 April 1930, the British Government assumed responsibility for broadcasting and established the Indian State Broadcasting Service. On 8 June 1936, it was renamed All India Radio (AIR).

During India's freedom movement, particularly around 1942, underground Congress Radio broadcasts played an influential role in mobilising public sentiment in support of independence.

In 1957, AIR officially adopted the name Akashvani, meaning "Voice from the Sky." Today, it is one of the largest radio networks in the world and among the most extensive multilingual broadcasting services. It broadcasts in 23 languages and over 146 dialects, covering approximately 92 per cent of India's geographical area and reaching nearly 98 per cent of its population.

According to the Digital News Report 2024 published by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford University, Akashvani News was ranked among the most trusted news sources in India.

The same year that AIR adopted the name Akashvani, Mizo-language programming was launched from Gauhati on 1 April 1957. Subsequently, on 31 July 1966, All India Radio Aizawl Station was established with a 150-watt transmitter, marking the beginning of dedicated radio broadcasting services in Mizoram.