Suhail Khan
‘This is Radio Chinar’!
This was the first voice I heard this morning. The name ‘Radio Chinar’ gave me goosebumps. It is for the first time that anything attributed to Sopore is looking good- said Rakib, a young artist from Sopore.
Rakib wants to perform and sing a song for the people of Sopore. He wants his voice to be heard over the FM radio. He wants to showcase his talent and make his parents proud.
The Indian army in Sopore has started a community based FM radio in Sopore in order to provide a platform to the young artists who want to explore in this world.
Coming up with such ideas where people in large will be benefitted, and especially hidden talent will be boosted is the need of hour and anyone with such noble ideas must be encouraged.
Last month Army in Sopore organised many such events where youth not only will given a platform to show their hidden talent but to boost them too.
Establishment of a community radio in Sopore is one such step taken by the army.
Army said that FM radio was started keeping in mind the young people who want to excel in their field but don’t have any platform where they can perform. We want to explore their hidden talent and share it with the people around.
The youngsters need a platform where they can sing talk about their profession, share their experiences, express themselves and stay away from social evils. This FM in Sopore is absolutely for all those people who want to express themselves in a better way.
The FM shall also tackle the rising menace of substance abuse, drug abuse and other social evils pertaining in our society by raising awareness, holding talk shows, counseling sessions etc.
Like Rakib, there are thousands of youngsters who want to hear their voice, perform and showcase their talent but couldn’t fulfill their dreams either due to no resources or broadcast stations away from their town. But Radio Chinar has given them a ray of hope, wings to their dreams. Let us hope for a better change in north Kashmir’s Sopore- once a hot bed of militancy.
The chief guest on the occasion was General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the Srinagar-based XV Corps, Lt Gen B S Raju, besides senior army officials, civil officers were present on the occasion.
Talking with media Lt Gen B S Raju said that its really a great step which we can term a big achievement especially in Sopore. He said Sopore once being a militancy hub now scenario has completely changed and this radio station is big example where youth will lead this town towards positive change.
He said that coming times two more radio stations will be opened in northern region of Kashmir.
The GOC said that this was my dream project and it took almost 6 months to complete and finally it’s a opening day in north Kashmir’ too , he said earlier one radio station Radio Rabita already won hearts of people in south Kashmir.
The GOC further said that changing behaviour of people of valley will make a difference now.
