When Kannadigas living in Jath taluk of Sangli district in Maharashtra switch their FM Radio at 9:30 a.m. every day, they are sure of listening to their favourite programmes.
These programmes are anchored either by Ramesh Kundle or Ravi Kulkarni in Kannada language in ‘Yerala Vani’, 91.2 FM radio channel, which are loved by Kannadigas living in the area.
This community radio station run by an NGO has been attracting Kannadigas living in this area for the last three years with its innovative, informative and entertaining programmes.
“Working in Kannada for Kannadigas in Maharashtra is just a great feeling. It is like remaining connected to our routes strongly”, said Ramesh Kundla, a Radio Jockey (RJ) who is working for Yerala Vani since its establishment.
He said that though the Radio station airs ten-hour programme every day from 6:00 a.m. which include Kannada and Marathi programmes. Enthusiasm is, however, more for Kannada than Marathi programmes.
“When we air Kannada live programmes, we receive countless phones, but when similar programme is aired in Marathi, the number goes down substantially. This is because, a majority of people living in bordering district are Kannadigas”, said, Ravi Kulkarni, another RJ.
Both RJ’s said that FM radio has been working with the objective of giving information and entertainment to the people, mainly the students and farmers on various issues.
Mr. Kulkarni said that the programmes are varied in nature, such as broadcasting old Kannada songs, quiz competition for students and informative programmes for farmers.
Proudly declaring that the FM radio channel has tremendous appreciation, Narayan Deshpande, the Projection Secretary said that the Unique Selling Preposition (USP) of the channel is the flexibility in bringing changes in the presentation based on the need and suggestion of the listeners.
He said that the FM channel is equally popular among Marathi people who understand Kannada.
“We indeed more focus on Kannadigas as the district has their majority, however, the objective is never to discriminate between Marathas and Kannadigas in any way. That is why we air nearly per cent programme in Marathi”, he said.
