It is pity that with the advent of TV, the once much-sought-after radio sets are now found either in a state of disrepair or in places where condemned materials pile up (“An ode to the radio of yesteryear”, Open Page, Aug. 7). I have been a radio fan since the late fifties and inevitably include a transistor set in my luggage whenever I travel. Not a single day passes without me tuning in to the broadcasting station after my heart, Radio Ceylon Hindi section. With a transistor radio set by my side, I never feel alone.
Seshagiri Row,
Hyderabad
Even in my sixties I cannot forget the Murphy set of my childhood that provided my family with endless hours of entertainment. Unlike the “instant start” of the later transistors, this was a valve set that took its own sweet time to start. I still remember the chirpy, lively announcements made by Ameen Sayani on Wednesday nights on “Binaca Geet Mala”. Whenever I think of that Murphy radio set, I remember that beautiful song, “When I was young, I'd listen to the radio...” by Karen Carpenter.
M.P. Menon,
Chennai
The article on radio brought back many memories of the days when valve sets were held sacrosanct by the family elders and not to be touched by curious youngsters. So, a few classmates and I saved up our pocket money to assemble a crystal radio. The first thrilling strains of sound were received from the Voice of America and our excitement knew no bounds. Whenever I look at my son's minuscule iPod, I secretly recall the simple joy of discovery our children miss these days.
P. Ramraj,
Erode
