All India Radio, Nagpur, a pilot station, installed immediately after All India Radio Patna, Cuttack, in very first year of Independence, was the cultural focal point of the then Central Province and Berar Region.
All India Radio, Nagpur opened its inaugural transmission on Friday 16th July, 1948 at 6:30 PM with "Vande-matarame" by Master Krishan Rao, Special messages from Sardar Vallahbhai Patel, the then Minister of Information and Broadcasting to Government of India and from Mangaldas Pakkwasa, the then Governor of Central province and Berar region was broadcast.
Inaugural session of All India Radio, Nagpur was marked by the presence of vertran Master Krishna Rao, Ustad Allauddin Kha Sahib and renowned singer Shanta Apte, Kavi Anil and Rastrasant Tukdoji Maharaj. Pandit Dwarka Prasad Misra was present to grace the occasion and addressed the distinguished gathering.
Major attractions of the First days live broadcast were Patriotic Song by Master Krishna Rao, Khyal and Tumari "Pi Ki boli na bol" by actress and singer Shanta Apte. Poetry recital of Kavi Anil and Khanjari Bhajan by Rastrasant Tukdoji Maharaj.
Regular transmission of All India Radio, Nagpur from 7.30 to 9.00 in the morning and 5.00 to 10.30 in the evening was scheduled from 17th July 1948 with its popular programmes like Ram Ram Mandali (Farm and Home), Nari Niketan (Womens prog.), Balvihar (Children prog.), Marathi and Hindi Radio plays alongwith Classical and light Music Programmes. All India Radio, Nagpur in a very short period., become the most popular media unit, under the dynamic leadership of its first Station Director Shri Umashakar and First Station Engineer Shri Raghwachari.
Head of Office convey Heartly Greetings to all its Listeners , Artists ,the staff and well wishers on the occasion of 70th Anniversary.
Prasar Bharati Parivar wishes all staff and non staff members of AIR Nagpur on its 70th anniversary.
Source : Y.H.Chiwande, HOO