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Radio is a true mass media, says Archana Kapoor

02-Jul-2012

Archana Kapoor, Director of Radio Mewat recalls her stint with documentary film-making and how she went on to set up community radio station in considerably backward region of Mewat.

Archana Kapoor never planned her life, she always followed her heart instead. That is the reason why she left her job as an administrator with ONGC in Delhi in 1989, and joined the faculty at the Institute of Entrepreneurial Development in Lucknow. In 1990, Kapoor decided to do something on her own and took up the job of translating a documentary from Hindi to english for Amarjeet Singh of Cineindia. “I liked the fact that every subject for a documentary is different and equally exciting. The first one I made was based on the status of the National Literacy Programme,” informs Kapoor.

“While filming the life of the weavers, I got so involved that I wanted to do something for their upliftment. Hence I foarchanakapoor_400unded a non-government organisation called Seeking Modern Applications for Real Transformation that works with the marginalised communities,” says Kapoor.

Again, not fond of leaving things in between, two years back, Kapoor formed a community radio in Mewat, 70 kilometers from Delhi, called Radio Mewat. “Many years back, when I visited the area for work, no one wanted to feature in the film. The reel was taken out and never given back. Today, when the members of Radio Mewat visit the area hospitals and households, women are happy to voice their opinions,” says Kapoor. “Radio is an active, live medium and a true mass media. Mewat gives me lot of energy and I look at myself as a catalyst for change,” she adds.

“There is a Chotu chaiwala in Mewat who is proud owner of a radio set. When the radio jockey (RJ) of Radio Mewat went to this chai shop where the people from the nearby houses gather to listen to the programmes of our community radio, Chotu promptly said that he has been requesting the RJ to play two songs but in vain so kindly play his favourites in the next programme,” says Kapoor.

Kapoor feels that Radio Mewat has empowered the downtrodden people of Mewat either by hiring youngsters as RJs or with adults who remain hooked to their radios to listen to a programme made for them and by them. “It has followed its own curve that has been fascinating. The movie called Green Mile has been a great inspiration in this journey,” says Kapoor.

The curve that has been full of empowerment, voicing the opinions and learning was recently rewarded. Radio Mewat was given a national award under the sustainability model category of the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Edited for EK duniya anEK awaaz

To read full text, please see Hindustan Times