Public Service Broadcasting Day – 12th November

Public Service Broadcasting Day – 12th November

Public Service Broadcasting Day is observed every year on November 12 to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s historic radio address in 1947. On this day, Gandhi visited the Broadcasting House in New Delhi and addressed the grief-stricken Indians displaced by Partition, broadcasting a special message during the Deepawali festival. Gandhi was accompanied by Freedom Fighter Rajkumari Amrit Kaur during this visit. Initially hesitant, Gandhi was persuaded by Ghanshyam Das Birla to speak, later describing radio as a “miraculous power”. His daily prayer meetings were recorded and are preserved in the Prasar Bharati Archives.

In 2000, Sushma Swaraj, then Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, declared November 12 as Public Service Broadcasting Day. Since then, Akashvani celebrates the day with special programs and events that honor Gandhi’s legacy.

In 2023, on the 100th episode of Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Akashvani dedicated the studio where Gandhi delivered his message as the ‘Bapu Studio’. The studio now houses Gandhi’s speech recordings and memorabilia.

The day highlights the role of radio in promoting unity and public service, carrying forward Gandhi’s ideals of non-violence and truth. It serves as a reminder of the power of media in shaping national progress.