(HT)
In a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing communication, preserving regional culture, and empowering grassroots-level communities, Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command, inaugurated the first-ever community radio station, Panchshul Pulse, in the Kumaon sector in Pithoragarh district on Friday, officers aware of the matter said.
While inaugurating the station, Lt Gen Sengupta lauded the efforts behind the initiative and called upon local residents to actively support Panchshul Pulse, enabling it to become the heartbeat of the border communities, uniting people and preserving their unique cultural identity.
Lt Colonel Manish Shrivastava, public relations officer, Defence, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, said, “Named after the majestic Panchshul mountain range, the station reflects the resilience and rooted identity of the border region. The initiative aligns with the government of India’s ‘Vibrant Villages’ programme, which emphasises development, connectivity, and awareness in India’s border areas.” He added that the station marks a pioneering step by the Indian Army to serve as the voice of remote border communities, promote local heritage, and disseminate real-time, accurate information. “It will also act as a key platform to update tourists and locals on weather and road conditions, as well as address community concerns”, he said.
Strategically located in the border region of Pithoragarh, Panchshul Pulse will function as a communication bridge between the Indian Army, civil administration, and residents of remote Himalayan villages. Broadcasting in local dialects, and with the tagline “Hill se Dil Tak”, (from hills to heart) the station will feature diverse programmes.
Manish Singhal, station manager of FM radio station, said, “The radio station aims to create goodwill between inhabitants of border region and Indian army by focusing on history, culture, society, agriculture horticulture and other professions being taken by locals in border region besides highlighting brave soldiers, sportspersons and socio cultural activists from the border region.”
