The Community Radio Centre (CRC) in rural areas was quite new and revolutionary. It was perhaps the first-time that village youth saw a radio in a new format. Even after interviewing various local talented youth, they got the opportunity to expose their hidden talents and share their respective expertise. The concept of a single radio station became irrelevant. In almost all the villages, we saw "Radio Youth Ki Awaz"—a platform for local youth, taking on a very important role in highlighting, discussing, and debating contemporary issues related to development, youth, and society. Social leaders, activists, writers, academics, community leaders, youth leaders, student representatives, and people from a variety of backgrounds from different parts of Kashmir are invited to participate in this.

The role of radio is unavoidable. You hear different voices through which awareness and expert opinions are provided. More importantly, the new format of radio introduced by the Army in Kashmir has been enjoyed by the youth and audience through the internet as well. In Kashmir, this radio was and still is the first platform provided by the Indian Army to the local youth at their doorsteps. Hence, it bridges the gap between the youth, the voice of the Awaam, and the Jawaan for the following main reasons:
Primarily, radio (Community Radio Station) is a platform to highlight inspirational and success stories, stories of experts, and stories from different sectors through which the local population gains awareness of various topics from local experts and is engaged and inspired by others as well.
Secondly, it has become a part of the local communication system. Young people enjoy participating, making reels, and uploading them on social media. It has also minimized communication gaps within the communities. It is becoming a popular place for photography as well. These stations are well-equipped and have expert staff, and they are going viral among the locals as well as throughout Kashmir.
Importantly, the participants are youth with different stories. There are various Community Radio Centres in the valley now, and they are performing well; however, some immediate steps need to be taken. One such step is to make these stations more public. There must be a platform at the core or top level that will cater to all radio stations and fulfill local demands. Registration of local influencers, writers, poets, speakers, and social workers must be enlisted in all these radio stations. Meetings with the local Awaam through the Radio should be conducted. Local students should get a chance to learn about the radio and its role. The success is good, but we need to proliferate more content and include more locale-oriented youth and talent.
Last but not least, gratitude to the Indian Army for launching this noble initiative. What I can simply suggest is to provide one Center at the sector level and connect intellectual youth through radio. Currently, there is only one language, Urdu; I request the introduction of English, Kashmiri, and Gojri languages as well. These can be catered to in different episodes on the same station. This way, the majority of the people will be covered. Radio is new, and watching radio through social media is enjoyable. The difference we feel, the difference we create, and the difference we must be.

Email:------------------vadaiekashmir@gmail.com