By Our Staff Reporter
Pithoragarh, 23 May: In a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing strategic communication, preserving regional culture, and empowering grassroots communities, Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command, inaugurated the first-ever Community Radio Station (CRS) in the Kumaon Sector at Pithoragarh, today.
Titled “Panchshul Pulse”, 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.
Strategically located in the forward region of Pithoragarh, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the International Boundary with Nepal, 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”, the station will feature diverse programming, including the following:
- Discussions on local issues, development needs, and government welfare schemes.
- Interviews with villagers, youth, veterans, women leaders, and Army personnel.
- Cultural shows featuring Kumaoni traditions, folk music, Bollywood and Hindi songs, festivals, and oral histories.
- Awareness programmes on education, healthcare, digital literacy, disaster management, and weather alerts.
- Fact-based information to counter misinformation and hostile narratives impacting border communities.
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.
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.
