Public Service Broadcasting Day 2025: Every year, November 12 is celebrated across India as Public Service Broadcasting Day (Lok Prasaran Diwas). This day commemorates the historic moment when Mahatma Gandhi addressed the nation through All India Radio (AIR) on November 12, 1947. It was Gandhi’s first and only radio broadcast, carrying a message of compassion and hope for the refugees suffering during the Partition.
A Historic Day in Indian Broadcasting
On November 12, 1947, Mahatma Gandhi visited the Broadcasting House in New Delhi. He could not travel to Kurukshetra to meet the refugees who had migrated from Pakistan after Partition, so he chose to speak to them through the radio.
It was Diwali Day, and his message spread like a ray of light across a nation torn by violence and grief. Freedom fighter Rajkumari Amrit Kaur accompanied Gandhi during this broadcast.
Gandhi’s Heartfelt Message
The message Gandhi delivered through All India Radio was filled with deep emotion and humanity. He said:
“My distressed brothers and sisters,
I do not know if only you are listening or others too,
but my message is for you.
I understand your pain.
What has happened is truly tragic.
But now, we must rise above hatred and revenge,
and move forward with love and tolerance.
Our faith teaches us to hold on to humanity even in the hardest of times.
I pray that peace fills your hearts, and you find the strength to rebuild your lives.”
This message became a source of comfort for countless refugees and reminded the entire nation that even amid hatred and violence, the voice of humanity must prevail.
Radio as a Divine Power
In his address, Gandhi described radio as a divine power of God, capable of connecting people’s hearts, bridging distances, and spreading compassion.
The Hindustan Times published a headline the next day:
“Mahatma Gandhi Calls Radio a Miraculous Power of God.”
Following this, recordings of Gandhi’s prayer meetings also began — these precious archives are still preserved by Prasar Bharati.
Origin of Public Service Broadcasting Day
The observance of Lok Prasaran Diwas was officially declared in 2000 by then Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Sushma Swaraj, based on the suggestion of Suhas Borker, convenor of the Jan Prasar initiative.
Since then, All India Radio (AIR) has commemorated this day annually with special programs, devotional songs, and discussions dedicated to Gandhi’s ideals.
‘Bapu Studio’ – A Living Legacy
In 2023, on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 100th episode of “Mann Ki Baat”, All India Radio dedicated the very same studio where Gandhi had spoken in 1947 as “Bapu Studio.”
The studio now houses recordings, photographs, and memorabilia from Gandhi’s visit — a living tribute to his message of peace and compassion.
Role of Public Broadcasting
Public Service Broadcasting Day is not merely a remembrance; it’s a celebration of the core purpose of public media — to inform, educate, and empower.
All India Radio and Doordarshan remain India’s largest public broadcasters, serving millions through reliable information and educational content.
Even in today’s digital era, amidst the dominance of private media and social platforms, Prasar Bharati continues to uphold the values of public interest, truth, and accessibility.
For rural and remote regions, AIR still serves as a vital source of information and inspiration, now reaching new audiences through its digital platforms.
Relevance of Gandhi’s Ideals in Modern Media
In today’s rapidly changing media landscape, Gandhi’s principles of truth, compassion, and unbiased communication have become more relevant than ever.
Public Service Broadcasting Day reminds us that the true purpose of media is not profit, but public service — to unite, to enlighten, and to uphold humanity.
Public Service Broadcasting Day stands as a symbol of truthful communication, empathy, and unity.
It reminds us that the essence of broadcasting lies in service to society — a principle that Mahatma Gandhi envisioned more than seven decades ago and one that continues to inspire India’s public media today.
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