It was Children's Turn on Radio in Bhopal

by Anil Gulati

It was second Sunday of December and reins of all the programs broadcast by the All India Radio Bhopal were in hands of children. The occasion was to mark International Children's Broadcasting day. Right from the early morning greetings (Vande Mataram) children managed all the programs through out the day. Whether it was thought of the day or news, or conducting proceedings of the day it was children who managed the show and that too immaculately. Various drama and song based programs were also aired the same day which were based on the theme.
The International Children's Day of Broadcasting was launched in 1992 to provide a day that allows children to be seen and heard on the airwaves. It is now celebrated around the world on Second Sunday of December every year.

The theme for this year's International Children's Day of Broadcasting was Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS. AIR Bhopal and UNICEF in an effort to bring voice of children to forefront support children to be as anchors, presenters, and even producers on this occasion.

To take the enthusiasm forward All India Radio in partnership with UNICEF had organized a special children's evening with Governor of Madhya Pradesh at Bhopal on December 19, 2006. More than 250 children from districts of Bhopal, Guna, Shivpuri and Hoshangabad of Madhya Pradesh participated. It was an opportunity for them to speak and also showcase their talent. The entire programme was managed by children. Children had an opportunity to question and raise their concern with Honorable Governor of Madhya Pradesh i.e. head of the state on issues which impact them. A group of school children participating in the programme questioned Governor about issues like child labor, HIV/AIDS, education for girls, facilities for poor children, disabled and children affected with HIV/AIDS. Governor candidly replied to their questions.
Dr Balram Jhakar Governor of Madhya Pradesh, UNICEF State Representative Hamid El Bashir and AIR Station Director also spoke on the day. Governor in his address to children at the occasion said that future of country lies in their hands. He called on the Government on the need to protect them give them all they deserved. He urged state to help overcome poverty, child labor and make sure that every child goes to school.

Hamid El Bashir State Representative of UNICEF's office for Madhya Pradesh spoke on the theme of the broadcasting day. He in his address spoke on the rights of children affected and impacted by HIV/AIDS and a need for them to be protected. He spoke on the impact of HIV/AIDS on children and about the campaign Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS. He added that the campaign calls for the young people of Madhya Pradesh and the rest of India to become alive to the cause of children affected by HIV/AIDS, to alert society to the reality that HIV/AIDS which is robbing tens of millions of children of their childhood. A copy of UNICEF's State of World's Children report 2007 was also presented to the Governor. Ms Salina Singh Project Director Madhya Pradesh State Aids Control Society, Mrs. Asha Shukla, Station Director All India Radio were also present at the occasion. In addition to this events AIR Bhopal also undertakes a regular weekly programme for children which is aired around the year.