Akashvani Swar Prerna Veethika launch marks 90 years of India’s public broadcasting legacy. Learn about the initiative, its significance, legendary musicians honoured, exam highlights, MCQs, FAQs, and key facts for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and State PSC exams.
Introduction
Marking a significant milestone in India’s cultural and broadcasting history, Akashvani (formerly All India Radio) has launched ‘Swar Prerna Veethika’, a dedicated photo gallery celebrating the lives and contributions of India’s legendary musicians. The initiative is part of Akashvani’s 90th anniversary celebrations and also serves as a prelude to the centenary of radio broadcasting in India in 2027. The gallery was inaugurated by renowned flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia at the Akashvani Bhavan in New Delhi. The initiative aims to preserve India’s rich musical heritage and inspire future generations of musicians and music lovers.
Purpose Behind ‘Swar Prerna Veethika’
‘Swar Prerna Veethika’ has been conceptualized as a tribute to the legendary artistes who made immense contributions to Indian music and maintained a long association with Akashvani. Over the past nine decades, Akashvani has played a vital role in promoting Indian classical, folk, devotional, and regional music by providing a national platform to thousands of artists.
The gallery symbolizes gratitude towards these musicians whose performances enriched India’s cultural landscape and helped establish Akashvani as one of the country’s most respected cultural institutions.
Grand Inauguration by Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia
The gallery was inaugurated by Padma Vibhushan awardee Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, one of India’s most celebrated flautists. Speaking at the event, he described Akashvani as his “musical home,” recalling that his journey as an artist began through Akashvani’s Children’s Programme.
His presence added immense significance to the event, reflecting the broadcaster’s long-standing relationship with India’s finest musicians.
Twenty Legendary Musicians Honoured
In its first phase, the gallery showcases portraits of 20 distinguished musicians representing diverse traditions of Indian music.
Among the Bharat Ratna awardees honoured are:
- M.S. Subbulakshmi
- Lata Mangeshkar
- Pandit Ravi Shankar
- Ustad Bismillah Khan
- Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
- Dr. Bhupen Hazarika
The gallery also features Padma Vibhushan recipients such as Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, and Ustad Allauddin Khan, along with several eminent Padma Bhushan awardees from classical vocal, instrumental music, dance, and folk traditions.
Akashvani’s Role in Preserving Indian Culture
Since its establishment, Akashvani has remained India’s premier public service broadcaster. It has introduced countless artists to national audiences and has preserved rare recordings of classical and folk performances.
Today, Akashvani continues this mission through digital initiatives like:
- Raagam – Dedicated to Hindustani classical music.
- Aaradhana – Focused on devotional music.
These channels are available through YouTube, the News-on-Air App, and the WAVES OTT platform, ensuring wider access to India’s cultural heritage.
Expansion Plans
Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi announced that this gallery represents only the first phase of the project. Additional portraits of eminent musicians will be added in future phases. Similar galleries dedicated to regional musical legends are also planned at Akashvani centres across India.
This expansion aims to recognize regional artists and strengthen awareness about India’s diverse musical traditions.
Cultural Importance
The inauguration of Swar Prerna Veethika demonstrates India’s continued commitment to preserving intangible cultural heritage. Public broadcasters like Akashvani have played an indispensable role in documenting music, encouraging young talent, and ensuring that India’s artistic traditions remain accessible to future generations.
The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to celebrate India’s cultural identity as the nation approaches the centenary of radio broadcasting.
Why This News is Important
Important for Art and Culture Section
Questions related to Indian classical music, cultural institutions, and government initiatives frequently appear in UPSC, State PSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and Teaching examinations. This initiative highlights the government’s commitment to preserving India’s artistic traditions and therefore becomes an important current affairs topic.
Highlights Public Service Broadcasting
Akashvani has been one of India’s most influential public broadcasters. Through its music broadcasts, educational programmes, and news services, it has significantly contributed to national integration and cultural preservation. Understanding its role helps aspirants answer questions related to Indian media and public institutions.
Important Personalities for Exams
The event honours several Bharat Ratna and Padma awardees including M.S. Subbulakshmi, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Lata Mangeshkar, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Bhimsen Joshi, and Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. Questions regarding their contributions often appear in competitive examinations.
Government’s Cultural Preservation Efforts
The initiative reflects India’s ongoing efforts to preserve intangible cultural heritage through institutions like Prasar Bharati and Akashvani. Such initiatives are relevant for questions on government policies, culture, and heritage conservation.
Historical Context
Evolution of Radio Broadcasting in India
Radio broadcasting in India began during the 1920s under private operators before becoming a government-controlled service. In 1936, the network was officially named All India Radio (AIR). The name Akashvani was formally adopted in 1956, becoming synonymous with public broadcasting in India.
Contribution to Indian Music
For nearly nine decades, Akashvani has served as the primary platform for promoting Indian classical, folk, devotional, regional, and light music. Legendary artists regularly performed on its programmes, helping preserve traditional music and introducing it to millions of listeners across the country.
Cultural Legacy
Akashvani’s archives today represent one of the largest collections of Indian musical recordings. Events like Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan and the newly launched Swar Prerna Veethika continue this legacy by honouring musicians and preserving India’s cultural heritage for future generations.
Key Takeaways from “Akashvani Launches Swar Prerna Veethika”
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Akashvani launched Swar Prerna Veethika as part of its 90th anniversary celebrations. |
| 2 | The gallery was inaugurated by Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia in New Delhi. |
| 3 | The first phase honours 20 legendary Indian musicians, including Bharat Ratna and Padma awardees. |
| 4 | The initiative aims to preserve India’s musical heritage and inspire future generations while marking the run-up to 100 years of radio broadcasting in India (2027). |
| 5 | Akashvani plans to expand the gallery and establish similar exhibitions at regional centres across the country. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Swar Prerna Veethika?
Swar Prerna Veethika is a permanent photo gallery launched by Akashvani (All India Radio) to honour legendary Indian musicians and celebrate 90 years of India’s broadcasting and musical heritage.
2. Who inaugurated Swar Prerna Veethika?
The gallery was inaugurated by Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, the renowned flautist and Padma Vibhushan awardee, at Akashvani Bhavan, New Delhi.
3. Why was Swar Prerna Veethika launched?
The initiative was launched to commemorate 90 years of Akashvani, preserve India’s rich musical heritage, and inspire future generations of musicians. It also marks the countdown to 100 years of radio broadcasting in India in 2027.
4. Which organization launched Swar Prerna Veethika?
The gallery was launched by Akashvani (All India Radio) under Prasar Bharati, India’s public service broadcaster.
5. How many musicians have been honoured in the first phase?
The first phase of Swar Prerna Veethika features portraits of 20 legendary musicians representing various Indian musical traditions.
6. Name some Bharat Ratna awardees featured in the gallery.
The gallery includes M.S. Subbulakshmi, Lata Mangeshkar, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, and Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.
7. What is the role of Akashvani in Indian culture?
Akashvani has played a crucial role in promoting Indian classical, folk, devotional, and regional music while preserving rare recordings of eminent artists for future generations.
8. Under which ministry does Prasar Bharati function?
Prasar Bharati is India’s autonomous public service broadcaster established under the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990, and functions under the overall policy framework of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
9. When was All India Radio established?
All India Radio was officially established in 1936 and was later renamed Akashvani in 1956.
10. Why is this topic important for competitive examinations?
This topic is important because questions related to Art and Culture, Government Initiatives, Prasar Bharati, Akashvani, Bharat Ratna awardees, Indian Classical Music, and Current Affairs are frequently asked in UPSC, State PSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and Teaching examinations.
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