World Radio Day is celebrated every year on February 13 to acknowledge the importance of radio as a powerful medium of communication. The date marks the anniversary of the establishment of United Nations Radio in 1946. UNESCO proclaimed World Radio Day in 2011, and it was formally adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, with the first official celebration held in 2012.
The day highlights radio’s role in providing information, promoting freedom of expression and connecting communities across the globe. Radio remains one of the most accessible and affordable forms of media, especially in remote and developing regions. It supports education, disaster communication, cultural diversity and democratic dialogue. Each year, World Radio Day is celebrated with a specific theme to emphasise radio’s ongoing relevance in the digital age.
How radio became lifeline of millions amid India’s partition chaos
During the turbulent days of the 1947 Partition, radio emerged as one of India’s most vital lifelines. As millions were displaced amid widespread violence and uncertainty, communication systems like newspapers and postal services were disrupted. In this chaos, All India Radio (AIR) became a trusted and immediate source of information.
Radio broadcasts provided crucial updates on refugee movements, relief camps, special train schedules and government advisories. For families torn apart by sudden migration across the new borders of India and Pakistan, radio announcements sometimes carried names of missing persons, helping reconnect loved ones. Leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Muhammad Ali Jinnah addressed citizens via radio, appealing for peace and calm during communal unrest.
Beyond information, radio offered emotional reassurance. Patriotic songs, news bulletins and public messages fostered a sense of unity and hope in a time of fear and displacement. In refugee camps, people gathered around shared radio sets, finding both guidance and comfort in familiar voices.
