Community Radio for ODL in KKHSOU, Assam State, India

Abstract

Community Radio is an emerging arena in building a democratic society wherein every individual finds a space for himself and his community. The Radio gives a platform for many unheard voices and enables participatory development. Though the technology boom focuses on internet, broadband, mobile connectivity and coverage, we are looking deep into the well of reality where Radio as a technology can make an impact on the lives of the people. The transitional aspect of Distance Education has been due to its assimilation with new technologies. Radio as a broadcast media has been used for a long time in educational purposes. However, the emergence of Community Radio in Distance Learning is a recent phenomenon. Community Radio in Distance Learning has challenging prospects, as it brings benefits not only to the learners but also to the society members. The present paper aims to understand the growing phenomena of Community Radio in Distance Education with an emphasis on Assam. It aims to look into the role of Community Radio (Jnan Taranga) used in the State Open University in Assam. The paper tries to highlight the empowering potential of Community Radio leading to the development of the community in a rural society like Assam that is troubled by internal strives and struggles.