Varsha Raikwar: Tuning into Change through Community Radio
27 years old
Ghoradongri Village, Ghoradongri Block, Betul District, Madhya Pradesh
In the heart of India, nestled amidst the vibrant culture and rich history of the Bundelkhand region, radio jockey (RJ) Varsha Raikwar stands tall as the voice of
empowerment. With her velvety voice and magnetic personality, she has emerged as a local powerhouse, touching on a wide variety of topics from climate change and agriculture to health, women’s empowerment and education.
As the first female RJ at Radio Bundelkhand, a community radio station based in the mountainous region, Raikwar has been instrumental in creating a unique platform to give voice to the silent masses. Every day, she connects with her listeners through her popular radio show, “Shubh Kal,” where she discusses a wide range of topics ranging from environmental awareness, health, and education to social issues and cultural traditions.
Born and raised in Chitrakoot, Raikwar has always had a passion for community service. She holds a degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Chitrakoot University and believes that the power of communication can be used to bring about positive change.
I started off in this field because I loved my voice and I wanted to use it in the best way possible.
Raikwar’s journey with Radio Bundelkhand, the first community radio station in Madhya Pradesh and a project of Development Alternatives (DA), began when she joined the organisation as an intern during her college years. She was immediately drawn to the station’s mission of empowering the local community through information and education.
Since then, Raikwar has been a driving force behind many of Radio Bundelkhand’s initiatives. She has led campaigns to raise awareness about issues such as child
marriage, gender equality, and environmental conservation. She has also organised several community events, including health camps and cultural festivals, to bring people together and foster a sense of unity.
Raikwar believes that information holds power and by using Radio Bundelkhand as a platform for the sharing of knowledge and resources with the community, she
embodies the idea of commoning, wherein the sharing of resources, information, and opportunities strengthens collective action and leads to collective good. Her initiatives encourage community members to actively participate in managing and protecting their
shared resources, reinforcing the importance of community-led governance and stewardship.
She was awarded the “Radio Icon” award by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt of India and is also a United Nations Young Climate Leader (2021),
achievements that are a true testament to her commitment to using the power of radio to empower her community and bring about positive change.
“We bring attention to real stories about the impact of climate change in surrounding villages, such as the lack of water caused by deforestation and similar stories. These stories help people understand what not to do to make sure the same does not happen in their villages,” says Raikwar.
As she continues her journey with Radio Bundelkhand, Raikwar remains steadfast in her mission to lend a voice to those who need it the most. Through her passion, dedication, and unwavering spirit, she has proven that even a single voice can make a difference and inspire countless others to do the same. With RJ Varsha Raikwar at the helm, Radio Bundelkhand is not just a radio station - it is a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in the Bundelkhand region.
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