Public Service Broadcasting Day - 2025

(Jan Prasaran Divas)

Public Service Broadcasting Day on 12 November commemorates the day Gandhiji made his first and only live broadcast on All India Radio. On this day in 1947 Gandhiji addressed more than 2 lakh refugees at the Kurukshetra Camp from Broadcasting House, New Delhi. Gandhiji held no public office or position in Government and it was truly a public service broadcast. Since 2000, this day has become an occasion to spread awareness about the concepts and values of Public Service Broadcasting in the country.

Commemoration at the Gandhi - King Memorial Plaza: 10:30 – 11:00

Followed by Discussion at C.D Deshmukh Auditorium: 11:00 – 12:15

Usha Mehta's tryst with freedom on radio: during the Quit India Movement Usha Mehta was arrested on 12 November 1942 and the Underground Radio Transmitter confiscated in Bombay. Ms Basudha Banerji, former Documentary Producer, All India Radio and Shri S.N. Sahu, former Press Secretary to President K. R. Narayanan, relive the moment.

Discussion on Public Service Broadcasting: Broadcasting as a public resource

Lead Presentation: Shri Suhas Borker, Mediaperson and Convener, Jan Prasar

(Collaboration: Jan Prasar)