Public Service Broadcasting Day 2026: History, Significance and Gandhi’s Historic AIR Address

Public Service Broadcasting Day 2026 (Jan Prasaran Divas) is celebrated on 12th November to coincide with a Historic Radio Address by Mahatma Gandhi broadcast by All India Radio (AIR). He used this opportunity to reach out to the refugees affected by the Partition of India who were staying in a refugee camp in Kurukshetra. It emphasises on raising awareness of the importance of public services in offering accurate information, promoting education, increasing diversity and benefiting the general public.

History of Public Service Broadcasting Day

Gandhi’s Historic Radio Address

• On 12th November 1947 Mahatma Gandhi visited the Broadcasting House of All India Radio.
• Mahatma Gandhi addressed over 2 lakhs refugees who were staying in Kurukshetra, Haryana in a refugee camp after the Partition of India.
• This was broadcast on Deepavali. Gandhi was unable to visit the refugees personally hence he addressed them via radio.
• During the visit he was accompanied by freedom fighter Rajkumari Amrit Kaur.
• This was his only visit to the AIR studio.

The address showed how radios can be used to connect leaders with their people during challenging times.

When Was the Day Recognised?

In 2000 the current Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Sushma Swaraj announced that 12th November would be celebrated as Public Service Broadcasting Day. It was officially recognised in 2001.

Public Service Broadcasting Day 2026 Theme

There is no specific public theme for Public Service Broadcasting Day 2026.

However, there are celebrations at the India International Centre in New Delhi celebrating the day with a panel discussion about how broadcasting is a Social Contract. This will look at how broadcasters should benefit their citizens.

There will be,

• An homage at the Gandhi-King Memorial Plaza.
• Panel discussion in C.D. Deshmukh Auditorium.
• Discussion about freedom fighter Usha Mehta and her contribution to the underground radio.
• Panel discussion focussing on how broadcasting is a social responsibility.

The event will also remind us about Usha Mehta being arrested on 12th November 1942 when the underground radio transmitter connected to the freedom movement was seized in Bombay (Mumbai).

Aims of Public Service Broadcasting

Public service broadcasting aims to provide an accessible source of accurate and informative content for society with less focus on commercial gain.

Key aims include,

• Increasing awareness by providing accurate information regarding Government policies, welfare and key developments.
• Promote education by increasing awareness around health, hygiene, literacy, farming and social issues.
• Encourage national integration by encouraging harmony between communities and promoting India’s languages, cultures and traditions.
• Reach out to remote areas and ensure accessibility for marginalised communities.
• Support democracy by encouraging informed discussion, responsible communication and accountability.

All India Radio Contribution

All India Radio (AIR) is also known as Akashvani and is India’s public service radio station. It is run under the organisation Prasar Bharati.

Key contributions include,

• Providing news and information. Broadcasting national and regional news, public notices and Government information.
• Providing communication to rural areas. Providing programmes around farming, health, education and rural development.
• Promoting diverse cultures. By promoting regional languages, folk music, literature and traditional art.
• Providing educational programmes.
• Encourage national integration. Multilingual radio shows help connect people.

Bapu Studio

• The historic radio station where Mahatma Gandhi gave his address in 1947 has been named Bapu Studio in 2023.
• It contains recordings of his historic speech, audio clips from his prayer meetings, photographs and memorabilia from the visit.