First appeared in www.scroll.in on July 11, 2015. For decades now, All India Radio has disseminated various aspects of state policy and continues to address citizens in its role as the government’s Akashvani (literally “voice from the skies” or a “celestial announcement”). Originally begun in the 1920s as an amateur effort, broadcasting in India took a definite shape with the establishment of privately run radio clubs at Bombay, Calcutta and Madras. But they soon closed down due to financial