AIR Urdu Service commences Golden Jubilee celebrations

New Delhi: In a prelude to the golden jubilee celebration of Urdu Service, External Service Division of the All India Radio (AIR) organized an evening of soulful music: ‘Mausiqi ke Rang-Urdu Service ke Sang’ on Friday.

Urdu Service was launched on October 24, 1965.

Rhythm and pace of the evening was beautifully sculpted by two eminent ghazal singers Dr. Radhika Chopra and Chandan Das. The day witnessed presence of dignitaries, diplomats, officers and listeners from all walks of life.

Chandan Das started the celebrations with the rendition of “Khuda ka zikr karein ya tumhari baat karein…” Equally reverberating and melodious were ghazals sung by Radhika Chopra who filled the hall with her “Meri sadgi dekh kya chahta hoon, tera samna chahta hoon…”

It was an evening which evoked emotions and musings from the days when Urdu Service was still a baby. Today half century later this service has many programmes like news, news commentary, current affairs, music, plays, features, programmes for children, youth and more.

F. Sheheryar, Director General of the AIR said, “It has completed half century in the Indian subcontinent and is beamed terrestrially through internet for audiences across the globe. It gives pristine entertainment, focuses on sanctity of heritage and carries as well as transmits Indian point of view on contentious issues. It has its lovers in the areas that are catered by no private operator in India.”(ANI)