Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, yesterday felicitated Padma Shri Awardee Dr. R. Sreedher and officially released the book ‘Innovations in Indian Public Service Broadcasting’ at Akashvani Chennai. The event was presided over by Rajeev Kumar Jain, Director General of Akashvani.
The book, authored by veteran university administrator Dr. N. Sundaram, chronicles the technological and policy metamorphosis of All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan. The first official copy was received by Shri Ashish Tiwari of the Media4Communication Foundation, New Delhi.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. L. Murugan noted the deep historical gravity of the occasion. "As Akashvani celebrates its 90th year and Akashvani Chennai celebrates its 88th year, it is an absolute honor to felicitate Padma Shri Dr. R. Sreedher, who was an integral part of this institution and contributed immensely to it over many long years," the Minister stated.
Dr. Murugan appreciated his lifelong efforts in taking information to the citizen at the last mile. He underscored that the journey toward a Vikshit Bharat must be powered by Jan Bhagidari (people's participation). Highlighting the government's focus on the sector, the Minister underscord that the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) featured a dedicated, separate section for Community Radio.
Sharing his motivation, the author, Dr. N. Sundaram, revealed that he was inspired to write the book following various personal conversations with Dr. Sreedher. He explained that it was deliberate to use the word ‘Innovations’ instead of ‘Achievements’ in the title, as Dr. Sreedher’s contributions were fundamentally transformative breakthroughs rather than routine milestones. Dr. Sundaram highlighted Community Radio and Human Development program as two monumental innovations that paved the way for the prestigious Padma Shri recognition.
Accepting the honor, Dr. R. Sreedher reflected on his journey, recalling his very first radio programme which took place in the exact same studio space. Sharing various anecdotes from his legendary career, he noted, "Innovations are possible in government service provided you take people along, with unity, coordination, cooperation, and collaboration."
Shri Rajiv Kumar Jain described Dr. Sreedher's career as "nothing short of a revolution" and is an inspiration to all of us.
The event was attended by Ms. Vasuki, ADG (SZ), Prasar Bharati; Shri Ramabhadram Venkatesh, DDG, Head of Office, Akashvani Chennai; Shri R. Sudarsan, Head of Programmes, Akashvani, Chennai. Shri Shubo Sengupta, Digital Media Advisor, Media4Communication Foundation, New Delhi; Prof. K G Suresh, Former DG, IIMC and Shri A Chandrasekaran, Atchayam Veliyeedu took part in the event virtually.