FM radio Hello Doon launched to cater the needs of the visually challenged

Dehradun, March 31
The much-awaited community FM radio, Hello Doon of the National Institute of Visually Handicapped (NIVH), began broadcasting services here today. Hello Doon will cater to the needs of the visually challenged and the community living around the NIVH and will also provide job opportunities to the visually challenged.

"Though we conceptualised the project two years ago, it got delayed due to technical problems. The problems regarding the range of the community FM radio are still being looked into. We did not want to delay the launch further and disappoint the visually challenged persons, who had shown great deal of enthusiasm in running the community radio station," said Anuradha Dalmia, Director, NIVH.

The NIVH would also start a nine-month broadcasting course for the visually challenged persons from this session. "Ultimately, our goal is to empower visually challenged persons, who face hurdles every day due to lack of a conducive environment," said Dalmia.

While participating in the live broadcast, Dr S Farooq from Tasmia organisation said radio was proving to be a better medium for educating people. The NIVH had spent Rs 25 lakh on upgrading two studios. The community radio would focus on broadcasting programmes on education, family and health welfare, entertainment, employment etc.

Later, a large printing press was inaugurated at the Central Braille Press. This press would allow the printing of study material for persons with low vision.