A country of 1.3 billion people, many in corners unreachable by land air or water can listen to and enjoy the best of Carnatic music. Whatever instrument or voice, is recorded with fidelity. The announcers show respect for the artistes and the composers. They make you want to listen to it more and more.
Sick people, old people, poor people, uneducated people, unhappy people, drunks and derelicts, derive a connection with the best of Indian culture instantly. 24x7.
Artistes don't need to supplicate to Sabha secretaries. They need no guru recommendations. They can be handicapped, infirm, poor, ugly, incapable of selling themselves. All they need is to do well in the audition, and find their way up.
Famous musicians who want to navigate the popularity charts, who want to guide public tastes, who want to pay their tributes to their inspirations, can do so in an emphatic way, with reach and impact like no other medium.
Students who want to learn new krithis, understand the maestros, study the great composers, can do so. Almost at no cost.
Can we say Thank You enough to All India Radio? It is the modern avatar of devarshi Narada.
"nArada bittida dhareyoLage".
