In New Zealand, we have been lucky to have FM radio with multiple stations. However, the Access community radio on frequency 104.6 stands out quite differently among these, as it is the only radio station catering to the varied communities in the country.
In Auckland it is known as Planet FM104.6. Migrant Heritage Charitable Trust Inc (MigHT-i) saw an opportunity to use this medium to enhance the cause of the Marathi community and provide them with a platform, where they could hear Marathi literature, songs, Kathakathan, Kavita, Batmya and radio plays. Prashant Belwalkar of MigHT-I believes that radio has a lot to offer to the Maharashtrian community in New Zealand.
Given that the website of the radio station www.planetaudio.org.nz beams live streaming audio and gives the listeners an ability to hear the programs for a week, it was an opportunity in the making for MigHT-i.
On Wednesday nights at 9.25pm you can listen to the program titled ‘Bhramanti’ which literally means ‘travelogue’ wherein Prashant brings to you news, views, Kathakathans and a variety of community programmes. Sunday’s “Nabhovani” literally meaning ‘airwaves’ brings songs, poetry and interviews to the audience.
Sunday: 11.00 am Nabhovani
Wednesday: 09.25 pm Bhramanti
BAND: FM
Frequency: 104.6
Web: www.planetaudio.org.nz
Feedback: info@nabhovani.com
MigHT-i has tied up with e-sakal (website of one of Maharashtra’s biggest newspapers) to provide an update on the latest happenings in Maharashtra. They are also supported by Creative Communities (Creative NZ) in this endeavour, which will tap into the talents of the Maharastrians in Auckland as well as wider New Zealand. Future plans include programmes for senior citizens, womens’ issues and Youth panorama on the lines of Yuvavani in India.
Prashant says that they recently finished a programme on children participation and are now looking forward to an area that is of common interest to all Maharashtrians – drama.
MigHTi is bringing out the first full-fledged radio play “Suryachi Pille” written by Vasant Kanetkar on Planet FM 104.6 on Sundays at 11.00am. This will be on Air from Sunday August 30. It will be serially aired on consecutive Sundays. The voices to this play have been rendered by Kaustubh Pethe, Devdutta Paranjape, Vijay Parulkar, Sunil Gadgil , Kalyani Gadgil, Jayashree Sonar, Mrunal Niphadkar and Prashant Belwalkar.
This is the first of several such plays that MigHTi plans to bring to the radio. It will open doors for a lot of budding artists in the community.
Many a senior citizen has noted that they never felt far away from their homeland when they hear Marathi radio here. It brings back memories of their youth when radio was the only medium available to them. They have “requests” which include Natyasangeet, Bhavgeet, Abhang , which are catered to by this station. Mighti also takes the opportunity to invite ideas, suggestions and feedback from the wider community in Auckland. Those wishing to participate in the radio programmes may also get in touch with Prashant on info@nabhovani.com or call on 095348000.
MigHTi is also bringing two special programmes based on Hindustani and Carnatic music on September 19 and October 3. Watch out for the details soon.