Community Radio Station 90.4 FM: A Digital Lifeline for Drass, Powered by the Indian Army
By Inderjeet Singh
Drass, Kargil District: Situated at the strategic ‘Gateway to Ladakh,’ the Community Radio Station 90.4 FM has been a crucial medium of connection for the residents of Drass since its inception on February 27, 2023. Established by the Indian Army, the station was designed to close communication gaps and cultivate a sense of unity within the Kargil district.
Initially launched as a small-scale operation, the station has recently undergone a significant transformation. In a move towards modernity, the Indian Army has digitalized the station, making it accessible through a mobile app available on both Android and iOS platforms. This advancement, alongside a dedicated website, ensures that the voices of Drass can now be heard not only locally but across international borders.
Station Manager Noorul Islam, a native of the scenic Mushkoo Valley, spoke passionately about the station in an exclusive interview. Islam, who has firsthand experience of the 1999 Kargil War and holds extensive credentials in Mass Communication and Journalism, expressed deep pride in the station’s evolution and the Indian Army’s role in its digital transformation.
“This radio station is far more than a source of entertainment or information; it’s a vital resource for the people of Drass,” Islam asserted. “With our new digital platform, our community’s voices can now reach a global audience. It’s an essential tool for cultural exchange, education, and the preservation of our region’s unique identity.”
The digitalization of the station represents more than just a technological upgrade; it signifies a strengthening bond between the Indian Army and the local community. The radio station has long served as a platform for residents to share stories, celebrate their culture, and stay informed about events both local and national. Now, with the mobile app, this platform’s reach has expanded, allowing listeners worldwide to tune in to the vibrant life of Drass.
Listeners can access the station’s broadcasts by downloading the mobile app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, or by streaming directly from the station’s website. This leap into the digital age guarantees that the once locally confined voices of Drass can now resonate across the globe.
As Islam poignantly noted, “This station is the voice of the people, and now, that voice can be heard by anyone, anywhere.”
Community Radio Station 90.4 FM remains a beacon of hope, resilience, and unity in Drass. With its new digital platform, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the region and the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to fostering communication and understanding in this remote corner of the world.
(The author can be mailed at inderjkut@gmail.com)
