Akashvani Devikulam, a cherished radio voice in Idukki, facing a closure threat

The Hindu

29-04-2025

Akashvani Devikulam (101.4 FM), the only radio station in Idukki, which is cherished by tribal communities and plantation workers for nearly three decades, is facing a closure threat with the retirement of its programme head on April 30.
Matthew Joseph, who currently serves as the programme head and programme executive, is set to retire this Wednesday. According to sources, no successor has been appointed, nor has responsibility been handed over to another All India Radio (AIR) station.
Commissioned on February 23, 1994, Akashvani Devikulam has been an integral part of life in the tribal hamlets and tea plantations of the Munnar hill region for over 31 years. Broadcasting daily from 4:25 p.m. to 11:10 p.m., the station features a mix of Tamil and Malayalam programmes. For many in these remote parts, the station still remains their primary source of news, entertainment and community connection.
The station once operated with a full team comprising a programme head, including three programme executives. However, over the years, the team has been gradually reduced. One official was recently transferred, and with the current head now retiring, the station is left with no leadership. 'The appointment decision is pending at the AIR Bengaluru office, but no information has been received so far. If no one is appointed, the station could be forced to shut down,' a source said.
Kisanvani, one of the station's flagship programmes, offers farmers a platform to share their insights and experiences with the public. The programme is supported by the Union Ministry of Agriculture, which provides an honorarium to participating farmers. Beyond agriculture, the station has also empowered various sectors to amplify their voices. Akashvani Devikulam was also the first radio station in the country to produce a digital radio drama.
Floods aftermath
The station also proved to be a lifeline during the devastating floods of 2018, when Munnar was cut off from the rest of the world for nearly a week. At that critical time, Akashvani Devikulam served as a vital communication link, disseminating essential updates and safety information to isolated communities.
Nearly 20 casual workers are also employed at the station and its closure would leave them without jobs.
Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose expressed concern over the potential shutdown, calling the station 'an integral part of Idukki's cultural identity'. 'To ensure the continued operation of Akashvani Devikulam, I will be submitting a letter to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on April 30, seeking immediate intervention,' he said.