Opinion | Shina Gilgit Radio Station Gurez Ki Dhadkan

Shina Gilgit 88.8 FM now connects generations and keeps the spirit of Gurez alive.

Tucked away in the snow-clad mountains of Gurez, one of Kashmir’s most remote yet culturally vibrant valleys, the arrival of Shina Gilgit 88.8 FM has quietly created history. Set along the banks of the Kishanganga River, in an area where harsh winters often cut villages off from the outside world for months, the community radio station has emerged as far more than a source of broadcasts. It has become a shared space for local voices, a medium through which traditions are celebrated, conversations are encouraged, and a deep sense of collective identity is nurtured among the people of Gurez. A Community Radio with a Clear Mission Shina Gilgit 88.8 FM was launched in August 2025 during the National Tribal Festival at Gurez Valley, an event celebrating the ancient heritage and vibrant culture of the Dard-Shina tribal community. It has been established by the Indian Army under the “Operation Sadbhavana” initiative.

Its inauguration was presided over by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, who emphasized the station’s role in inspiring the younger generation to preserve and cherish their language, traditions, and collective memory. Unlike commercial radio stations that chase ratings, this FM station was established with community empowerment at its core. It is operated as a community radio initiative, designed to reflect local voices, inform residents about issues that matter most, and keep the endangered Shina language spoken by tens of thousands in Gurez.

Gurez sits at the northern reaches of Bandipora district, a valley carved by the Kishenganga River and hemmed in by the majestic Himalayas. Its geographic isolation, heavy snowfall in winter, and limited infrastructure have historically made communication difficult. Despite being rich in culture, music, and community stories, there was no dedicated local broadcast platform until now. Radio remains one of the most accessible and trusted media formats for residents. A community station broadcasting in Shina — the local language with deep historical roots — means that important updates, cultural storytelling, and heritage aren’t just heard in Urdu or Hindi, but in the voice of the people themselves.

While daily schedules shift with community needs, Shina Gilgit Radio 88.8 FM has built its appeal through a balanced mix of music, culture, information and interactive talk shows, all designed to resonate with listeners from Dawar to Tulail & beyond. At the heart of Shina Gilgit’s identity are its folk music programs platforms where traditional Shina songs, melodies, and instrumental pieces echo across the valley airwaves. These shows play a key role in cultural preservation, giving local artists and elder musicians a chance to share their art with younger audiences who may otherwise have limited outlets for their heritage tunes.

The station runs talk programmes where residents can share stories, express concerns, and engage in community dialogue. These shows often tackle local issues from education and employment to health and civic updates and help strengthen local identity. Recognizing the risk of language erosion especially among youth influenced by dominant languages like Urdu and English the station regularly features Shina language storytelling, proverbs, and oral histories. These segments not only entertain but educate younger listeners about their linguistic roots, ensuring that the melodious sounds and unique structures of Shina stay vibrant. Shina Gilgit doesn’t just celebrate culture; it serves the community. Broadcasts include updates, information about government schemes and development programs, employment guidance, health tips, and weather advisories, invaluable in an area frequently cut off during winter months. At the core of any radio station are its presenters — the charismatic voices that guide listeners through the day. While community radio often highlights local talent rather than nationally known names, several voices have emerged as beloved anchors on Shina Gilgit 88.8 FM:

RJ Shahnawaz : A lively and relatable presenter whose segments often blend music with community stories, inviting residents to share their voices and experiences. His show has become a favorite among village youths and elders.

Other local RJs and contributors like RJ Zakir, RJ Roohi, RJ Shaheen & RJ Waheeda engage the audience through interactive talk shows and cultural discussions, making radio feel like a conversation with neighbours rather than a distant broadcast.

These anchors are more than presenters; they are community builders, connecting remote households and transforming static radio into a living, breathing reflection of Gurez life. The importance of Shina Gilgit FM goes far beyond entertainment. It has become a tool of social empowerment strengthening community bonds, nurturing cultural pride, and offering a platform where local issues and stories can be heard without filters. Community radio in places like Gurez serves as a cultural lifeline. It restores pride in heritage, provides critical information in real time, and opens channels of communication in a region where the airwaves carry not just sound but identity itself. Experts believe that community radio stations like Shina Gilgit can facilitate dialogue on social issues, promote education, enhance civic engagement, and support conflict resolution by giving marginalized voices a place in public discourse. Shina, an Indo-Aryan language spoken by the Dard-Shina communities of Gilgit-Baltistan, Gurez, and parts of Ladakh carries centuries of oral history and cultural memory. For many younger residents in Gurez, hearing their language used in radio shows brings a deep sense of belonging and pride, reinforcing cultural identity in a rapidly modernizing world. By weaving traditional narratives with contemporary issues, Shina Gilgit 88.8 FM ensures that language and heritage remain living, evolving parts of everyday life, not relics confined to memory. The establishment of this community radio station is more than a media milestone; it is a symbol of resilience and community empowerment. As residents tune in from the banks of the Kishanganga River to high-altitude hamlets the station has cemented its role as a trusted companion. Its broadcasts are accessible not just via FM but also through mobile apps and online streaming for those beyond Gurez who want to stay connected to their roots.

About the Authors

The authors recently undertook a detailed field visit to the Gurez Valley as part of an in-depth research project, engaging closely with local communities, cultural institutions, and grassroots initiatives across the area. Their work is grounded in firsthand observation and on-ground interactions. For correspondence and academic engagement, they can be reached at lawtahirmajeed@gmail.com and sheikhnazeer1440@gmail.com