Opinion | Birth of Radio Kupwara

Dive into the lives of the dedicated young blood who, despite unimaginable challenges and limited facilities, made the dream of Radio Kupwara a reality.

Kupwara Kashmir – The biting chill of winter gripped every household in Kashmir, each bracing for the harshest phase of the season, Chillai Kalan. In the early hours of January 8, 2024, Kamran Ashraf Bhat, a young journalist fresh from completing media research abroad, found himself wide awake, a mix of excitement and anxiety coursing through him. He was about to embark on a journey that would reshape the history of Kupwara.

Kamran, appointed as the Station Manager of Radio Kupwara, was no stranger to the responsibilities ahead. The sleepless night was a testament to his dedication and the months of relentless preparation by his team. “The night was filled with anticipation and a tinge of fear,” Kamran recounted. “We had spent the last five months ensuring every member was ready to face any challenge.”
With barely two hours of sleep, Kamran was jolted awake by his alarm. The message was clear: “Boy, get up. It’s a special day.” The day that would mark the fruition of their efforts. He took a shower in the bone-chilling cold and rushed to Radio Kupwara’s headquarters. There, his team – Sound Engineer Mudasir Ashruf, RJ Danish, RJ Tariq, and intern RJ Ayesha – awaited his final nod to go live.
As the clock struck 8 a.m., the temperature inside the station mirrored the freezing conditions outside. RJ Danish began the countdown, “9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2… 1.” With trembling hands, Mudasir sought permission from Kamran to go live. The Station Manager’s thumbs-up signaled the moment they had all worked for. The live sign lit up, and history was made.
“In my office, we listened to the live transmission. Emotions ran high; there were tears in the eyes of my team and soon, calls started pouring in, congratulating us and expressing admiration for our hard work,” Kamran said, reflecting on that monumental day.

Amid the celebrations, Officer-in-Charge MJ Amitash Ranjan arrived to congratulate the team. “Mr. Ranjan was always our pillar of strength,” Kamran noted. “His unwavering support ensured we stayed motivated and financially secure. In challenging times, we knew we could rely on him.”
To ensure the signal strength, Kamran took RJ Danish on a drive to the upper reaches of Kupwara. “It was an emotional moment. As children, we listened to the radio; now, we were making it possible for others to do the same,” Kamran shared.

The Genesis of a Dream

Radio Kupwara 89.6 FM, part of the Indian Army’s youth empowerment initiative across Jammu and Kashmir, was the first community radio station for Kupwara, run by locals. The aim was to create a platform for discussing local issues, promoting tourism, and exchanging ideas with experts.
The journey of establishing Radio Kupwara began months before the historic live broadcast. In August 2023, Kamran and his team convened their first editorial meeting. Kamran, who had just returned from studying media research abroad, was full of innovative ideas and a clear vision for the station. He immediately set to work forming an editorial board and drafting SOPs and rules of engagement. “Our station is the first in J&K with an editorial board, reflecting our commitment to representing a diverse community,” Kamran explained. “In the first 60 days, we set ambitious goals.”
The initial months were a whirlwind of activity. Kamran, aware of the need for a well-rounded and skilled team, focused on providing comprehensive training. “Mudasir, our sound engineer, and Danish, our RJ, took on their roles with remarkable dedication. Tariq initially struggled but eventually found his path, and intern Ayesha quickly adapted,” Kamran praised his team.

Regular capacity enhancement training programs, influenced by Artificial Intelligence techniques, were a staple at the station. Kamran’s editorial policy included establishing a state-of-the-art multimedia studio, equipped with high-tech filmmaking devices. “Our future agenda included integrating CRS with modern storytelling techniques and training local youth through internships in mobile filmmaking. We aimed to dominate CRS activities with multimedia production enhancement by 2025, exploring filmmaking with high-end cinematography. Human stories, community narratives, and ecological preservation were always part of my motivation,” Kamran said.

Building a Community’s Voice

Radio Kupwara 89.6 FM is more than just a radio station; it is a beacon of hope and a platform for the people of Kupwara. The station provides a unique opportunity for locals to voice their opinions, share their stories, and engage in meaningful discussions about the issues that matter most to them. This initiative, part of the Indian Army’s broader efforts to empower the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, has been instrumental in fostering a sense of community and belonging.
The station’s programming is diverse and inclusive, covering a wide range of topics from local news and current affairs to cultural programs and entertainment. “Our goal is to create content that resonates with our audience and reflects their experiences,” Kamran explained. “We want to give a voice to the voiceless and provide a platform for meaningful dialogue.”

Overcoming Challenges

The journey to establish Radio Kupwara was not without its challenges. From technical difficulties to logistical issues, the team faced numerous obstacles along the way. However, their determination and resilience ensured that they overcame these challenges and emerged stronger.
One of the significant challenges was ensuring the station’s technical setup was flawless. Mudasir, the sound engineer, played a crucial role in this aspect. His expertise in sound design and technical support was instrumental in setting up the station’s equipment and ensuring smooth operations. “Mudasir’s role was critical in the initial days. His technical know-how and problem-solving skills were key to overcoming the hurdles we faced,” Kamran acknowledged.
The team also had to navigate the complexities of broadcasting in a remote region with limited infrastructure. Ensuring a strong and consistent signal was a priority. Kamran and RJ Danish frequently traveled to the upper reaches of Kupwara to test the signal strength and make necessary adjustments. “It was a labor of love. We wanted to make sure our signal reached every corner of Kupwara,” Kamran said.

Looking Ahead

As Radio Kupwara continues to grow and evolve, the team remains committed to their mission of empowering the local community. The station’s future plans include expanding their reach, enhancing their programming, and integrating modern storytelling techniques. Kamran’s vision of a multimedia studio equipped with high-tech filmmaking devices is well underway, and the team is excited about the possibilities this will bring.
The station also aims to provide more opportunities for local youth to engage with media and develop their skills. “I along with my team wanted to train the next generation of storytellers and media professionals. Our internships in mobile filmmaking and multimedia production was just the beginning of our future plan,” Kamran shared.
Reflecting on the journey so far, Kamran expressed his gratitude to his team and the community for their unwavering support. “This has been a collective effort. Every member of our team has contributed to our success, and the support from the community has been overwhelming. I was  here to serve the people of Kupwara, and I hope the team which is now there, will continue to strive towards that goal,” he said.
Radio Kupwara 89.6 FM stands as a testament to the power of community and the resilience of the human spirit. In a region often overshadowed by conflict and challenges, the station provides a ray of hope and a platform for positive change. As Kamran and his team was looking to the future, he had remained committed to their mission of empowering the people of Kupwara and creating a brighter tomorrow.
Kamran is no longer working with Radio Kupwara, as he has taken on new professional commitments and is now pursuing different experiences and assignments.