India on Monday will launch a state-run radio programme titled ‘Des Punjab’ which will be accessible to listeners in Pakistan’s Punjab.
The radio service will be transmitted from the Pakistan-India border in Attari, Amritsar, Times of India reported on Sunday.
According to All India Radio (AIR), the programme is meant to ‘counter’ the audience of ‘Punjab Darbar’- a show operated by Radio Pakistan – being aired in India and Pakistan for the past three decades.
The Amritsar-based project will canvas a 90-kilometre radius with a signal reception in Indian areas as well as Pakistani Punjab’s Sheikhupura, Muridke, Kasur, Nankana Sahib and Gujranwala.
While ‘Desh Punjab’ has not been able to reach all of Pakistan due to unresolved technical issues, AIR has announced it will be upgrading the transmitter from its old amplitude modulated (AM) to frequency modulated (FM) technology.
AIR Assistant Director Jalandhar Santosh Rishi told the media that the programme is being rewired to promote ‘quality programming’ and it will be featuring programmes which will celebrate Punjabi culture and literature. It will also feature a show called ‘Majhe di Mehak’ highlighting development by Indian government along the border.
