Artists perform the theme song of AIR, Cuttack. Telegraph picture

Cuttack, Jan. 29: A rich cultural display of music and dance was the centre of attraction at the 64th foundation day of All India Radio, Cutack here yesterday.

AIR, Cuttack, started out in 1948 and is one of the first radio stations to start after independence. It went on air in the evening of January 28, 1948 and has been broadcasting programme ever since.

Be it news, music, fine arts and preservation of culture, AIR, Cuttack has created a special identity for itself.

Before the advent of television, radio was the only means of information and entertainment. Even today, the radio serves as a powerful tool of disseminating information and caters to a variety of needs of people across the world. “It is a proud moment and a stock taking day for us here at AIR, Cuttack, which has been a role model for national building, preservation of culture and other different entertainment needs of the audiences,” said station director Sudha Mishra.

“Be it the live commentary on the Rath Yatra, phone-in grievances or news, AIR, Cuttack, has been working with a motive to serve people. Today, all the members of the family are very happy and will continue to serve the people with passion and dedication,” Mishra added.

Chief justice of Orissa High Court V. Gopala Gowda, who graced the occasion as chief guest, said that AIR, Cuttack, has grown stage by stage and it has been working hard to enlighten, educate, empower women and entertain people. “Around 92 per cent of country’s population still listens to the radio, which has the power to influence lives of people. Be it education, agriculture or in times of natural calamities, the reach and need of radio for news and entertainment is still felt in the society,” Gowda said.

A host of cultural programs including a jugalbandi of Indian classical and western instruments, Goti Pua dance were the centre of attraction at the foundation day function.

Eminent artist and children’s play writer Nadia Bihari Mohanty, literature researcher Sudarshan Acharya and singer Snehalata Praharaj, among others, were also felicitated for their significant contribution to their respective fields.