Sambalpur: The demand for radios still exists. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proved its importance in choosing the medium to reach out to the masses, speakers said while celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Sambalpur station of All India Radio here on Saturday night.

"Radio has played a vital role in uniting people in a vast country like ours. The Prime Minister's Mann Ki Baat is an example," said Sambalpur collector Samarth Verma.

Former additional director of Prasar Bharati, Abhay Padhi, narrated his experience of 35-year stint with radio and said: "Radio has been the main instrument to unite people since its existence. It has been working for the people without any motive of profit."

He suggested that AIR focus on making more campus-oriented programmes to educate youths about the problems of the dayg.

Sambalpur University vice-chancellor Deepak Behera and Odisha State Open University vice-chancellor Srikant Mohapatra also spoke on its importance.

Sampalpur AIR station director M.R. Rao presided over the event.

A cultural programme was organised in which artists of Kala O Kalakar staged Mallira Sapana. Jayanti Dip and her troupe presented Sambalpuri folk dance Sanchaar.

People of west Odisha first heard a radio broadcast from Some forty programmes of this station have earned several awards.