~~~~~ Melodious like no other ~~~~~. Review on Akashvani FM

I am not new to this wonderful FM channel in Chandigarh. It has been continuous 3 years for which I have been enjoying it.

My day starts at 6 in the morning with Bhajan and Gurbaani on this channel. They say it also that `Akashvani se din ki sahi suruaat ho jaati hai.` Happily, I start my vehicle and join my duty at 0715 hrs.

But, here also, at my work place, I have seen everyone preferring this channel only. Though 8 months ago we were listening the World Space Radio. But this has shut down it`s operation in India, since January 2010.

I feel wonderful when the sashtriya sangeet is played before 8 AM. It includes, music from all famous musician like MS subbalaxmi, Pt Bheemsen Joshi etc. The RJ also, in between gives interesting details about the music which feels like a value addition to the music.

The 8 AM, 15 minutes news is complete in all respect. It also includes the headlines from all famous newspapers. The live report, by the correspondent is given, in a loud and clear voice. They also have good combination of male and female voice. Also, in between, some advertisements in the form of some social messages are broadcasted. I like this aapnapan when the news reader starts with... Namaskar, Akashvani se prastut hai samachar prabhag.

The advertisements are given in limited number but in a unique way. They first give a long buzzer and then the advertisement starts. when all advertisements are over, again a long buzzer is sounded. Unlike other channels, the advertisement is limited to 2-3 only. They, do not seem to increase the volume a bit while giving advertisements. The advertisements invariably include social messages like `a person below 18 years should not drive any motorized vehicles`, `Wear helmet`, Attend to the accident victim`, `use iodized salt` etc.

I even like the decades old advertisements like `washing powder Nirma, doodh si safedii nirma se ayee....

At 0830, they give film music from recent movies, for one hour. They all are nicely sorted out songs. You feel like to sing along with the song. I also like the involvement of the the RJs giving full details of the Movie name, the song writer, music producer and the one who gives his or her voice. It feels that proper respect is being given to all the contributors of the song being played for the listeners.

in between they keep saying.... aap sun rahen hain desh ki sureeli dhadkan Vividh Bharti. Then, they say ... vividh bharti ke doston, abhi waqt hai chote se antral ka. They provide Time check also.

The channel includes programmes like the `Bhule bisre geet`, `Old hits`, Filmi gaane`, `Hawamahal`, `FM Lifeline`. FM lifeline is a live Phone in programme in which the audience is also given chance to ask his or her doubts/ questions. It`s very informative for rural people who do not have easy access to good doctors. Some of the information are so contemporary that I also got enlightened. Today, I heard on the topic of `Bone Marrow Transfusion`.

The quality of sound heard on my Phillips Transistor is optimum.

While I am about to finish this review , in the background, the Akashvani is playing a very melodious song.