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Indian Army Launches Sikkim's First Border Village Community Radio Station

The Indian Army's Trishakti Corps has inaugurated Sikkim's first Border Village Community Radio Station, FM Radio Sikkim Sundari 88.4, in East Sikkim. The station aims to bridge the information gap in geographically isolated areas with limited connectivity by broadcasting local news, weather, and government schemes. Separately, a senior Border Roads Organisation official visited a landslide-affected site in North Sikkim to expedite restoration work. The initiatives underscore a dual focus on information and physical connectivity as vital for development and security in remote border regions.

Key Points: Sikkim's First Border Village Radio Station Launched by Army

  • Connects remote high-altitude areas
  • Broadcasts local news and govt schemes
  • Promotes regional culture and youth skills
  • Part of broader connectivity push in Sikkim
2 min read

A voice for the hills: Trishakti Corps launches Sikkim's first border village community radio in East Sikkim

Indian Army's Trishakti Corps launches FM Radio Sikkim Sundari to connect remote border areas with news, weather, and community programs.

"roads are not merely infrastructure but are vital for survival, development and maintaining the crucial link - Defence PRO"

Gangtok, April 12

The Indian Army has established 88.4 FM Radio Sikkim Sundari, Sikkim's first Border Village Community Radio Station in East Sikkim, to improve communication and information access in remote high-altitude border areas.

According to a press release, dedicated to the citizens of India in Sikkim, the station addresses challenges of geographic isolation, harsh weather, and limited mobile and internet connectivity. It aims to bridge the information gap by providing reliable and timely communication.

As per the release, the radio station will broadcast local news, weather updates, and information on government schemes, while also promoting regional culture and addressing community issues. It will provide an opportunity for local youth to participate, develop communication skills, and contribute to community engagement.

The station was inaugurated in the presence of senior officers of Trishakti Corps, representatives of the civil administration, and members of the local community, said the release.

The station will host programmes on agriculture, education, and community development.

A senior military official stated that the initiative will help connect communities, amplify local voices, and support development in remote areas.

Meanwhile, Additional Director General Border Roads (East), Jitendra Prasad, VSM, visited the landslide-affected area at Taramchu in North Sikkim, one of the most challenging and fragile terrains in the region.

According to Defence PRO, Jitendra Prasad personally assessed the ground situation and interacted with Border Roads Organisation (BRO) personnel deployed at the site. During his visit, he reviewed the ongoing restoration efforts and issued clear directions for expediting fresh works to ensure the early reopening of the route.

The ADGBR (East) also carried out a detailed inspection of the progress of works and emphasised the organisation's unwavering commitment towards restoring and strengthening connectivity in the region. He reiterated that in such remote and sensitive areas, roads are not merely infrastructure but are vital for survival, development and maintaining the crucial link between border communities and the rest of the nation.

The Defence PRO stated that the visit boosted personnel morale and reaffirmed the BRO's ethos of leading from the front, highlighting its steadfast dedication to nation-building in the most demanding environments.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally, some positive news about development in border regions. The focus on local youth and culture is key. Hope they play some good Sikkimese folk music too!
R
Rohit P
Connecting border villages is a matter of national security as much as development. Well done Trishakti Corps. When people feel connected and informed, they feel more secure. The BRO's work on the roads is equally crucial.
S
Sarah B
While this is a good step, I hope the content is genuinely useful for the locals and not just top-down messaging. The real test will be if it truly amplifies *their* voices and addresses *their* specific issues, like the landslides mentioned.
V
Vikram M
"Roads are vital for survival" - that line from the BRO officer says it all. Infrastructure in these areas is a daily struggle against nature. Salute to the BRO personnel and this radio initiative for trying to make life easier.
N
Nisha Z
Great to see a focus on Sikkim. These northeastern states are the beautiful, resilient guardians of our borders. Initiatives like this radio station show that the nation is thinking of them. More power to the people of the hills!

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