All India Radio (AIR) is a great organisation in promoting unity between Mizo and Zo people spread across different regions and countries, said Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma here on Monday.
At the function celebrating the centennial anniversary of AIR, the Chief Minister called AIR “one of the most trusted and influential voice behind the tall wall of India since inception. He added that the outreach of AIR is not limited to the India and reaches out to the neighbouring countries and thereby facilitates the cultural and emotional bonds between the live society members of Zo (India) and those of neighbouring countries.
Laldudoma also congratulated the broadcaster for its part in conserving and building up the language of Mizo. He believes that AIR is a good example of judicious and proper utilisation of the language and at the same time play a crucial role in the preservation of the Mizo people’s cultural heritage as well as some of the culturally and historically significant documents of the Mizo community.
The Chief minister to sum up AIR’s historic contribution to the cause of freedom movement and its ongoing contribution as an organisation for national integration in India. He cited the contribution of the AIR station in Aizawl opened on July 31, 1966, during the time of unrest and insurgency inside the state and how vital it was to those times.
According to him, in times of difficulty and during the curfew period, AIR broadcasted hymns, devotional music, and provided the necessary, and even crucial, information, providing comfort and unity.
The broadcaster’s continued impact on Mizo region cultural and artistic activities continue to be a great honour for the artist to be named AIR Artist, added Lalduhoma.