Radio Charminar: A Decade of Community Voices in the Heart of Hyderabad

Last Updated Jul - 23 - 2025, 03:50 PM | Source : Fela news

As Radio Charminar nears its 10th anniversary, the Yakutpura-based community radio station continues to uplift local voices with shows on health, heritage, and

Radio Charminar: A Decade of Community

“Hello, Salaam, Namaste Hyderabad… This is RJ Asim and you’re listening to the Hyderabad Express with me, your friend…” That’s the familiar greeting from RJ Asim Abedi, a radio jockey with Radio Charminar Dil Se Hyderabadi, a community station located in Yakutpura, Hyderabad. Launched in October 2015 by Hasan Rehmatullah and his son Zain, the station operates from the second floor of the Ahle Bait Institute, which also houses a school and junior college. As Radio Charminar approaches its 10th anniversary, it continues to serve as a vibrant local platform for community voices.

Broadcasting at 107.8 MHz, the station reaches listeners within a seven-kilometre radius. Programming focuses on public awareness covering health, women’s empowerment, and preserving Hyderabad’s heritage. “We aim to inform, educate, and entertain,” says Shaik Irfan Ahmed, the system administrator and scheduling head who has been with the station since day one. Shows like *Dholak ke Geet*, which features traditional wedding songs, have even gained traction on YouTube. The station promotes community participation through both studio recordings and local live sessions. Their talk shows often supported by UNICEF mark occasions like World Health Day and World Water Day with locally relevant discussions. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Radio Charminar became a vital emotional support system. “Our RJ Nazaakat stayed at the station and kept shows running,” Irfan recalls. “Listeners said, ‘Even birds weren’t flying, but your voice kept us alive.’”

Despite being licensed for only 50 watts, their signal reaches areas like Talabkatta, DRDL, Malakpet, and even Shamshabad. Popular shows like Salaam Hyderabad by RJ Saaniya cover everything from lifestyle issues to mental health. Remote RJs like Neetu and Dolly, who joined while stationed in Hyderabad, continue hosting from afar. With limited funding, the team remains hopeful and plans to revive the nostalgic show Guzishta Hyderabad.

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Radio Charminar: A Decade of Community Voices in the Heart of Hyderabad

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