Indian Radio Stations in South Africa Honored for Preserving Cultural Heritage
Four Indian Radio Stations in South Africa Awarded for Promoting Heritage and Unity
In a landmark moment for media and cultural preservation, four Indian radio stations in South Africa were honored with the ‘Special Recognition Award’ for their unwavering commitment to restoring and growing Indian culture and heritage. The prestigious accolade was presented by the High Commission of India at the grand opening of the Indian Film Festival South Africa 25 (IFFSA) on Friday.
The recognized stations—Southside FM, Eastwave FM, Hindvani, and Lotus FM—have played a crucial role in maintaining cultural ties and fostering unity within the Indian diaspora. The awards acknowledged their continuous efforts in preserving Indian traditions, languages, and music, while also integrating a distinct South African flavor into their broadcasts.
A Voice for Cultural Identity
Organizers of the festival emphasized the essential role of radio stations in South Africa in uniting communities both locally and globally. These stations serve as powerful platforms to share stories, music, and heritage, keeping the rich traditions of Indian culture alive in a dynamic and evolving society.
“This recognition is not just a celebration of our work, but a testament to the power of culture, storytelling, and shared experiences in bringing people together around the world, using the platform of radio as a medium,” said Tansen Nepaul, Station Manager of Southside FM. His station specifically caters to the South Indian community, many of whom are descendants of the first indentured laborers who arrived in South Africa from India in the 1860s.
Pioneering Contributions to Indian Culture
Among the honorees, Eastwave FM 92.2 FM, founded by Vikash Maharagh over three decades ago, received special praise for its role in cultural preservation. Maharagh expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “The fact that the High Commission has acknowledged our role in preserving Indian heritage is deeply significant. We don’t just operate in isolation; we bridge cultures by integrating Indian traditions with a unique South African perspective.”
Similarly, Hindvani, operated by the Hindi Shiksha Sangh of South Africa, was recognized for its dedicated volunteer-driven work over the past 27 years in propagating the Hindi language and Indo-South African music. Naresh Amichand and Simi Sharma, who accepted the award on behalf of Hindvani, emphasized their passion for linguistic and cultural preservation. “We do this out of love for our mother tongue, ensuring future generations remain connected to their roots,” Sharma remarked.
Lotus FM: A National Treasure
As South Africa’s only national Indian radio station, Lotus FM holds a unique position in celebrating Indian culture on a broad scale. Varshan Sookun, who accepted the award on behalf of Lotus FM, noted, “Our station has a special responsibility in preserving our shared history with India. Through music, discussions, and storytelling, we continue to honor our heritage while reaching diverse audiences.”
Celebrating Media and Cultural Icons
The awards extended beyond radio, acknowledging individuals and organizations excelling in cultural promotion. Notable recipients included:
- Somnath Malakar, CEO of Zee TV Africa
- AB Moosa, CEO of Avalon Group
- Tarina Patel, acclaimed actress
- Wouter Kellerman, internationally renowned musician
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