Rathinavani 90.8 MHz is a community radio station based in Coimbatore, operated by the Rathinam Group of Educational Institutions. Launched in May 2013, the station aims to serve the local community by broadcasting a diverse range of programs that cater to various interests and needs.
The station offers content primarily in the Tamil language, focusing on topics such as:
Programs designed to enhance learning and provide educational resources to students. Environment: Shows that raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable practices.
Segments dedicated to health awareness, preventive care, and wellness tips.
Broadcasts that celebrate local art forms, traditions, and cultural events.
Content aimed at fostering entrepreneurial skills and providing guidance for aspiring business owners.
A blend of information and entertainment to engage a broad audience.
The programming is developed by students and faculty from the journalism and communication departments, ensuring that the content is both relevant and educational.
Using his extensive experience in the radio industry, Dr Mahendran has been guiding aspiring youth and homemakers, offering free training to help them become RJs. He has trained college students, youth, homemakers, teachers, professors, and even differently-abled individuals, empowering them to host programs on radio stations. Many of his trainees are now working as RJs and program producers at private FM stations, while others provide voiceovers for YouTube channels and other social media platforms, earning a livelihood.
Dr Mahendran coordinated the world record on Non-stop Thirukkural Reading for 3 hours from 11:20 A.M. to 02:20 P.M. on 11.01.2024 with 170 participants to create awareness and make Ulaga Pothumarai a state and national book. This world record event was jointly organised by Rathinavani Community Radio 90.8 MHz, Eachanari, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, Rathinam College of Arts & Science, Eachanari, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India & Seve Records Holders Forum, Puducherry, India.
Special Appreciation, Recognition, and Commendations are proudly extended to Rathinavani Community Radio 90.8 MHz for its remarkable and outstanding achievements. In honour of its excellence and impactful contributions, the prestigious STAR ICON AWARD 2024 is being conferred on February 25th, 2024, and celebrated in Puducherry, India.
At Rathinavani Community Radio 90.8, Dr Mahendran organises programs on natural farming, modern agriculture, traditional crop varieties, mushroom cultivation, beekeeping, sericulture, and new agricultural technologies. He also conducts awareness campaigns on climate change, plastic elimination, tree planting, and environmental conservation. Through the National Service Scheme (NSS), students of Rathinam College of Arts and Science visit villages around Coimbatore to raise awareness about climate change and environmental protection. Currently, under the name “Moothorkku Muthal vanakkam” (ATAL VAYO ABHYUDAY YOJANA Awareness Program), through the Central Government’s Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, he is organising special programs focused on the welfare of senior citizens. These programs are presented in the form of dramas to highlight and address the well-being of the elderly.
Dr J. Mahendran, Station Director of Rathinavani Community Radio 90.8, has extensive experience in the radio industry. He began his career as a Program Producer and Radio Jockey at Kodai FM (All India Radio), where he served for five years. He spent 15 years as a Program Executive at Hello FM in Tirunelveli, contributing significantly to the field of radio broadcasting. Dr J. Mahendran has been providing free training to aspiring youth and homemakers, helping them become RJs. He has trained numerous individuals, enabling them to host programs on radio stations.
Using his extensive experience in the radio industry, Dr Mahendran has been guiding aspiring youth and homemakers, offering free training to help them become RJs. He has trained college students, youth, homemakers, teachers, professors, and even differently-abled individuals, empowering them to host programs on radio stations. Many of his trainees are now working as RJs and program producers at private FM stations, while others provide voiceovers for YouTube channels and other social media platforms, earning a livelihood.
Dr Mahendran serves as the Station Director at Rathinavani Community Radio 90.8, operated by Rathinam College of Arts and Science in Coimbatore. Through this platform, he conducts programs and awareness campaigns for students, rural farmers, and the general public. He also trains college professors, school teachers, and students to become RJs, enabling them to host various programs. His trainees are now working as RJs and program producers at private FM stations, while some provide voiceovers for YouTube channels and other social media platforms, earning a livelihood.
Dr Mahendran’s contributions to the radio industry have earned him numerous awards, including the Sirantha Oodagaviyalalar Award, Sirantha Nigazhchi Thoguppalar Award, Sinthanai Sirpi Award, Abdul Kalam Award, Makkal Sevagar, Sirantha Samooga Sevagar Award, Kalam Award, Ulaga Sathanaiyalar Award, Legend Award, Tamil Alai Award, and Panbalai panbalar Award. Over 100 awards have been conferred upon him by various private organisations, charitable institutions, and literary forums.
Daily awareness programs were conducted featuring women entrepreneurs, organic farmers, poets, literary scholars, writers, social workers, environmental activists, and doctors to educate and empower the public.
Rathinavani Community Radio hosts programs featuring prominent personalities, including Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Central Ministers, Thiru M.P.Saminathan Honourable Minister for Tamil Development, Information & Publicity, L. Murugan and Vanathi Srinivasan MLA, actors M. Anand, Erode Mahesh, and Aadhi, Amirtha Iyer, Debate speakers Gobi Nath, Madurai Ramakrishnan, Dr. Kalaiyamuthan, filmmakers, Actors, Government Officials, Tamil scholars, Educators, Social workers, Environmentalists, and Entrepreneurs.
Many people think that the radio industry only offers RJ jobs. However, there are numerous other roles, such as program producer, program host, program assistant, sound engineer, audio editor, music master, technical assistant, advertisement producer, and sales personnel. Despite the growing influence of social media, radio remains a unique and cherished part of people’s lives. Recently, the Central Government has approved the establishment of 11 new private FM radio stations in Tamil Nadu and over 200 community radio stations across the country, creating more job opportunities for youth.
Listeners can tune in to Rathinavani 90.8 MHz on their FM radios within the Coimbatore area. For those outside the broadcast range or preferring digital access, the station’s content is available as podcasts on platforms like Apple Podcasts.
For more information or to get involved, interested individuals can
Through its diverse programming and active community involvement, Rathinavani 90.8 MHz continues to be a valuable resource for the people of Coimbatore, promoting education, culture, and social development.
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