In the bustling city of Coimbatore, amid the vibrant campus of Rathinam Arts and Science College, a humble idea took root: a small FM radio station that dared to dream big. It wasn’t built for glamour or commercial profit. Instead, it was born with a higher purpose: to give a voice to the unheard, to connect people across divides, and to weave together knowledge, culture, and awareness into the daily lives of the community. This vision became reality in the form of Rathinavani Community Radio 90.8 FM. From its earliest days, Rathinavani carried a promise: that every broadcast would empower, educate, and uplift. But dreams need leaders, and this dream found its guiding star in Dr J. Mahendran, the station head whose dedication and vision transformed the station into a beacon of social change.
Dr Mahendran understood one simple truth: radio is not just about transmitting sound waves; it is about touching lives. He trained students and volunteers, not only in the technicalities of broadcasting but in the art of responsibility, teaching them that every word spoken on air carried the power to educate, inspire, and heal. Under his mentorship, Rathinavani became a vibrant learning ground where young broadcasters grew into confident communicators.
What made Rathinavani truly unique was its content. Every program had a purpose. From health awareness to women’s empowerment, from agriculture to education, from preserving local culture to promoting environmental consciousness, the station became a mirror of community life. It didn’t just talk to people it listened. Farmers, students, homemakers, and local leaders all found a voice here. Their stories, their challenges, and their triumphs echoed across the airwaves, creating bonds of trust and belonging.
As the world shifted into the digital era, Rathinavani refused to stay confined within FM frequencies. Under Dr. Mahendran’s vision, the station embraced online streaming, connecting not just the people of Coimbatore but listeners across India and beyond. Suddenly, what began as a local initiative blossomed into an international platform of voices and ideas.
The milestones soon followed. Rathinavani became a role model for community radio stations across the country. Its programs touched thousands of lives, sparking awareness and change on issues that truly mattered. In recognition of its impact, Rathinavani was honoured with the prestigious Indian Icon Award in 2025, a proud moment that celebrated years of dedication and service. But more than awards, it was the smiles of the community, the empowerment of women, the confidence of students, and the awareness among villagers that defined its real success. At the heart of it all lay the secret: commitment to community. Dr Mahendran’s unwavering belief that every story deserves to be heard, Rathinavani grew from a small campus station into a movement of voices. It became not just a broadcaster but a trusted companion, a teacher, and a changemaker.
Today, Rathinavani Community Radio 90.8 FM stands as a symbol of hope and transformation. It reminds us that when technology meets vision, when leadership meets community spirit, miracles happen. What started as a small radio experiment is now a living testament to the power of media in shaping lives.
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