Faridabad: Community radio station Radio Manav Rachna 107.8 FM has marked its 18th Foundation Day by launching HER (Honsla, Ehsaas, Roshni) a new radio programme dedicated to women’s mental health, while also recognising 25 community partners for their contribution to public awareness initiatives.
The newly introduced programme aims to create greater awareness around women’s emotional well-being through expert-led discussions on topics including stress management, relationships, work-life balance, self-care and mental wellness. The series will also address listener queries received during the broadcasts, reinforcing the station’s role as a platform for community engagement and public education.
The launch comes as part of Radio Manav Rachna’s ongoing efforts to leverage community radio for meaningful conversations on social issues affecting everyday lives.
Uttam, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, NIT Zone, Faridabad, said, “What I find most meaningful about Radio Manav Rachna is its local focus and the way it creates awareness around issues that directly affect the community. Awareness is one of the most important ways to address any problem and initiatives like these also support the efforts of the government and society. The HER initiative is particularly important because women face their own set of challenges and what may not seem significant to others could be a major source of stress or concern for a woman. A dedicated platform for women’s mental health can help many women navigate the stress, trauma and challenges they may be experiencing.”
As part of the foundation day celebrations, attendees also participated in an interactive session led by a mental health expert, who highlighted the importance of recognising early signs of emotional distress, managing stress, maintaining emotional balance and seeking timely professional support. The session also focused on practical approaches women can adopt to prioritise their mental well-being while balancing personal and professional responsibilities.
The Guest of Honour, Dr. Deepika Bhalla, Executive Director, MRIS Sector 14, Faridabad, said, “Radio Manav Rachna was founded with Dr. O.P. Bhalla’s clear vision of serving the community and it is a matter of pride to see that vision continue to grow. From its early days as a community radio station for the people of Faridabad and the NCR, it has remained committed to the welfare of society. Women go through many mental and emotional challenges in their everyday lives and the new initiative by Radio Manav Rachna is a meaningful step towards addressing these concerns. I believe it will contribute to the welfare of society, which has always been at the heart of the founder’s vision.”
Reflecting on the station’s 18-year journey, Jasmita Oberoi, Chief Creative Officer, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions, said, “The heartbeat of Radio Manav Rachna has always been its people. This journey belongs to our team and the community members who have chosen to contribute their time and expertise, week after week. Together, they have helped create awareness and drive change across health, security, education and other grassroots-level issues that make a difference in people’s everyday lives. As we mark this milestone, we are grateful to everyone who has helped strengthen the voice of the community over the years.”
During the event, Radio Manav Rachna honoured 25 community partners representing diverse sectors for their sustained contribution to public awareness programming. The station noted that these collaborations have helped strengthen outreach across health, education, environmental sustainability and social development initiatives.
The celebrations also featured a demonstration by the Eco Club under its Green Grah campaign, showcasing practical household waste segregation and composting techniques to encourage sustainable living. The initiative reflects the station’s continued emphasis on environmental awareness alongside its broader community-focused programming.
The event brought together educationists, healthcare professionals, social workers, students, community partners and other distinguished members of society.
Looking ahead, Diksha Bhaskar Bhatia, Deputy Director, Radio Manav Rachna, outlined the station’s roadmap for future public interest programming. She said Radio Manav Rachna would continue collaborating with the community on initiatives related to health, women empowerment, education, environmental sustainability, youth development and social awareness. She also invited women to submit their questions through the station’s dedicated community support number, 8010781078, with selected queries to be addressed by experts during future HER broadcasts.
