Lucknow, April 3 -- Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday described All India Radio (Akashvani) as a vital institution that has shaped India's cultural consciousness, strengthened national unity, and preserved linguistic diversity across generations. He was speaking at the 89th foundation day celebrations of Akashvani's Lucknow centre. The chief minister recalled the broadcaster's deep emotional and social connection with citizens, particularly in pre-digital India. "There was a time when radio was not just a device but a lifeline. The first voice that resonated in homes across the country was that of Akashvani. Its credibility made it a trusted companion for millions," he said. During the event held at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, the chief minister highlighted Akashvani's historic contribution in documenting and influencing key phases of India's journey. Referring to milestones such as the Quit India Movement, Partition, and the adoption of the Constitution, he said Akashvani has been more than a broadcaster, it has been a witness and narrator of India's transformation. Adityanath stressed that Akashvani played a significant role in nurturing patriotism during the freedom struggle by broadcasting songs like Vande Mataram and connecting people across regions. He also noted that the Lucknow station, inaugurated in 1938 by Govind Ballabh Pant, holds a special place in India's broadcasting history as one of the earliest centres established before Independence. Focusing on cultural preservation, the chief minister said Akashvani has been instrumental in promoting regional dialects such as Bhojpuri, Awadhi, Garhwali, and Kumaoni. "It provided a platform where local languages, folk traditions and folk arts were not only preserved but celebrated," he remarked, adding that the broadcaster helped instill a sense of pride in India's diverse cultural identity. Drawing a connection between traditional and modern communication, Adityanath highlighted how initiatives like Mann Ki Baat have revived the spirit of meaningful dialogue through radio. He said such programmes have re-established the importance of credible, grassroots communication in an age dominated by fast but often unreliable digital content. The chief minister emphasised the need for Akashvani to evolve with changing times and engage younger audiences. "The platform must adapt to new technologies and formats while maintaining its credibility and core values," he said, expressing confidence that it would continue to remain relevant in the digital era. Earlier, Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi highlighted the organisation's commitment to public service broadcasting and technological advancement. The programme also featured a documentary on Akashvani Lucknow's journey and a felicitation ceremony honouring distinguished artists and veteran broadcasters. The CM honoured former AIR news readers and staff like Yagyadev Pandit, Gulabchand, Susheel Robert Banerjee, Satish Kumar Grover, Vijay Kumar Banerjee, Rajjan Lal, Navneet Mishra, Harish Sanwal, Bholanath and Keval Kumar for their contribution to Akashvani....