Public Service Broadcasting Day 2026, Date, Theme, History, Significance

Public Service Broadcasting Day 2026, also known as Jan Prasaran Divas, is observed annually on 12 November to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s historic radio address through All India Radio (AIR) in 1947. The day highlights the importance of public service broadcasting in spreading awareness, providing reliable information and serving society. 

Public Service Broadcasting in India Objectives

Public Service Broadcasting aims to provide reliable information, promote education and ensure that broadcasting serves the interests of society rather than commercial interests.

• Public Awareness: To provide accurate, unbiased and accessible information about government policies, public welfare schemes and important national developments.
• Education and Social Development: To spread awareness about education, healthcare, sanitation and social issues, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
• National Unity: To promote communal harmony, national integration and respect for India’s diverse languages, cultures and traditions.
• Inclusive Communication: To ensure that information reaches all sections of society, including marginalised communities and people living in remote regions.
• Democratic Values: To encourage informed public participation, responsible communication and accountability through reliable broadcasting.

Public Service Broadcasting Day 2026 Background

Public Service Broadcasting Day marks a significant moment in India’s broadcasting history when Mahatma Gandhi used radio to reach people affected by the Partition of India.

• Historical Event: On 12 November 1947, Mahatma Gandhi visited the Broadcasting House of All India Radio in New Delhi for his first and only live broadcast from an AIR studio.
• Address to Refugees: He addressed more than 2 lakh displaced people staying at a refugee camp in Kurukshetra, Haryana, following the Partition of India.
• Deepavali Broadcast: The address took place on Deepavali, as Gandhi could not personally visit the refugees. Freedom fighter Rajkumari Amrit Kaur accompanied him.
• Gandhi’s Experience: Initially hesitant to use radio, Gandhi agreed to the broadcast and later described radio as a medium possessing extraordinary power.
• Official Recognition: In 2000, then Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Sushma Swaraj announced that 12 November would be observed as Public Service Broadcasting Day. The observance was formally recognised in 2001.

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Public Service Broadcasting Day 2026 Theme

Public Service Broadcasting Day promotes the values of responsible broadcasting, social service and the use of media for public welfare.

• Theme for 2026: No separate nationwide official theme has been confirmed. However, the 2026 commemoration at the India International Centre includes a discussion titled “Broadcasting as a Social Contract.”
• Focus on Public Responsibility: The discussion highlights broadcasting’s responsibility towards citizens and the importance of serving public interests.
• Remembering Usha Mehta: The programme also recalls freedom fighter Usha Mehta’s contribution to underground radio during the Quit India Movement and her arrest on 12 November 1942.
• Commemorative Events: The programme scheduled for 12 November 2026 includes a tribute at the Gandhi-King Memorial Plaza, followed by discussions at the C.D. Deshmukh Auditorium in New Delhi.
• Promoting Gandhian Values: The observance encourages broadcasters to uphold truth, social responsibility, inclusiveness and public service.

Role of All India Radio in Public Service Broadcasting

All India Radio (AIR), also known as Akashvani, has played an important role in connecting citizens, spreading information and promoting India’s cultural heritage.

• Public Information: AIR broadcasts national news, government announcements, educational programmes and information about public welfare initiatives.
• Rural Development: Through regional and local programmes, AIR provides information on agriculture, healthcare, education and other issues affecting rural communities.
• Cultural Preservation: It promotes regional languages, folk music, literature and traditional art forms, strengthening India’s cultural diversity.
• Historical Importance: AIR broadcast Gandhi’s historic address on 12 November 1947, establishing a significant example of broadcasting in the service of humanity.
• Bapu Studio: In 2023, the historic studio associated with Gandhi’s address was dedicated as Bapu Studio, preserving recordings, photographs and memorabilia connected with his visit.
• Annual Celebrations: Every year, Akashvani organises special programmes, devotional music performances and commemorative events to celebrate Public Service Broadcasting Day and promote Gandhian ideals.