Hanle (Ladakh), Feb 28: A cheerful “Julley” — the traditional Ladakhi greeting — now echoes through the crisp mountain air of Hanle, as the community radio station CRS Anlay 89.6 MHz brings news, weather, government schemes and entertainment to six remote hamlets nestled close to the India–China border. With no other mass media presence in the area, the tiny three‑room station has become the primary link between these isolated villages and the outside world.
Launched in November 2024 under the Indian Army’s “Operation Sadbhavana,” CRS Anlay — tagged “Jahan Sitare Mile” — is run by a four‑member local team: one station manager, a sound engineer, and two radio jockeys. “This station is vital for bridging the information gap here, since All India Radio signals are weak,” said station manager Kunzang Disket. Programmes cover everything from weather and agriculture updates to detailed information about government schemes, while special emphasis is placed on preserving and promoting Ladakhi culture.
The station also highlights local uniqueness, such as Hanle’s dark‑sky observatory and its historic monastery, and covers local events in Hanle and nearby areas. Broadcasting daily from 9 am to 6 pm, programmes are mostly in Ladakhi and Hindi, with some content in English targeted at tourists. The morning slot (9–11 am) focuses on motivational talks and key updates, followed by “Anlay ki Awaz” (11 am–1 pm) for students, education and health. The afternoon (1–3 pm) is dedicated to Ladakhi culture, while the popular evening block “Evening Bindass” (3–6 pm) swings between Bollywood and Ladakhi music.
Radio jockey Tsering Lamo said that both elders and youth tune in, and the station also reaches audiences digitally through social media pages and a dedicated mobile app. “The app offers curated shows and lets listeners send text or voice feedback, making the radio truly interactive,” she added.
