On the occasion of World Music Day, the government of Maharashtra's Department of Cultural Affairs will, for the first time, organize the Maharashtra Radio Festival 2025 and the Maharashtra Asha Radio Gaurav Awards 2025, announced Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar at Mantralaya on Tuesday.
The event will take place on June 21 at 4:30 PM at the Yashwantrao Chavan Auditorium, where Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will preside over the ceremony and present 12 distinguished radio awards.
A New Platform for Marathi Language and Artists
This historic initiative honours the contributions of the radio industry. Radio has played a key role in preserving the cultural and historical heritage of the state. Interviews of experts from various fields have been preserved through radio broadcasts over the years. From India’s independence to the formation of Maharashtra, radio has been a witness to every historical event. While All India Radio played a pivotal role, private FM and community radio stations too made their mark during the phases of privatization and westernization.
These awards aim to encourage emerging and creative radio channels that have preserved Marathi music, songs and classical traditions. The platform will honour Marathi anchors, actors, musicians, lyricists, writers, technicians and editors, ensuring that their contributions to art, literature and culture continue to thrive. The award is not merely about honouring entertainment, but about acknowledging the profound impact of radio in fostering awareness, education and socio-political consciousness.
Among the 12 awards to be presented, the Asha Radio Gaurav Award has been named in honour of Maharashtra Bhushan Asha Bhosale, a legendary icon in the world of music. Cultural Affairs minister Adv. Ashish Shelar stated that the government has chosen to name the award in recognition of her extraordinary and lifelong contribution to Indian music.
Other awards include:
Maharashtra Asha Best Radio Station
Maharashtra Asha Best Community Radio Station
Maharashtra Asha Best Radio Entertainment Program
Maharashtra Asha Best Radio Social Program
Maharashtra Asha Best Radio Presenter (Male)
Maharashtra Asha Best Radio Presenter (Female)
Maharashtra Asha Best Debut Radio Presenter
Maharashtra Asha Best Marathi Radio Presenter
Maharashtra Asha Best Program with Social Responsibility
Maharashtra Asha Best Marathi Program with Social Responsibility
Asha Best Storytelling Program
Except for the Lifetime Achievement Award, all other categories will be selected through a nomination process. Interested artists, technicians and radio stations must submit their entries in the prescribed format to the Directorate. Recipients will be honoured with a memento, shawl and a commemorative gift. The winners will be chosen by a distinguished jury comprising radio experts, veteran artists and government representatives, informed Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar.
During the award ceremony, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will engage in an interactive session with radio presenters. The second segment of the event will feature special performances of radio-themed songs, including iconic film songs where the radio plays a central backdrop, along with entertaining anecdotes and stories by celebrated artists such as Sudesh Bhosale, Shrikant Narayan and Sanjeevani Bhelande. The event will be moderated by senior journalist Ambarish Mishra. Entry to the event is free, and invitation passes will be available at the Directorate of Cultural Affairs starting June 19. Minister Ashish Shelar has invited all radio enthusiasts and art lovers to attend and enjoy this unique celebration.=
Contribution of Radio
All India Radio (AIR) is regarded as one of the most significant public broadcasting platforms. Since its inception in 1927, AIR has made immense contributions to India’s economic, social and cultural landscape. Recognized as a powerful mass communication and public engagement platform, it remains an inseparable part of the Indian media ecosystem. AIR has nurtured countless artists and provided support and protection to various art forms. Even in today’s digital age, it continues to evolve and adapt, with its programs still enjoying immense popularity, especially across rural India.
Today, the state is home to 28 AIR stations, 16 FM stations and 54 community radio stations, including well-known channels like Radio City, Radio One, Magic FM, My FM, Tomato FM, and many more. These platforms not only entertain but also educate and create vital social awareness. Along with this, various community radio stations of various organizations are also operational.
The radio festival is expected to give a significant boost to the promotion and visibility of the Marathi language. With specific awards reserved for Marathi content, the festival holds special importance for Marathi artists and the language itself. Recently, Marathi was granted the status of a classical language. FM and community radio stations have played a noteworthy role in advancing its reach and helping many Marathi artists gain fame. This festival and the accompanying awards have been organized not only to acknowledge the powerful influence of radio as a medium but also to leverage it in promoting various initiatives and schemes of the Cultural Affairs Department and the Maharashtra state government, stated Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar.
