In rural India, community radio leads fight against virus

Hyperlocal stations reach millions in poor and marginalized groups

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An anchor at work at Radio Namaskar, in the eastern Indian coastal state of Odisha. The station, located in Konark, plays a crucial role in keeping villagers informed about the coronavirus and other matters, as most do not watch TV. (Courtesy of Radio Namaskar) 

NEETA LAL, Contributing writer

NEW DELHI -- "I'd have been dead by now if I hadn't learnt about coronavirus symptoms from Radio Henvalvani," says Ram Lakhi, 30, a farmer from the Tehri district of northern India's hilly Uttarakhand State.

"The community radio station's interviews with doctors pushed me to get myself tested for the deadly disease," says Lakhi. "And I was found positive even though I had no obvious symptoms! Thankfully, with timely intervention, and age on my side, I've recovered fully now. The radio was my savior."

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