India’s First Akashvani in the Glory of its 90th Year

As the Mysore Radio Station steps into its 90th year, the name Akashvani also completes nine decades. Do you know the story of academician Dr. M.V. Gopalaswamy, who established Akashvani 90 years ago?

Dr. M.V. Gopalaswamy

Here is the story of Mysore Radio Station:

Dr. M.V. Gopalaswamy, who was the Principal of Mysore Maharaja’s College and a Professor of Psychology, started a small private radio station at his home in Yadavagiri, Mysore, on September 10, 1935. This is how radio broadcasting began in Mysore as a private initiative. Dr. M.V. Gopalaswamy named this station Akashvani.

The first radio broadcast in Mysore was done using a transmitter worth ₹600, imported from England. The inaugural program was a musical concert by the renowned singer and Kannada music composer Mysore Vasudevacharya. Later, the station was shifted to the building of the Mysore Medical College and Research Institute.

As Dr. Gopalaswamy faced financial difficulties, the Mysore state government took over the station. On January 1, 1941, the then-government officially acquired it. In 1944, the station was relocated to its current building in Yadavagiri. In 1956, the name ‘Akashvani’, originally used for the Mysore station, was adopted as the official name for All India Radio nationwide.

In 1955, the operations of the Mysore radio station were shifted to Bangalore. However, in 1974, it was reinstated in Mysore. Currently, the station broadcasts more than ten news bulletins and numerous programs in Kannada, Sanskrit, and English.

A few words about Dr. M.V. Gopalaswamy

Gopalaswamy was born in 1896 in Mysore. He was a prominent academician and psychologist, who served as the principal of Maharaja’s College in Mysore and a professor of psychology. He also served as HOD of the Department of Psychology. Dr. Gopalaswamy’s pioneering efforts laid the foundation for public broadcasting in India. His name will always be remembered as a key figure in India’s media history. He is also known for shaping the future of psychology in India.

He received training under Charles Spearman at London University. After returning to India, he adapted Western intelligence tests for the Indian population, and established India’s first animal laboratory.  Gopalaswamy applied psychological principles to education.