The Indian Army on May 23, 2025, launched a community radio station named “Panchshul Pulse” at 88.4 FM in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, aimed at strengthening ties with local communities in remote and high-altitude regions. The station was inaugurated by Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Army’s Central Command.
The initiative, led by the Army’s Panchshul Brigade, seeks to use radio as a tool for community development and communication. It will focus on celebrating local culture, spreading awareness of government and Army initiatives, promoting education, and generating employment opportunities, while also offering entertainment tailored to regional audiences.
Lt Gen Sengupta highlighted the significance of the station in enhancing civil-military relations and using media to reach isolated populations. He noted the success of a similar initiative, Kumaon Vani in Nainital, which has connected nearly 500 villages, and expressed optimism that Panchshul Pulse would yield similar results.
The station’s launch marks a strategic effort to integrate technological outreach with local development goals, reinforcing the Army’s role beyond security to i
nclude welfare and empowerment in frontier areas.
The inauguration was attended by Army officials, local leaders, and residents, reflecting the collaborative nature of the project. Programming on Panchshul Pulse will cater to the specific needs and aspirations of the region, helping preserve its cultural heritage while supporting progress and resilience in the border district.
