The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, is set to launch a unique cultural documentation initiative titled Awazon ke Jugnu on January 8, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Conceived after years of sustained scholarly and archival work, the initiative will be released in both book and audio formats, documenting and preserving the journeys of some of India’s most celebrated voices.
Documenting the Legacy of India’s Vocal Traditions
Awazon ke Jugnu traces the lives and careers of 31 distinguished individuals associated with All India Radio, FM channels, broadcasting, the voice-over industry, and stage poetry. The publication foregrounds the cultural and emotional power of voice-based narration—an art form that has shaped collective memory, trust, and warmth across generations.
By chronicling voices that carried stories, characters, and emotions into Indian homes, the initiative reflects on the enduring relevance of sound and voice, even in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Distinguished Dignitaries at the Launch
The launch programme will be chaired by Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA.
The event will feature prominent figures from the world of broadcasting and voice acting:
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Harish Bhimani, renowned broadcaster and voice actor, as Chief Guest
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Shammi Narang, noted broadcaster and voice artist, as Guest of Honour
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Sonal Kaushal, eminent voice actor, as Special Guest
Scholarly and Editorial Contributions
On the occasion, Anurag Punetha, Controller, Media Centre, IGNCA, will deliver the welcome address. The publication will be introduced by its compiler and editor, Shefali Chaturvedi, who will outline the vision, scope, and scholarly intent behind the work.
Radio, Voice and Cultural Memory
The publication reflects on radio and voice narration as deeply intimate cultural media, capable of forging emotional bonds that transcend time and technology. It highlights how voice—through radio broadcasts, poetry recitations, and voice-over performances—has remained a powerful storytelling tool, bridging traditional and contemporary forms of expression.
IGNCA’s Commitment to Cultural Preservation
The launch of Awazon ke Jugnu marks an important milestone in IGNCA’s continuing commitment to cultural documentation, archival excellence, and knowledge preservation. By presenting the work in both print and audio formats, the Centre ensures accessibility while honouring the very medium—voice—that the publication celebrates.
Conclusion
Awazon ke Jugnu stands as a thoughtful tribute to India’s rich vocal heritage, celebrating the artists who shaped the nation’s auditory imagination. Through meticulous documentation and authentic storytelling, the initiative reinforces the enduring relevance of voice as a cultural force and reaffirms IGNCA’s role as a custodian of India’s intangible cultural legacy.
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Source: PIB
