In a recent interview with All India Radio (AIR), Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud fondly reminisced about his youth and his deep-rooted connection to AIR’s iconic voices. He shared how his bond with the broadcaster began in his early years as he listened to news bulletins in Hindi, English, and Sanskrit with his parents, fostering a lifelong admiration for AIR’s distinguished presenters.
Chandrachud recalled the influence of his mother, a classical musician, who often brought him to the AIR studios in Mumbai during his primary school years. These visits nurtured his interest in broadcasting, and after moving to Delhi in 1975, he auditioned for Akashvani. Reflecting on his start, he noted, “When I came to Delhi in 1975, I was told that I could audition for Akashvani. I started doing programmes in both Hindi and English. I can still vividly remember my first programme.”
Watch the clip here:
#CJIonAkashvani – Exclusive Interview
Chief Justice of India, Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, nostalgically recalls his treasured days as a presenter at #AllIndiaRadio. He fondly remembers how he would often be engrossed in listening to Hindi, English, and Sanskrit bulletins, a… pic.twitter.com/DVBmKWZYmG
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) October 24, 2024
Cherished voices from AIR’s presenters also left a lasting impact on his childhood. Chandrachud particularly remembered Devaki Nandan Pandey’s iconic introduction: “Yeh Akashvani hai; ab aap samachar suniye Devaki Nandan Pandey se.” This familiar voice deeply resonated with him, as did the “refined voices” of other celebrated presenters, like Pamela Singh and Lotika Ratnam. Ratnam’s memorable greeting, “This is All India Radio; the news is read by Lotika Ratnam,” remains vivid in his memory.
His role at AIR eventually expanded to include hosting western music segments, which allowed him to connect with a diverse audience. “I also did western music for All India Radio in those days,” he shared, highlighting his enduring connection with both AIR and its listeners.