NOSTALGIA
Even in the age of social media, the magic of listening together during power cuts and snowfall can’t be streamed. This is an ode to the programme that wove community through sound.
Manzoor Akash
Radio is still a powerful medium, touching hearts everywhere. Even with social media around us, radio listeners are still plenty. It weaves voices into hearts, connecting people across distances and echoing emotions. Stories come alive on the radio, emotions touch us, and communities come together. Whether in whispers or waves, radio’s magic never fades.
Radio Kashmir Srinagar (now All India Radio, AIR) once had many popular shows like Zoone Dab, Dadhkan, Shaharbeen, Aap Ki Farmaish, and Wadi Ki Awaaz, etc. But one show stood out–and that was Shaharbeen (City Scan). It was more than just a program; it was a voice of every Kashmiri household, especially during snowy days. Adults, the elderly, and teens tuned into the radios daily to hear about local issues, grievances, and updates. Shaharbeen brought people closer to the administration, reporting directly from the ground, and spreading peace. It had a magic that no other show had–it touched hearts and connected people like no other.
I still cherish lovable memories of Shaharbeen, a legendary Radio Kashmir show. Though it’s still popular, its opening tune echoes in my mind–Abdal Mehjoor Sahib’s voice, “Shaharbeen Kay Sabi Sam’een Ko, Abdal Mehjoor Ka Salam Pounchay…” Later, Ishfaq Sayeed Sahib’s iconic intro, “Apni Gadiyan Milayey, Shaharbeen Time…” became unforgettable. Sharing these memories with fellow radio lovers brings back the nostalgia.
Shaharbeen left a lasting impact on me, from childhood to now. Even with social media around, its significance hasn’t faded. In fact, it has become more accessible and portable. When the power supply goes out, radio lovers, especially the elderly, still tune in. For them, Shaharbeen was a lifeline, bringing news and connection during harsh winters and snowbound evenings.
Last Friday, Kashmir’s first snow fell heavily. In the evening time when all around fell pitch dark and silent, I remembered Shaharbeen, Radio Kashmir’s special 7:00 pm (earlier timing 7:30) broadcast. When the power supply vanished, and phones died, people glued to their radio sets, listening to Shaharbeen. It brought them together, sharing updates and warmth. Amidst the snow, with no social media or electricity, Shaharbeen was the connection–and it flooded me with memories.
I recall cherished childhood memories of snowbound days. No electricity, but Shaharbeen on the radio brought us together. It updated us on the snowfall chaos outside. Before 7:30 pm, the house was noisy, but when Shaharbeen was aired, silence fell. My father, who would usually keep that old radio set on a windowsill, would bring it closer to him and increase its volume once the clock struck 7:30. We would whisper only during ads. I remember my mother getting scolded often for talking during the show–when To’ath said, “Shh! Shaharbeen is on. Keep quiet.” We would all freeze, listening intently. Just half an hour of pure focus. Those were the days!
Shaharbeen transported us to different places, right from our cosy homes. Its thought-provoking stories and praiseworthy coverage–all thanks to the founder Nayeema Mahjoor Sahiba, and her team led by producer Maqsood Sahib, later. He would grill administrators with tough questions, leaving listeners quite satisfied. I still remember the correspondents like Zahoor Zahid (Kupwara), Khurshid Alam (Srinagar), Qaramat Qayoom (Baramulla)… and Maqbool Veeray of Anantnag, who would narrate stories so vividly, his voice still echoes. We would laugh at the announcer’s cues–”Aub Doda Ka Rukh Kerte Hain…” and we would chime in, “Naseer Ahmad Khoda Kay Pass!” Such was the attachment of people to Shaharbeen. But how sad! Today, those radio sets are least spotted in our edifices. However, I fervently believe that listening to this program on social media can’t compete with the magic it unfolded when it was listened to on the radio.
To wrap up, Shaharbeen’s success goes to the legendary Nayeema Ahmad Mahjoor, who revived Radio Kashmir’s glory, alongside news director Ashraf Sahil. Their efforts drew thousands to the station, causing traffic jams outside! Shaharbeen became the voice of people’s concerns, bridging radio, administration, and the public. It sparked a new connection, making Radio Kashmir a central hub for politics, governance, and everyday issues. Come, let’s rewind to radio’s golden days & tune into our favourite Shaharbeen programme like before. Indeed, old is gold.
The writer is an author of several books
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