National Reading Mission 2026 Through Community Radio Winners Announced
The winners of the National Reading Mission 2026 through Community Radio (NRMCR 2026) have been announced, recognising efforts by Community Radio Stations across India to promote reading, lifelong learning and knowledge sharing at the grassroots.
A joint initiative of the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA), the P.N. Panicker Foundation and the Community Radio Association (CRA), the mission was organised under the theme “Read & Grow: Reading, Learning and Knowledge Sharing through Community Radio Stations.” It celebrates the vital role of Community Radio in fostering reading habits, strengthening community engagement with libraries and learning resources, and making knowledge more accessible to underserved communities.
Inspired by the vision and legacy of Late Shri P.N. Panicker, whose “Read and Grow” philosophy helped shape Kerala’s reading movement, the initiative invited Community Radio Stations from across India to showcase innovative, community-led reading programmes and campaigns.
Following an evaluation of the submitted entries, the jury met on 3 September 2026 announced the following winners:
| Position | Community Radio Station |
| First Prize | Radio Cooch Behar |
| Second Prize | Radio KGMU Goonj 89.6 MHz |
| Third Prize | Gurgaon Ki Awaaz |
| Special Recognition | Kadal Osai FM 90.4 CR |
| Special Recognition | Radio Surabhi |
| Special Recognition | Radio Palanpur 90.4 FM |
| Special Recognition | Hamara MSPICM 90.4 FM |
| Jury Special Recommendation Award | Radio Sundarban 91.2 FM |
| Jury Special Recommendation Award | Dhatwal Ki Awaaz |
The winning entries reflected the diversity of approaches adopted by Community Radio Stations to encourage reading and learning. Through radio programmes, community campaigns, storytelling, listener engagement, library partnerships and initiatives focused on children and local communities, the stations demonstrated how broadcasting can serve as a catalyst for building a culture of reading.
The entries were evaluated across four equally weighted criteria: Overall Impact and Relevance, Innovation and Creativity, Promotion of Reading Culture, and Community Participation and Evidence.
Commenting on the initiative, Dr B. Shadrach, Director, COL-CEMCA, highlighted the importance of reading and the continuing relevance of Late Shri P.N. Panicker’s vision in building a knowledge society. Prof. Ashok Ogra, Chairperson of the Jury, noted the potential of Community Radio to reach communities, including those in underserved regions, and motivate people to develop reading habits.
The National Reading Mission 2026 through Community Radio reaffirms the shared commitment to strengthening grassroots learning ecosystems and recognising Community Radio Stations as important platforms for knowledge empowerment.