On 3rd November 2011, UNESCO declared that World Radio Day would be celebrated every year on 13th February to recognize the importance of radio, its information value, and its cultural significance.
On 8th July 2017, UNESCO declared Ahmedabad as India’s first World Heritage City. When remembering the invention of radio, one must certainly recall the Italian electrical engineer Guglielmo Marconi. When shortwave radio began, its broadcasts were transmitted simultaneously to many parts of the world. Since shortwave signals were often weak, copper mesh aerials had to be installed outside homes. During the World Wars, radio broadcasts played a crucial role in preventing the spread of fear caused by false rumors among the public. In many villages, there were only one or two radios, and people would gather together to listen. Gradually, radio gained popularity, and the number of radio sets increased. In the beginning, large valve-based radios were used. As technology advanced, radios also evolved. Today, radio has once again become very popular among the younger generation.
In 1981, after completing his post-graduation, Siddharth Patel had the idea of creating designer radio pieces. However, after carefully studying the market, he realized that valve-tube radios were almost on the verge of disappearing. He felt that these radios would soon vanish from the market entirely. Considering them as a part of India’s cultural heritage from the time of independence, he began collecting valve-tube radios with the intention of preserving them. Today, he owns a collection of more than 120 valve-tube radios from various brands across countries such as India, the United States, England, Germany, and others.
Since Ahmedabad was declared India’s only World Heritage City, Siddharth Patel thought that with such a valuable collection, there should be a proper radio museum to preserve this cultural heritage. Thus, he established the Sarvayogam Radio Museum. The museum has no entry fee, ensuring that everyone can visit and experience this heritage. He also envisions creating a modern workshop to properly maintain and restore the remaining radios of this technological era. Students would be able to visit and gain extensive knowledge about radio technology.
On 13th February, World Radio Day, the Sarvayogam Radio Museum in Ahmedabad was inaugurated by the former Assistant Director of Akashvani, respected Shri Maulin Munshi. Shri Maulin Munshi stated that radio, which stands by people in both joy and sorrow, is truly a friend, philosopher, and guide for everyone.
