MUMBAI: In order to celebrate the Indian Air Force (IAF) day and to test the knowledge of the listeners on IAF, BIG FM kick started an initiative ‘Udaan India Ki Shaan’ on 4 October. The campaign is running across all the 45 stations of BIG FM till 8 October.
Speaking to Radioandmusic.com, BIG FM business head Ashwin Padmanabhan says, “We realized there is a need to bridge the gap between the armed forces and youth and what better occasion than this to create awareness about the IAF. We thought of connecting people with IAF on IAF day in a unique manner by giving them a chance to own prestigious souvenirs from them.”
Throughout the campaign, the RJ’s shared information and trivia about the IAF, besides an on air contest was organised for the across all stations. The activity was happening in the evening time-slot between 7-8 pm.
When asked about the approach of IAF for the same, Padmanabhan says, “We approached them with the idea of celebrating IAF Day by engaging people with Q&A on the IAF. The idea was much appreciated and they supported us by providing souvenirs to be given to listeners via contest based on the IAF. There will be officials interacting with RJs / listeners on the IAF Day.” The lucky winner of the contest will be rewarded with an exclusive official souvenir from the IAF. A few selected listeners will also be given a once in a life time chance to personally meet IAF fighters pilots and also visit the nearest Air Base.
He further adds that there is a curiosity among people to know about their armed forces better. “Except army, there is little knowledge about other armed forces like Navy & IAF,” he states.
When asked if BIG FM will continue the initiative next year, he said, “This is an initiative taken by us this year with the support of the IAF. We would like to make it bigger next year.”