Radio Veritas Asia’s Bengali Service celebrates Listeners’ Meet Day
Radio Veritas Asia’s Bengali Language Service celebrated Listeners’ Meet and RVA Day at Christo Jyoti Pastoral Center, Rajshahi in Bangladesh, from December 14 to 15.
The theme of this program was "We are committed to spreading the truth." That truth shows people the way to light.
The gathering drew about 120 listeners from all across the country, mostly Muslims, Christians, and Hindus, as well as priests and nuns from various formation homes, associations, and hostels.
The program started with the Eucharistic celebration officiated by Bishop of Khulna diocese James Romen Boiragi, Bishop Gervas Rozario of Rajshahi, Father Nikhil Gomes, Coordinator of the Radio Veritas Asia Bengali Service, Vicar General, Father Fabian Marandy, Father Patrick Gomes and Father Bablu Corraya.
The mission of Radio Veritas Asia Bengali is "to publish and spread the truth to all, irrespective of caste and religion. And it is to this end that the Radio Veritas Asia (RVA) campaign continues to work, which is visible before us today."
The event was also attended by the President, Bishop Gervas Rozario, diocese of Rajshahi; the Chief Guest, James Romen Boiragi, Chairman of the Social Communication Commission; David Hembrom, Director, Rajshahi Caritas Region; Swapon Mondal, Senior Manager, World Vision Bangladesh; Paba, Rajshahi; Fathers, Sisters and Directors of Radio Clubs from different parts of the country; and listeners and friends of RVA.
In his welcome speech, Father Nikhil Gomes, Coordinator of the Radio Veritas Asia Bengali service, expressed gratitude for the constant support of listeners, calling them the lifeblood of the Radio Veritas Asia Bengali service. He emphasized the station's 43-year journey in sharing truth around the world, underscoring its unique role as a bridge connecting India and Bangladesh.
"Let us raise the voice of the voiceless to the world through Radio Veritas," he said, emphasizing the importance of RVA's commitment to truth. And we all work together to share and reveal the truth." He recognized RVA's role in developing interfaith discourse and acting as a catalyst for positive life improvements.
Kamron Nahar Shila, a Muslim listener, recounted her personal stories of transformation via the Radio Veritas Asia Bengali station. She expressed gratitude for meeting her life partner and raising a happy family, demonstrating the station's good influence.
The Social Communication Commission's Chairman, Bishop James Ramen Boiragi, characterized Radio Veritas Asia Bengali as "the voice of the silent people." He emphasized the value of truth in leading people to the light and praised the assembly of Christian, Muslim, and Hindu listeners as an example of interfaith communication.
Zakaria Haque, a regular listener and viewer, complimented Radio Veritas Asia's dedicated team for altering his life since his school days. He commended the various programs that had broadened his comprehension and thanked all who had contributed to the success of the Bengali service.
Radio Veritas Asia has been broadcasting Bengali-language programs since December 1, 1980, gaining the title "the Voice of Asian Christianity."
In 2018, the station migrated from short-wave radio to digital media platforms, boosting its reach and influence.
As Radio Veritas Asia Bengali service celebrates its 43rd RVA Day and Listeners’ Meet, the commitment to spreading truth and fostering dialogue remains at the forefront of its mission.
The station continues to serve as a beacon of unity, engaging both "global" and "local" Asians in continuous dialogue on religion, culture, and solidarity with the poor.- Nikhil Gomes
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.