"Rural Voices: Unheard to Empowered" conference at IRRAD Auditorium, Sec-44, Gurgaon > 9am-5:45pm on 3rd & 4th May 2012

Time : 9:00 am - 5:45 pm

Entry : by Free Registration, Registration form available on the website (www.irrad.org)

Place : Institute of Rural Research and Development (IRRAD), Plot No. 34, Sector 44, Institutional Area, Gurgaon, Haryana 122002 
Venue Info : www.irrad.org | Nearest Metro Station - 'HUDA City Centre(Yellow Line)'

Event Details : 'Rural Voices: Unheard to Empowered' conference. 
There will also be performance by Vidya Shah and Asmita Theater Group.

Despite India’s tremendous advances in the field of communication, most rural Indians remain information-poor and unheard. Penetration of mainstream communication media has failed to reach the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Of the varied media forms, television dominates the outreach with 38% rural population using the medium. Radio is found to reach out to only 18% of the rural populace followed by print where the penetration is only 15% (Lintas Media…2008)1. Grassroots experiences reveal that this limited media outreach in the rural
settings is largely linear, thus, preventing access to the ‘voices’.
For inclusive growth and development, the needs and aspirations of all sections of the society must be represented. Excluded sections of the society must have access to information and platforms for expression. Communication which is participatory and development oriented in nature can go a long way in empowering rural communities to manage and control the development process. Rural Voices, a conference organized by the Institute of Rural Research and Development (IRRAD), an initiative of S.M. Sehgal Foundation, will feature creative ways in
which rural communities receive information and express their needs and concerns effectively.
Community radio, vernacular newspapers, and wall paintings are often effective media in villages. Other media used in participatory communications include theatre, comics, songs and other art forms.
IRRAD invites diverse stakeholders to discuss alternative media and share successes. Panelists will feature policy issues and media resources.

Related Events : Talks