A book launch and discussion programme on ‘Awaazon Ke Jugnu’ was organised at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. The Media Centre of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) successfully organised the launch and discussion of the book ‘Awaazon Ke Jugnu: The Voice Masters of India’. The event was held at the IGNCA, Janpath, New Delhi. The programme was chaired by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA. Senior broadcaster and voice actor Harish Bhimani was present as the Chief Guest. The Special Guest was senior broadcaster, former Doordarshan newsreader, and voice actor Shammi Narang, while the Guest of Honour was renowned voice actor Sonal Kaushal, known for lending her voice to popular animated characters such as Doraemon and Chhota Bheem. The compiler and editor of the book, Dr. Shefali Chaturvedi, was also present on the occasion. Shri Anurag Punetha, Controller, Media Centre, IGNCA, welcomed the guests and outlined the programme. On this occasion, a QR code was also released, through which listeners can access interviews of all the personalities featured in the book.

In his presidential address, Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi said that the scope of art is vast. Therefore, IGNCA has taken a bold initiative to document the journeys of artists associated with a non-traditional art form, the world of voices, through the book and audio format of ‘Awaazon Ke Jugnu’. He announced that an English edition of the book would also be brought out and stated that this was only the beginning and that the initiative would be expanded further.

Shri Harish Bhimani, who lent his voice to ‘Samay’ in the Mahabharata, said that the voice is not merely a medium of communication but a carrier of culture and sensitivity. He reflected on the importance of voice in human life and cited a Sanskrit subhashita, explaining that both the cuckoo and the crow are black, yet what distinguishes them is their voice. He described ‘Awaazon Ke Jugnu’ as a remarkable initiative and said that if he could be even a small part of it, he accepted it with humility. He added that the book is not merely a collection of letters, but an attempt to capture the invisible life force that has been part of our collective memory for centuries. ‘Awaazon Ke Jugnu’, he said, is a document of our cultural DNA, reminding us that even when words fall silent, the resonance of their crafted sound keeps the echo of civilisation alive.

Shammi Narang, the iconic voice of the Delhi Metro, spoke about the role of voice artists in the Indian broadcasting world and emphasised the importance of such documentation efforts. Sharing his personal journey, he recounted how he entered the world of voice after studying engineering. Stressing the importance of correct pronunciation and accent, he remarked that one should speak well, as there is no cost to speaking well, and good speech leaves a positive impact on the listener. Sonal Kaushal shared her experiences regarding the possibilities and challenges in the voice industry for the younger generation. She spoke in detail about her journey and delighted the children present in the auditorium by delivering dialogues of Doraemon and Chhota Bheem, drawing enthusiastic applause.

In his welcome address, Shri Anurag Punetha highlighted that voices create trust. Citing an example, he referred to a broadcast during the Second World War in the United States, when an actor announced during a radio play that America was being attacked by Martians. People believed the announcement and gathered on the streets, demonstrating the power of voice.

Introducing the book, its compiler and editor Dr. Shefali Chaturvedi explained that Awaazon Ke Jugnu documents the distinctive and memorable voices of the Indian voice industry that have enriched Indian broadcasting through radio, Doordarshan, advertising, dubbing, announcements, and stage poetry. The book presents in detail the life journeys, creative struggles, and contributions of these artists.

In conclusion, Shri Anurag Punetha expressed his gratitude to the guests and attendees and spoke about taking the Awazon ke Jugnu initiative forward. The programme was also attended by renowned radio jockeys (RJs) Nitin Khurafati, Simran, Jasleen Bhalla, Saima Rahman, as well as eminent broadcasters Rajendra Chugh, Rajiv Kumar Shukla, Rini Khanna, Rama Pandey, Shrivardhan Trivedi, and Narendra Joshi. Simran, Rajendra Chugh, Rajiv Kumar Shukla, and Narendra Joshi also shared their views on the occasion. In addition, a significant presence of scholars, artists, students, and listeners associated with art, media, and culture was witnessed. This unique programme of its kind further deepened understanding and sensitivity towards the Indian voice industry.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

 

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