In the world of many voices
OneWorld South Asia's new audio content bank helps grassroots communities to share and access community media content from across the region. With its current rich resource bank from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, the portal best exemplifies how technology can enhance and communicate diverse voices.
New Delhi: The mellifluous strains of the violin fill the room as we listen entranced to the title song of the programme More Tunde, Mor Kathani (My Story in My Voice) sung by young Tushar Kant Chalan from Kashipala Orissa. This programme on the ill effects of liquor consumption is produced by Chale Chalo. Voices from remote districts can now be heard across the globe, thanks to EK duniya anEK awaaz (EDAA) – One World Many Voices.
- EDAA portal logo
Launched in September 2008 by OneWorld South Asia, EDAA has entered the virtual domain with an invitation to ‘Join, Share, Empower’ grassroots voices from South Asia. It is an online platform enabling free and open access to audio content produced through diverse community media initiatives.
A simple web interface allows uploading and downloading of audio content. Job Alerts and Funding Alerts disseminate useful information relevant to the development communications sector. A pool of resources on policy guidelines, technology, and production of content also features here. The calendar keeps one abreast with national and international events.
This South Asian archive on MDG and other development related issues currently has 300 radio programmes, voice bytes, interviews and jingles in four Indian languages, Nepali and Sinhala.
In a month, the portal has seen usage and sharing from community media centres of Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh, Jagori in Himachal, Chale Chalo in Orissa, Kongu Community Radio Station and Holy Cross in Tamil Nadu, Namma Dwani in Karnataka, and institutions like Film and Television Institute of India. It also features audio content from OWSA’s weekly radio shows Ek Duniya Ek Aawaz and Baat Nanhe Dilon Ki (co-produced by NGO Chetna) that are aired on a popular national channel every week.
EDAA represents an important milestone in OneWorld South Asia’s journey towards creating enabling technology and platforms for communities. It is an endeavor to use the democratic potential of ICTs to create one world that encompasses all voices.
For more information write to satish.n@oneworld.net
