As part of the nationwide celebration marking 90 years of broadcasting in India, Akashvani Kohima organised the “Akashvani Marathon” on 8th May 2026 in Kohima.
The marathon was organised with the objective of promoting fitness, public participation and national unity in line with the vision of a healthy and active India. The event commenced from Old MLA Hostel Junction and concluded at High School Junction, Kohima.
Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, NCS flagged off the marathon at Old MLA Hostel Junction. Speaking on the occasion, the DC said the event symbolised a marathon of voices, music, news and stories that have reached millions of people through broadcasting over the decades. He stated that the occasion was not only a milestone in the history of broadcasting but also a celebration of unity fostered through shared narratives and songs.
The Deputy Commissioner conveyed his best wishes to Akashvani for many more decades of innovation and dedicated public service in connecting people across the country through news and programmes.
Director of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland, Kethosituo Sekhose, attended the closing ceremony as special guest. Addressing the gathering, he said radio has connected generations and continues to remain an important source of information, particularly in rural areas. Congratulating Akashvani Kohima for its longstanding service, he lauded the participants of the marathon and remarked that every participant was a winner.
He further stressed the importance of fitness and encouraged citizens to contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 through healthy living and active participation in nation-building.
Also speaking at the closing ceremony, Programme Executive, Khriesaneisa Rutsa highlighted the significance of the 90-year milestone of Akashvani. He stated that broadcasting in India began with the establishment of the Indian Broadcasting Company in 1927, which later became the Indian State Broadcasting Service in 1930 and was renamed All India Radio in 1936. In 2022, the organisation adopted the nomenclature Akashvani.
He informed that Akashvani Kohima completed 63 years of service in January 2026. Since June 2025, the station has been organising a series of activities to commemorate 90 years of broadcasting, including special programmes featuring former broadcasters and experts, essay competitions for schools, folk song competitions involving Naga tribal student bodies and Hindi film song competitions.
Rutsa also said that through its programme “My Beloved Village”, Akashvani Kohima has reached audiences across all districts and many remote villages of Nagaland. At present, the station broadcasts more than 55 programmes through its two channels - Primary Channel and FM Tragopan.
He stated that the marathon was organised to create awareness about the rich legacy of Akashvani while promoting fitness and healthy living. On behalf of the Head of Office and Head of Programme, Akashvani Kohima, he expressed gratitude to the Kohima District Administration, Traffic Police, Chief Medical Officer’s Office, partners and sponsors, participating schools, media personnel, volunteers and staff members of Akashvani Kohima for their support and cooperation in making the event a success.
In the boys’ category, Ketouselie of T.M. Government High School secured first position with a timing of 11 minutes 07 seconds, followed by Muying Phom of Government High School PWD Colony at 11 minutes 09 seconds and Pherongwi of Dr. Neilhouzhü Kire Government Higher Secondary School, Seikhazou at 11 minutes 10 seconds.
In the girls’ category, Vibeizonuo Nienu of Dr. Neilhouzhü Kire Government Higher Secondary School, Seikhazou secured first position with a timing of 14 minutes 18 seconds. Yanhola of Government High School Chandmari secured second position with 14 minutes 56 seconds, while Avisi Kire of Dr. Neilhouzhü Kire Government Higher Secondary School, Seikhazou secured third position with 15 minutes 28 seconds. Five consolation cash prizes were also awarded in each category.
The event was organised in partnership with the National Health Mission under the Department of Health and Family Welfare Nagaland, and Miachieo Market, Peraciezie. The State Bank of India, Regional Business Office, Dimapur Region, was the event sponsor.
Altogether, 180 students from six government schools participated in the marathon. The participating schools included Government High School, PWD Colony; Government High School, Chandmari; Dr. Neilhouzhü Kire Government Higher Secondary School, Seikhazou; T.M. Government High School; PM SHRI Government High School New Market; and Government High School Forest Colony. Staff members of Akashvani Kohima also participated in the marathon.
(Molungnenla, IA Kohima)
