Radio City’s RJ Sonali was honoured with the Maharashtra Asha Best Marathi Radio Presenter award at the inaugural Maharashtra Asha Radio Gaurav Awards. The prestigious ceremony was organised by the Maharashtra Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs as part of the first-ever Maharashtra Radio Festival

CM Fadnavis fondly recalled his connection with radio, his love for music, and his hobby of writing songs. He even recited a poem and hummed a song at the event, organised to commemorate World Music Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognised the profound impact of radio and launched 'Mann Ki Baat' as a means to connect directly with every citizen, CM Fadnavis said

Speaking at the event, Asha Bhosle said, "Had there been no radio, I wouldn't be where I am today"

Emphasising the relevance of radio, CM Fadnavis said that while it has existed for decades, it remains just as impactful today. He described radio as a powerful medium that can reach the very last person in society

Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, who also attended the programme, said the state government instituted these awards to honour excellence in the field, noting that India's first radio broadcast began in 1923 as 'Radio Bombay'

Shelar said Maharashtra is the first state in the country to formally recognise and celebrate contributions to the radio industry through such accolades