Venkat Raman
Thousands of listeners of Radio Tarana from around the world greeted Radio Tarana as it marked its 23rd Anniversary on June 15, 2018.
The round-the-clock radio station received congratulatory messages from the country’s leaders, celebrities such as Salman Khan and a cross-section of people from New Zealand, Fiji, India, Canada, Britain, United States of America and other countries.
The day was important for a few members of Tarana staff, some of who have been with the Station since it was established in 1995 and a few others who have worked tirelessly for the progress of the company for more than 15 years.
High-Level Recognition
For Managing Director Robert Khan, the progress of Radio Tarana is team work, although in reality he is the real architect of the company’s structure and stature.
As well as being the Winner for Outstanding Contribution to Radio at the Annual Radio New Zealand Awards 2016, he was honoured by Queen Elizabeth II (on her Birthday Honours in June 2017) with his appointment as the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for his services to Broadcasting and the Indian community.
Popular Station
Tarana has indubitably become the most popular Indian Radio station in New Zealand. Its programmes can be accessed through the internet or mobile anywhere in the world at any time. People from New Zealand and other countries call over the phone or the internet to participate in the current affairs programme, question leaders, request for their favourite film song, greet people on birthdays, wedding anniversaries and get to know of people who leave us. This is a wholesome station that combines the seriousness of the newsroom and the friendliness of the studio to offer a bouquet of services that have become the fragrance of the Indian radio listeners.
The Captain
The Tarana team is made up of people with varying talent, approach to life, vicissitudes and a thousand other things that constitute a family. Among them are specialists in local and international politics, current affairs, community issues, music, production, sales, scheduling and accounts; there are a few who are adept in all of these. Harnessing these resources to the benefit of all is a task at which Mr Khan is a master. How he fosters the family spirit and leads the team to deliver the best is in itself a story but as it is often said, ‘everything fits into place if you have a clear vision and know what to do.’
Rewind to the Beginning
The entertainment market of the 1990s was dominated by a single operator and breaking the monopoly was a formidable task.
The thought of a radio station, dedicated to longer hours was with Mr Khan for a while but he awaited the appropriate moment.
But it was not until the early days of 1995 when opportunity knocked.
Following the official procedures, purchase of equipment (‘they were rather expensive’) and placement of experienced staff, Radio Tarana took to the air on June 15 that year.
The Vision
“The vision from the beginning was to go 24/7 but a number of loose ends had to be tied up. Staffing was the most significant challenge and I knew Radio Tarana would not have the wherewithal to be a sleepless station until all issues were addressed. Even as we went about organising ourselves towards that objective, we were aware such an eventuality would not come about overnight,” Mr Khan said.
It took eight years but the march towards the goal was gradual, with every step taken firmly on the ground.
Today, Radio Tarana is a growing entity but an icon in Indian broadcasting.
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Photo Caption:
Robert Khan with his Award and Citation at the NZ Radio Awards on May 20, 2016
(Picture supplied)
