Saturday, April 05, 2025

Celebrate the Legacy of Wireless Communication Pioneer with Limited Edition Postcards



Postally Postcards Launches Special Set of 7 Cards for Guglielmo Marconi's Birth Anniversary


April 5, 2025 — In celebration of the birth anniversary of Guglielmo Marconi, the inventor of wireless telegraphy and a pioneer of modern radio communication, Postally Postcards proudly unveils a special edition set of 7 uniquely designed postcards. Marconi, born on April 25, 1874, is commemorated globally on his birthday, with the Saturday closest to it observed as International Marconi Day.


Each postcard in this collector’s set features distinctive artwork and historical imagery capturing Marconi’s groundbreaking contributions to wireless communication. Designed to inspire radio enthusiasts, collectors, and history buffs alike, the postcards are both a tribute and a visual journey through Marconi’s revolutionary work.


Set Details:

7 exclusive postcard designs

Price: ₹70 (excluding postage)

Printed by: Postally Postcards


Celebrate the legacy of a true innovator and share the story of Marconi with these beautifully crafted cards — perfect for collectors or as gifts to fellow wireless enthusiasts.


For more details or to place an order, WhatsApp the number mentioned in the poster.


BUY NOW and mark this International Marconi Day with a touch of history.

Stay connected. Celebrate innovation. Postally Postcards

 

Friday, April 04, 2025

interview on Radio Journalism in the social media Age

I'm excited to share that I recently had the opportunity to sit down with  Roshan Zahin for an insightful interview on Radio Journalism, especially in today's era of rapidly evolving social media platforms. 🎙️

Roshan asked some truly thought-provoking questions that really made me reflect on the changing landscape of media and how radio continues to play a vital role. We delved into the challenges and opportunities that arise when traditional journalism meets the dynamic world of social media, and I think you'll find our conversation quite engaging. 📻

A huge thank you to Roshan for her brilliant interview skills and for making me feel so comfortable! 🙏 I truly appreciate her dedication to exploring these important topics.

I also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the amazing team at Chennai FM Rainbow! Specifically, a massive thank you to Mr. Sudharsan, the Program Head, for his vision and support. Mr. Vignesh, the Program Executive, for his meticulous planning and execution. Ms. Vimala, the Program Assistant, for her invaluable assistance.

You all made this experience truly memorable! 🌟 Don't miss the chance to listen to our English Program! Tune in to 101.4 MHz Chennai FM Rainbow on: April 5th, 2025 (5.4.25) at 8:45 PM and April 12th, 2025 (12.4.25) at 8:45 PM

I hope you enjoy the program as much as I enjoyed being a part of it! Let me know your thoughts after you listen! 😊

#RadioJournalism #SocialMedia #FM #ChennaiFMRainbow #Interview #RoshanZhareen #Media #Broadcasting #ListenNow #DontMissIt #Jaisakthivel #Radio #AllIndiaRadio #Akashvani

Wednesday, March 05, 2025

A Belgian Radio Celebration: The 75th Anniversary Stamp


This charming stamp, a thoughtful gift from @maya_ansje in Belgium, holds a special place in my collection. It commemorates the 75th anniversary of Belgian Radio, a significant milestone in the country's broadcasting history. 

Issued in 2005, the stamp features a vibrant design that immediately catches the eye. The prominent pink and white color scheme, reminiscent of a vinyl record, evokes a sense of nostalgia for the golden age of radio.  

The stamp proudly displays the logos of various Belgian radio stations, including:

RTBF Channels:La Première, VivaCité, Musiq3, Classic21, PureFM, and RTBF International (representing the French-speaking public broadcaster).

VRT Channels: Radio 1, Radio 2, Klara, Studio Brussel, Radio Donna, and RVi (representing the Flemish-speaking public broadcaster).

These logos, arranged in a gradient arc, symbolize the diverse range of programming offered by Belgian radio over the years. The central design element, a stylized microphone, further emphasizes the stamp's celebration of radio broadcasting.

The inscription "75 RADIO" in bold lettering, along with "ANS-JAAR" (Years in French and Dutch) and the year "2005", clearly marks the anniversary.  The "BELGIQUE BELGIË" and the value "0.50" (likely in Euros) are standard postal markings.  "16 bis Valérie Paul" likely refers to the designer or a specific detail related to the stamp's creation.

For me, this stamp is more than just a piece of postage. It's a window into Belgian culture and a reminder of the power of radio to connect people.  The thoughtful gesture from @maya_ansje makes it even more special, a tangible connection to a friend and a distant land.  It's a testament to the beauty of collecting and the joy of sharing passions across borders.

In essence, this stamp is a miniature celebration of Belgian radio history, a vibrant piece of design, and a cherished gift that I will treasure.

 

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Calling all Radio Lovers!


I'm thrilled to invite you to "Radio Revolution," a special seminar on February 13th at KSR College of Arts and Science in Tiruchengode.  I'll be there, along with other guests, to celebrate all things radio!

Join us at 10:00 AM in Sangam Hall to hear from experts and explore the fascinating world of broadcasting.  It's a great opportunity for radio listeners to connect and learn more about their favorite medium. Hope to see you there!


#

Monday, February 10, 2025

Vintage HMV Bookmark Offers Glimpse into Bygone Era of Music Technology


CHENNAI - A recently discovered vintage bookmark featuring iconic HMV (His Master's Voice) audio equipment has sparked nostalgia and interest among collectors and music enthusiasts in Chennai. The bookmark, unearthed from a used book, offers a fascinating snapshot of the brand's popular products during a time when transistors and record players were at the forefront of home entertainment.

The double-sided bookmark showcases two distinct HMV models: the "Tropicana" portable transistor radio and the "Fiesta" record player. The Tropicana, touted as a "4 band deluxe portable transistor," boasts "widespread bands for pinpoint tuning" and a "large elliptical speaker" for superior sound. Its price is listed as Rs. 328*, with local taxes extra.

Beneath the image of the Fiesta record player, the bookmark highlights its features: an "independent 4-speed record player with detachable speaker" and a "solid state amplifier" for high-quality audio. The Fiesta, available in both AC and battery models (9170 and 9766 respectively), is described as having a "smart two-tone square edged cabinet" and is priced at Rs. 300*.

Adding to the nostalgic appeal, the bookmark features the classic HMV logo – the iconic dog Nipper listening to a gramophone – along with the tagline "His Master's Voice." A handwritten message at the top of the bookmark reads "Great to have - great to give - great to listen to - HMV RADIOS - GRAMS - PLAYERS," hinting at its intended use as a promotional item or gift.

"This bookmark is a delightful piece of memorabilia," says Raja, who examined the bookmark. "It takes us back to a time when HMV was synonymous with quality audio and a status symbol in many households. The descriptions and prices give us a glimpse into the consumer market of that era."


Photo: Stanish Raja


The discovery of this bookmark has triggered a wave of nostalgia among Chennai residents, many of whom recall owning or admiring HMV products during their childhood. "My family had an HMV record player, and it was the centerpiece of our living room," recalls Thangavel. "This bookmark brought back so many fond memories."

While the exact origin and date of the bookmark are unknown, its design and the models featured suggest it likely dates back to the late 1960s or early 1970s. The bookmark serves as a reminder of the evolution of music technology and the enduring legacy of the HMV brand in India. It is expected to become a prized item among collectors of vintage ephemera and audio equipment.

The bookmark's discovery has also sparked renewed interest in the history of HMV in India, prompting calls for the preservation of similar artifacts and the documentation of the brand's impact on the country's cultural landscape. This small piece of paper, with its simple message and evocative imagery, has opened a window into a bygone era of music appreciation and technological advancement.

A Glimpse into Carnatic Music's Golden Age: Backside of the HMV Bookmark Listing

This HMV bookmark isn't just a placeholder for your latest read; it's a fascinating window into the landscape of Carnatic music in a bygone era. The reverse side boasts a tantalizing list of LPs, showcasing a diverse range of instrumental and vocal performances from some of the genre's most iconic artists.

Instrumental Delights: The selection emphasizes the versatility of Carnatic instrumentation. Legendary veena maestro S. Balachander's ECSD 2417 is highlighted, likely a prized recording for collectors. Flute enthusiasts have two choices: the dynamic duo of Kunjumani & Neela (S/33ESX 6026) and the legendary T.R. Mahalingam (EASD 1343). The inclusion of Chitti Babu's "Musings of a Musician" (S/33ESX 6032) suggests a lighter, perhaps more accessible take on the genre. Rounding out the instrumental offerings are the soulful sounds of the nadaswaram, represented by Sheikh Chinna Moulana (S/33ESX 6029) and Namagiripettai Krishnan (S/33ESX 6019), promising a rich and traditional experience.

Vocal Virtuosity: The vocal selections are equally compelling. The legendary M.S. Subbulakshmi's rendition of "Bhaja Govindam & Vishnu Sahasranamam" (MOAE 5011) is undoubtedly a treasure. Madurai Somasundaram (S/33ESX 6030) and the Sulamangalam Sisters (S/33ESX 6031) represent the traditional vocal style, while P. Susheela's "Murugan Pamalai" (ECSD 2425) offers a devotional flavour. Interestingly, the list also includes K.J. Jesudoss (ECSD 2425) with "Modern Songs" in Malayalam, showcasing the crossover appeal of artists even within the Carnatic framework. T.M. Soundararajan's popular devotional songs (ECSD 2433) further demonstrate the range of musical expression represented on this bookmark.

A Treasure Trove for Collectors: Beyond the music itself, the bookmark is a collector's item. The "His Master's Voice" logo and the tagline "music of your choice within your reach" evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time when physical records were the primary means of music consumption. The catalog numbers provide valuable information for record collectors, while the "Brilliant Stereo" and "Carnatic Music" branding highlight the focus on high-quality recordings within a specific genre.

A Glimpse into a Bygone Era: This HMV bookmark is more than just a list of records; it's a historical artifact that offers a glimpse into the vibrant Carnatic music scene of its time. It serves as a reminder of the rich musical heritage of India and the enduring legacy of artists who continue to inspire generations. For both seasoned collectors and those new to Carnatic music, this bookmark is a fascinating and valuable find. It sparks curiosity and encourages exploration of the timeless artistry it represents. It's a small piece of paper that speaks volumes about a golden age of musical expression.