Thane: An ever-playing companion , simple and portable, the good old radio still holds a special place in the heart of many in this era of technology and gadgets.On the occasion of World Radio Day today, music lovers who tune into the radio everyday, say that it is not just a source of entertainment , but also binds a family together.From delivering news, sports commentary, conducting talk shows, interviews, narrating stories to playing music of different genres, the radio has changed dramatically over the years, finding its place in every household.For many who owned a radio in its prime, it served as a unit that brought together families and friends. Sushama Pongurlekar, a senior citizen and resident of Pokhran Road 1, said, “When I bought a radio set back in the 1960s, my family, neighbours and even friends would gather in my house to listen to the programmes played on air. Particularly interesting was the Binaca Geetmala, which would be aired at 8:30pm in those days. Everybody would just stop their chores and spare that one hour just to listen to melodious songs being played on the radio. Listening to songs on my smartphone today is not as entertaining. Even today, the first thing I look forward to for entertainment is the radio. I listen to devotional songs from 6am to 7am.”The audio tool is not just a medium for entertainment, but for many it is also a companion they travel with.Atul Narayan, an employed Thaneite said, “While going to work I prefer listening to music on the radio. My friends who I carpool to reach work also listen to old Hindi songs, the 5 ‘o’ clock news, cricket score updates and film reviews on a daily basis. We even have a discussion on different topics. Even while driving alone, radio keeps me calm.”

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