Radio Sarang 107.8 FM is the community radio initiative of St. Aloysius Deemed to be University, Mangaluru, dedicated to promoting community engagement, education, culture, social awareness, and participatory communication. Rooted in the Jesuit vision of using media as a tool for social transformation, Radio Sarang serves as a vibrant platform that amplifies the voices of local communities, students, youth, women, workers, and marginalized groups across Coastal Karnataka.

The history of Radio Sarang is closely connected to the rich educational legacy of St. Aloysius Institutions, established in 1880 by Jesuit missionaries in Mangaluru. Over the decades, the institution became known not only for academic excellence but also for its commitment to communication, culture, social outreach, and holistic education. Inspired by the Jesuit ideal of engaging with society through education and media, the institution expanded into communication and community broadcasting initiatives.

Radio Sarang was officially inaugurated on 15 September 2009 as the first Jesuit community radio station in Karnataka and one of the pioneering campus-community radio stations in South India. The station was established under the leadership of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication of St. Aloysius College with the support of the Government of India’s Community Radio Movement. Historically, the station emerged at a time when community radio was gaining importance in India as a people-centred medium promoting participatory communication and grassroots empowerment.

The name “Sarang” is derived from a musical term associated with melody and harmony, symbolizing the station’s vision of connecting communities through meaningful communication and cultural expression. Since its inception, Radio Sarang has functioned with the motto “Voice of the Community.”

Historically, Radio Sarang became known for its unique model of participatory broadcasting where students, faculty members, local residents, fisherfolk, women’s groups, farmers, NGOs, youth organizations, and social activists actively contributed to programme production and content creation. This participatory approach made Radio Sarang one of the most recognized community radio stations in Karnataka.

The station broadcasts programmes in multiple languages including:

• Kannada
• Konkani
• Tulu
• Beary
• English
• Hindi

Over the years, Radio Sarang has produced a wide range of educational, cultural, developmental, and entertainment programmes focusing on:

• Community development and social awareness
• Education and youth empowerment
• Health and hygiene awareness
• Environmental protection and sustainability
• Folk culture, music, and local traditions
• Women empowerment and child rights
• Fisherfolk and labour community issues
• Interfaith harmony and peace-building

Historically, Radio Sarang played an important role during natural calamities and public emergencies by disseminating community awareness messages and public information. The station also became an important platform for preserving and promoting the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of Coastal Karnataka.

A major milestone in the history of Radio Sarang came when it received national and international recognition for excellence in community broadcasting and participatory media initiatives. The station has collaborated with educational institutions, NGOs, government departments, cultural organizations, and civil society groups for awareness campaigns and developmental communication programmes.

Radio Sarang has also become an important practical learning platform for students pursuing Journalism, Media Studies, and Communication programmes at St. Aloysius. Through hands-on training in radio production, anchoring, scripting, editing, and community engagement, students gain valuable experience in ethical and socially responsible media practice.

Rooted in the Jesuit philosophy of “communication for social transformation,” Radio Sarang promotes:

• Participatory communication and community engagement
• Ethical and responsible media practices
• Cultural preservation and inclusiveness
• Social justice and grassroots empowerment
• Education, awareness, and dialogue
• Human dignity and environmental consciousness

With the transformation of St. Aloysius College into St. Aloysius Deemed to be University in 2024, Radio Sarang continues to strengthen its role as a centre for community media, communication education, and social engagement.

Today, Radio Sarang, Mangaluru stands as a pioneering Jesuit community media initiative that continues to inspire, educate, and empower communities through meaningful communication while carrying forward the enduring Jesuit legacy of service, dialogue, justice, and transformative social engagement.