Mysore/Mysuru: The All India Radio (AIR) Mysuru premises at Yadavagiri wore a festive look yesterday as Akashvani Mysuru had opened its gates for the general public from 10 am to 7 pm, inviting people to have a  complete look at the studio and other places of interest in the premises.

This Kannada Habba was organised for one day commemorating Kannada Rajyotsava month. By opening the gates to the general public, the AIR has conceded a long-pending demand from the public who wanted entry to a have a look into the AIR Studios and its premises.

The Kannada Habba was inaugurated by S.S. Umesh, Assistant Director of Programmes, AIR Mysuru, hoisted the Kannada Flag in the premises of AIR.

Speaking on the occasion, Umesh said that for the first time in the history of Mysuru Akashvani, its doors were being opened for the general public and they were asked to come and have a look at the AIR Studios and other places of interest.

The AIR Mysuru staff of various sections explained through live demonstrations to public about the studio, how programmes are recorded, where the musicians are seated, where interviews with various guests are held and how the programmes are finally aired in the sound proof main studio. School and college students and the public  thronged the AIR premises watched and listened to the live demonstrations with keen interest and understood the amount of efforts put in airing                     a programme.

An exhibition of many old and discarded technical equipment which were used by the AIR over the years was also being organised on the occasion.

Books exhibition by Abhiruchi and Navakarnataka Publications were also organised to celebrate Kannada Habba. A health check-up camp by Shantaveri Gopalagowada Hospital Dr. Ananda Aradhya was also held for 300 people at the AIR premises. Mysuru’s All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) also conducted free ear check-up for more than 100 persons.

Srihari of GSS, N. Gururaj of MAHAN, Rajashekar Kadamba of Kannada Sahitya Parishat, AIISH Director Dr. M. Pushpavathi, AIR Technical Division Assistant Director Ramanjanappa, Programme Executives S. Subramanya and Diwakar  Hegde and others participated in the function.