Nachugunta Island: Amateur radio (HAM Radio) is a popular hobby involving radio frequency spectrum for non-commercial purposes. HAM radio operators communicate using designated radio frequencies, engaging in diverse activities like contests, emergency communication support, experimentation, technical learning, and community engagement.
The hobby offers a unique blend of technical learning, community engagement, and global connectivity through radio waves, emphasizing innovation and service.
A dedicated team of amateur radio operators (HAMs) recently embarked on a significant journey from the cyclone shelters of Nachugunta Island, Andhra Pradesh, to participate in the Islands on the Air (IOTA) expedition, a pioneering programme connecting radio amateurs worldwide with island stations, where it excelled. During the expedition, it made approximately 4,000 global contacts with HAMs from the United States of America, Canada, Germany, Japan, South Africa, Europe, and South Asia, showcasing their proficiency in establishing communication links across the globe.
Moreover, the team seized the opportunity to raise awareness about emergency communication preparedness, conducting sessions in local schools and villages to educate the community about the significance of effective communication during crises.
The team aimed to integrate HAM education in primary and secondary schools for widespread adoption and enhanced disaster response across the country. Throughout its expedition, it advocated last-mile connectivity and a HAM in every village, alongside the readiness of HAMs to aid in communication failures.
Despite facing the challenges of a tough and remote location, these enthusiasts showcased the spirit of innovation and resilience that truly embodies the ‘Make in India’ ethos in the communication sector.
In charge of the Wireless Monitoring Station in Vijayawada and the Head of the International Monitoring Earth Station in Jalna, Maharashtra, accompanied by an official from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) headquarters, visited the remote site. During the visit, they commended the steadfast dedication of the HAM operators, acknowledging their efforts as a reflection of India’s excellence in communication technology.
At the site, five Amateur High-Frequency stations and one Amateur Satellite station were set up using most of the self-designed and locally developed communication equipment, showcasing India’s commitment to the “Make in India” initiative. Operating from the disaster-prone village of Nachugunta Island (AS-199), located in the West Godavari District within the Vijayawada region of Andhra Pradesh, these operators utilized the cyclone shelters along the Bay of Bengal coastline as their base for communication.
The success of this expedition not only highlights the technical expertise of the HAM operators but also underscores the importance of community engagement and preparedness in the face of natural disasters. Through their efforts, the team not only demonstrated India’s capabilities in the field of amateur radio operations but also contributed significantly to enhancing emergency communication resilience in vulnerable areas.
It may be mentioned that IOTA was established in 1964, and is managed by IOTA Ltd in collaboration with the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB), categorizing islands into groups for communication.
– global bihari bureau
