Imphal: In a significant community outreach initiative aimed at fostering youth empowerment and social development in Manipur, Radio Highway Pallel, the Community Radio Station established at the Pallel Garrison of the Assam Rifles, is leveraging local success stories to inspire the next generation.
The station has emerged as a unique platform for constructive engagement, promoting messages of peace, progress, education and self-development across the region. Through a series of special programmes featuring distinguished personalities from Manipur, Radio Highway Pallel seeks to motivate young people by highlighting the achievements of individuals who have earned national and international recognition in their respective fields.
The initiative follows the successful broadcast of an interactive session with astrophysicist Dr. Ronaldo Laishram, whose journey from Manipur to the global scientific community served as a powerful example of academic excellence and determination.
Building on that momentum, the station recently recorded a special podcast featuring Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Chungreng Koren, popularly known as “The Indian Rhino.” A native of Manipur, Koren has represented India at multiple national and international competitions and has recently gained prominence through his impressive performance in the prestigious Road to UFC tournament.
Scheduled for release on June 11, the podcast chronicles Koren’s journey in professional mixed martial arts, highlighting the values of discipline, perseverance, resilience and hard work that have shaped his career. During the interaction, he shares insights into the challenges faced by athletes from the North East and the determination required to succeed on the global stage.
Officials associated with the initiative said the objective is to present relatable role models to the youth and demonstrate that talent, when combined with dedication and opportunity, can achieve success irrespective of geographical limitations.
By bringing together stories from diverse fields such as science, sports and public service, Radio Highway Pallel aims to create a culture of aspiration and achievement among young listeners. The station’s programmes emphasize that individuals from remote regions can compete and excel at the highest levels while contributing positively to society.
Currently accessible through a mobile application, the community radio station is awaiting regulatory approvals for full-scale on-air broadcasting. Despite operating in a limited format, Radio Highway Pallel has steadily expanded its outreach and established itself as an important platform for information dissemination, community engagement and positive social messaging.
Supported by the Assam Rifles, the initiative reflects the force’s broader commitment to strengthening civil-military relations and supporting developmental efforts in the North East through community-focused programmes that encourage education, social cohesion and youth participation.
As Radio Highway Pallel continues to amplify the voices of local achievers, it is emerging as a powerful instrument for inspiring ambition, nurturing talent and promoting inclusive development across Manipur.
