World Radio Day 2024: Mumbai's ham radio enthusiasts share how they stay connected

Dhruv Banatwala often uses his ham radio to connect and speak with listeners across the globe

Communication is one of the primary needs of human existence. Even as the digital overdose of social media is forcing some of us to rethink the overcrowded networks around us, a small group of people continue to use and propagate one of the oldest surviving ‘social networks' in the world - the ham radio.

For Vile Parle-resident Jayesh Banatwala, it has been a daily practice for the last three decades. A commerce graduate, his first introduction to the ham radio was through the weird antenna jutting out of his neighbour's home. "He was in the merchant navy, and would often use his radio to listen to dispatches," Banatwala remarks. The founder and secretary of the city's Mumbai Amateur Radio Institute (MARI), he explains, "It is a unique form of communication. All you need is curiosity about technology, an inclination and some knowledge of protocol." It is just an evolution of the basic telephone-on-a-string toy you had as a child, he says.

Students at IIT Bombay during a satellite tracking event

While it is almost forgotten in the age of digital podcasts, the history of ham radio traces back to the early 1920s. The name ‘ham' is actually an evolution of amateur radio. "The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) established the global community network as a means to reach out to people who are truly interested in technology. It is important to understand that it is this group of tinkerers who often unexpectedly find potential uses of technology," Shailesh Deshmukh, chairman of MARI explains. The applications range from understanding radio waves, emergency services to even fun interactions. It proved particularly effective during the floods of July 26, 2005, recalls Banatwala.

No wonder then, that it appeals to engineering and mechanical students the most. But does someone use it for purposes other than technical research? "Of course, it is for everyone. But we must accept that this is not a playful pastime," Deshmukh adds.

Members of MARI during an event

It can be fun though. Banatwala shares, "I remember one time I was hailed on my frequency by a Russian scientist in Antarctica. I had sent out a hello, and when he started talking about the weather he mentioned how it was -20 degree Centigrade in the summer. That was when it struck me. It was the most fascinating conversation I have ever had," he chuckles.

Of course, there are rules. To be a ham radio operator requires a license from the Ministry of Communications. However, one can always tinker to listen to amateur radio enthusiasts, or even satellites. Alisha A, manager of the IIT Bombay's Ham Radio Club (HRC) tells us, "I did not know anything about ham radios or Morse Code before I signed up. As part of our work, we often track the Nova satellites offering weather information over India. It always amazes me to read emails from people around the globe who listen in, or are interested in ham radio."

Alisha A and Jayesh Banatwala

If it sounds expensive, they assure us it is not. "Look at it this way, it is a hobby. If you want to paint, you can start with watercolours or canvas. It depends on you, and your skillset," says Banatwala. Over time, the interest among students has grown. One of them is Dhruv Banatwala. The 19-year-old is already a regular at several ham radio competitions, and says, "It helped me network with people around the world, and gave me the confidence to speak with people. I am fascinated by the engineering aspect though, to build things and know how they function." But a message on Instagram would do just as well, we point out. "Yes, but finding someone random to speak with, using something you have invented or created is quite fulfilling," he says.

Alisha adds that building a listening setup is cheap, and very exciting. "It will cost me less than Rs 1,000 to build an antenna using PVC pipes, a few connectors and walkie talkies. But to hear someone's voice from across the globe, on an equipment you created by hand is something that cannot be explained. That is the ‘wow' factor," she says. While Hyderabad has quite a few ham radio operators, Mumbai is a steady, close-knit community, the 20-year-old reveals. "We often travel to colleges across the Metropolitan Region, where most of the crowd is in the age group of 19 to 25. So, it is growing."

The club, she says, is already planning their next event in March. "It will be a one-day event, and a lot more interactive and hands-on. You should drop by," she remarks. It looks like the radio stars are still alive and well.

For the radio wave

. Amateur Radio Society of India
LOG ON TO arsi.info

. Mumbai Amateur Radio Institute
CALL 9869018776
LOG ON TO https://vu2bpa.radio/

. IIT Bombay, Ham Radio Club
CALL 7738367885
LOG ON TO @hrc.iitb Email hamradioclub.iitb@gmail.com