SHIMLA- 24 May, 2026-Governor Kavinder Gupta said that the media is not merely a platform for news and entertainment but a powerful force capable of guiding society, spreading awareness and inspiring positive transformation.

The Governor was addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest at the Big Impact Awards 2026 organised by BIG FM in Shimla late evening. On the occasion, the Governor also honoured individuals from various fields for their outstanding contributions and achievements.

Congratulating BIG FM for organizing the event, Kavinder Gupta appreciated the initiative for recognizing individuals and institutions that have made remarkable contributions towards social development, innovation and public welfare. He said that such platforms inspire society by honouring people who move beyond conventional boundaries and work with dedication and commitment for meaningful change.

The Governor said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is steadily moving towards the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047”. He said that media, industries, educational institutions, social organizations and youth all have a vital role to play in this journey of nation-building.

Referring to the growing influence of radio as a medium of communication, the Governor said that the Prime Minister has successfully re-established the importance of radio through programmes like ‘Mann Ki Baat’, which has connected directly with people across the country and strengthened public participation in national initiatives.

Highlighting the role of media in nation-building, Kavinder Gupta said, “Media has the power to create awareness, encourage positive thinking and transform social campaigns into mass movements. Radio, in particular, connects directly with the hearts of people and reaches every section of the society with ease.”

He expressed happiness that BIG FM has emerged as one of India’s most influential radio networks with a strong national presence and millions of listeners across the country. Appreciating its campaigns on women empowerment, health awareness, environmental protection, cyber security and social responsibility, the Governor congratulated BIG FM on the successful continuation of the Shimla edition of Big Impact Awards into its third season.

The Governor also drew attention to the growing global oil crisis and emphasized the urgent need for energy conservation. He appealed to the media to actively promote public awareness regarding fuel-saving measures such as greater use of public transport, car-pooling, avoiding unnecessary vehicle usage and adopting energy-efficient lifestyles.

Shri Gupta remarked, “Fuel conservation is not merely an economic necessity but also a national responsibility. Small individual efforts can collectively bring about a major positive impact on the environment and the nation’s energy security.”

The Governor also expressed concern over the increasing menace of drug abuse, particularly among the youth. He described substance abuse as a serious social and moral challenge that weakens individuals, families and society as a whole.

He said, “Our youth are the greatest strength of the nation. We must collectively work to protect them from the menace of drugs through awareness, positive engagement and social responsibility.”

Emphasizing the constructive role of the media in combating drug abuse, the Governor said that awareness campaigns, motivational programmes and positive messaging can significantly contribute towards building a drug-free society.

He urged young people to adopt discipline, hard work and positive thinking in life and encouraged greater participation in sports, culture, innovation and social service activities to channelize their energy in a constructive direction.

Congratulating all the award recipients, the Governor said that their achievements serve as an inspiration for society and demonstrate that dedication, perseverance and social commitment can make even the impossible possible.

Earlier, Regional Programming Head and Nation Lead-Purpose Initiatives, BIG FM Ms. Sulakshna Bramta welcomed the Governor. She said that BIG FM has consistently been striving to provide a positive direction to society through meaningful initiatives and socially relevant campaigns. She added that the platform aims to take inspiring success stories to every corner of the country so that people, especially the youth, can draw motivation from them.

Cluster Business Head, BIG FM, Jai Bharti was also present on the occasion among other dignitaries.