Dr. R. Sreedher, Professor Emeritus at Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Gurugram, has been honoured with the Padma Shri (2026) by the Government of India for his outstanding and sustained contributions to public service broadcasting, educational media, and community communication. The prestigious civilian award recognises a career spanning more than five decades, during which he has shaped India’s broadcasting landscape and strengthened the role of media as a tool for education, inclusion, and social change.
A respected visionary in Indian broadcasting, Dr. Sreedher has been associated with Apeejay Education for over 15 years. As a member of the Board of Governors of the Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC) and Apeejay School of Management (ASM), he has played a pivotal role in strengthening academic frameworks, promoting media innovation, and mentoring future communication professionals.
One of his landmark initiatives at Apeejay Education was the establishment of India’s first Internet radio, Styavani . The platform offered socially relevant programming created by students from Apeejay schools and higher education institutions, giving young voices a meaningful space in the digital audio landscape. Building on this vision, Dr. Sreedher spearheaded the launch of Radio Styavani FM 88.4, the community radio station of Apeejay Stya University, in 2025. The station has since evolved into a powerful medium for dialogue, education, and grassroots storytelling, serving neighbouring villages and local communities.
Dr. Sreedher began his broadcasting journey in 1972 with All India Radio (AIR), where he rose through several senior leadership roles, including Director of Programmes (Education), Station Director, Bhopal, and Director Farm & Home. He is widely remembered for introducing innovative programme formats and for conceptualising the world’s largest children’s radio serial on Human Evolution, which was broadcast in 18 languages over 144 weeks.
His contributions at Doordarshan were equally transformative. Holding key positions such as Director, Doordarshan Kolkata, Chief Producer, Chennai, and Controller of Programmes, he led major initiatives including the launch of DD Movie Channel and DD Bangla, expanding the reach and diversity of public television in India.
A pioneer of educational broadcasting, Dr. Sreedher headed media centres at IGNOU, Anna University, and IIT Roorkee. During this phase, he facilitated the launch of 14 radio channels and four television channels, including Gyan Darshan and Gyan Vani. He also played a foundational role in India’s community radio movement by helping establish the country’s first campus-based community radio station and mentoring over 80 such stations nationwide.
Until recently, Dr. Sreedher served as Director of the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA). His expertise has been sought by organisations such as UNESCO, UNICEF, and the Commonwealth of Learning. A recipient of numerous accolades, including the National Award for Science Popularisation, multiple Akashvani Awards, and the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcast Development’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2025), Dr. Sreedher continues to inspire generations through teaching, research supervision, and capacity-building initiatives—making the Padma Shri a fitting recognition of a life dedicated to public good through media.