Kathmandu, June 20: Jhalak Man Gandarbha, a renowned folk singer, today launched an audio magazine entitled “Kurakani”. Communication Corner (ComCon) produces Kurakani audio magazine with support from Danish Association for International Co-operation (MS/Nepal).

According to the producers, the audio magazine that is packaged in radio cassettes, is an attempt to recognise the rich oral communication traditions in the country. The first issue of Kurakani attempts to “rediscover” oral communication traditions like Gandarbha or Gaine Geet (tradition of relating true incidents of social value in form of songs for the purpose of educating the public), Katuwal or Hank (practice of announcing official proclamations from a hilltop for public notice) and Bhajans (religious prayers sung in groups). It also tries to delve into reasons that are pushing Nepal’s rich tradition of oral communication to an extinction. The cassette magazine also deals with issues related to community initiated community audio towers (CATs) and local F.M. radio stations.

“Our traditional occupation of Gandarbha Geet is at the verge of extinction due to challenges imposed by modern communication technology. Kurakani has successfully documented the tradition,” said Jhalak Man Gandarbha.

“We are trying to provide alternative communication channel to people who are illiterate, yet their participation in development process is significant,” said Binay Dhital of MS/Nepal. He also hoped that the audio magazine would be helpful to strengthen network among the MS/Nepal partner organisations and that it will serve as the common platform for development dialogue.

“Since Nepal is a country where oral communication is more effective than any other kinds, this cassette magazine will serve the mass that is illiterate and has no access to other kinds of communication,” claimed Gopal Guragain of ComCon. ComCon is an institution started by radio journalists and it is involved in radio programme production, radio training and radio research.