Major Awards and Recognitions

July 3, 2026 10:27 AM

Radio Mattoli has received several notable recognitions and awards at the national, regional, and international levels for its contributions to community development, tribal empowerment, agricultural communication, and sustainable broadcasting.

Major Awards and Recognitions

1. National Community Radio Award – Thematic Category (2021)

Radio Mattoli won First Prize in the Thematic Category at the 8th National Community Radio Awards organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, for its programme "Rithubedham", which focused on climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and environmental conservation. 

2. National Community Radio Award for Sustainability

The station received the prestigious National Community Radio Sustainability Award from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting for demonstrating a sustainable community radio model. Sources indicate recognition in 2013, and later documentation also notes national sustainability awards received by the station. 

3. Manthan Award – South Asia & Asia Pacific (2012)

Radio Mattoli received the Manthan Award South Asia & Asia Pacific (Jury's Special Mention) in the Community Broadcasting category. This international recognition highlighted its innovative use of media for development communication and social change.

4. Recognition by UNICEF

In UNICEF's study "The Abiding Voices: Sustainability of Community Radio in India," Radio Mattoli was recognized as one of the leading community radio stations in India and cited as a model of sustainability and community participation. 

5. National Recognition for Climate and Indigenous Knowledge Programming (2023)

Radio Mattoli received national recognition from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting for outstanding thematic programming on climate mitigation and Indigenous practices, standing out among hundreds of community radio stations across India. 

Kerala State-Level Awards

According to UNESCO/CEMCA documentation, Radio Mattoli has also received several awards from the Government of Kerala, including:

• Best Agricultural Radio Programme (2019)

• Best Tribal Programme (2018 and 2019)

• Special Jury Award for a Radio Programme for Dairy Farmers (2019)

• Best Short Film Award from the Farm Information Bureau (2017, 2018, and 2019) 

Other Notable Recognitions

• Recognized by the Reserve Bank of India as an effective platform for financial literacy initiatives. 

• Featured as a model community radio station in educational and media studies resources. 

• Has become a destination for internships, study visits, and academic research by media and social work students. 

These awards reflect Radio Mattoli's impact in community empowerment, tribal inclusion, agriculture, environmental awareness, and sustainable community broadcasting.