Hats Off To Ham Radio!

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Amateur radio, often called ham radio, has played a pivotal role in accelerating the growth of communication system in developed countries, according to National Institute of Amateur Radio (NIAR) Chairman and Director S Suri.

Talking to UNI here, he said the number of ham operators in India was negligible, compared to nearly 1.3 million amateur radio operators in Japan and 6.5 lakh in the US. The world ham population was over three million.

Ham radio had come in handy during disasters and natural calamities across the world. Hams in India rendered yeomen service during Orissa 'super cyclone' in 1999 and Latur earthquake, he recalled.

Hams had established 'a second line of communication system' and connected the affected areas with the agencies concerned, thus helping speed up rescue and relief operations during catastrophes.

Mr Suri said about 40 satellites had been launched for amateur radio communication. Hams constantly communicate with their domestic and overseas amateur partners through these satellites.

There were even incidents of 'ham-astronauts' taking the equipment to space and thrilling the hams on earth with a call from space. Hams also take part in contests using the simplest radio setup and antenna.