India’s armed forces have been saluted with the launch of a new dedicated radio station, taking its name from the Hindi word for soldier.

Fauji Radio, powered by the internet radio platform radiowalla.in, launched on Republic Day, Sunday January 26.

In partnership with Universal Music India and SONY Music, Fauji radio is all set to entertain and inspire the men and women of the India Armed forces and their families.

It’s hoped the station will also serve to educate the public about the work of the military and the sacrifices made by men and women in uniform.

The station is available via Android, Symbian and iPhone app.

Fauji Radio has recruited an advisory team made up of military experts and the head of an NGO for the welfare of families of those soldiers killed on duty.

Anil Srivatsa, CEO, Co-Founder Radiowalla Network said: “As a Fauji kid, I am happy to be able to give back to the life that gave me an opportunity to explore my sense of service. Fauji Radio is a labour of love for me and launching it with my awesome team and my mom Chaya Srivatsa in-charge of this, is a dream come true. I appreciate the gesture the music labels have made by donating their music to the service of the soldiers via Fauji radio”.

Retired Commodore C Uday Bhaskar – one of India‘s leading experts and outspoken critics on security and strategic affairs – said: “ It’s very appropriate that Fauji radio is being launched on the eve of Republic Day. Anil and his team are to be commended for embarking on this labor of love to recall and burnish the valor, patriotism and above all the romance of the military, an institution that has been long neglected in the collective Indian consciousness. The Fauj and the Fauji have remained stoic and committed to Flag and paltan despite the obscurity that envelops them and hopefully Fauji radio will redress this huge awareness void”.