Veteran Akashvani news anchor M Ramachandran passes away

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Renowned Akashvani news anchor M Ramachandran passed away on Saturday. He was 91. His famous catchphrase “Varthakal Vayikunath Ramachandran” (News going to read by Ramachandran), reverberated in every house across Kerala, helping his popularity to expand.

He joined Akashvani after leaving a lucrative job with the electricity board. Ramachandran started news anchoring from Delhi Akashvani studio and changed the hitherto used narrative style, instantly creating an impact within the masses. In the 80s and 90s, when televisions were a luxury, Malayalees religiously followed news read by Ramachandran through radio.

Ramachandran also made his mark on television by hosting many programmes. After retirement, he tried newer terrain in the Gulf as a radio anchor.