New Delhi: 5th July,2026 ( Prof.S.S.Dogra )
For most listeners, RJ Santosh Rao is the familiar voice that entertained millions through FM Rainbow. But beyond the microphone, he has emerged as one of India’s most inspiring prison reformers, proving that the power of communication can transform lives.
A respected broadcaster, Santosh Rao reached a major milestone in 2010 when Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan invited him for an exclusive one-on-one interview for All India Radio’s acclaimed programme On Air Mehmaan. The interview became one of the memorable broadcasts in the history of All India Radio.
However, Rao’s most enduring contribution lies outside the radio studio. In 2000, he founded the NGO Lakshya with a mission to promote social welfare, support people living with HIV/AIDS, and encourage rehabilitation through creativity.
His work inside Tihar Jail gave hundreds of inmates a new purpose. By training them in radio presentation, music, singing, dance and acting, he helped many rediscover their confidence and dignity. His initiative led to the formation of inmate bands such as Flying Soul and Rock the Band, which created history in 2014 by performing outside prison at the India Habitat Centre and the Air Force Auditorium at Subroto Park.
Recognising the impact of his vision, then Director General of Prisons, Vimla Mehra, approved the launch of FM-TJ in 2013—India’s first prison radio station. Santosh Rao and his NGO Lakshya were entrusted with establishing the radio studio and training inmates as radio jockeys.
To date, Rao has trained more than 1,800 inmates across Tihar and Mandoli prisons. Even in 2025, he continues mentoring around 250 inmates across 16 prison units, helping them develop communication skills and rebuild their lives with confidence.
Under his guidance, inmates have also recorded inspirational songs, including Tinka Tinka Tihar, the eight-track album Jee Le Zara, and the patriotic anthem Yeh Tiranga, reflecting hope, resilience, and the possibility of redemption.
From entertaining audiences on air to inspiring change behind prison walls, RJ Santosh Rao has demonstrated that a single voice, driven by compassion and commitment, can change countless lives.
