As we celebrate 25 years of Asian Sounds, I find myself reflecting on my journey with CKCU, which began in the late ’70s when I was a journalism student at Carleton University. At the time, CKCU served as a training ground for journalism students, offering a hands-on experience that was both exciting and transformative. I fell in love with radio and its power to inform, connect, and inspire.
My journey in broadcasting started with producing radio shows for Dr. Dehejia’s Indian Morning. His knowledge and engaging presentations sparked my passion for radio, leading me to explore opportunities in Singapore and India. Radio was in my blood—my aunt was a producer and anchor at All India Radio, and together, we produced a drama in Pushto. That experience was both challenging and rewarding, as I wasn’t fluent in the language, but it was a memorable and enriching endeavor.
Fast forward to the mid-’80s, I returned to CKCU, picking up where I had left off. Volunteering for the Tuesday show, I received immense support and encouragement from the community. A few years later, I set out to create my own program—Asian Sounds. My initial vision was to move away from traditional Bollywood music and focus on a talk-show format. However, listener feedback made it clear that music was an essential part of the experience, so we adapted, finding a balance between engaging discussions and a rich musical selection.
Over these 25 years, my husband, our children, Meenakshi and Tejeshwar (TJ) and I have had the privilege of meeting a diverse array of people—from jazz musicians to Indian celebrities visiting Canada, and young talents eager to share their artistry. The community has always embraced Asian Sounds, whether to promote events or simply experience the thrill of being on air. We often invited guests to co-host, providing a platform for many emerging voices.
Beyond entertainment, Asian Sounds has remained committed to supporting the community, actively participating in fundraising efforts for mainstream charities such as the Cancer Society, Diabetes Canada, and the Heart Institute. Whenever the community needed a voice, we were there.
As we mark this milestone, I am deeply grateful for the journey, the friendships, and the unwavering support that have made Asian Sounds what it is today. Here’s to many more years of sharing stories, music, and connections.
By Jagjeet Sharma