In a world of smartphones, YouTube, and Spotify, the good old radio may seem like a relic of the past. But for one man in Uttar Pradesh, it’s a treasure worth preserving forever.
Ram Singh Bouddh, a 70-year-old retired government worker from Gajraula, Amroha district, has achieved something truly extraordinary—he now holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of unique radios in the world. His collection includes 1,257 radios, carefully gathered and preserved over the past 10 years.
This amazing journey began with inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s radio program, Mann Ki Baat, which first aired on October 3, 2014. Ram says the Prime Minister’s call to preserve India’s rich culture motivated him to start his radio museum. In fact, PM Modi even mentioned Ram in his Mann Ki Baat broadcast, praising his efforts. That moment pushed Ram to dream bigger.
A Brief History of Radio
Before we dive deeper, let’s tune into some history. The radio, one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century, revolutionized the way people communicated. It was Guglielmo Marconi who first transmitted a radio signal in the late 1890s, and by the 1920s, radios became a household staple across the world. From news and weather updates to music and drama, radios were the heartbeat of every home.
His collection features radios from the 1920s to 2010, many bought from local markets in Delhi and Meerut. From radios used during World War II and inside submarines, to rare pieces like one that played the news of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination—each radio tells a story of the past. Although Ram owns 1,400 radios, only 1,257 were accepted for the world record—because Guinness only counts unique models.
Museum with a Mission
Ram’s impressive collection is displayed in a large hall at Siddharth Inter College, which he runs along with his children, who are teachers. The museum isn’t just for show—it’s a hub for learning. Students of journalism and media visit regularly to study the evolution of mass communication through these radios.
“This museum is a complete history of how we communicated through the decades,” Ram explains proudly. “It’s not just my passion—it’s my contribution to India’s heritage.”
A Journey of Challenges
The road hasn’t been easy. Ram has suffered three heart attacks and faced financial struggles. Some people even mocked his passion, saying it was a waste of time. But today, as his name shines in the Guinness Book of World Records, those doubts have turned into admiration.
“Now everyone feels proud. I’ve made my family, my town, and my country proud,” he says with emotion. He also received a special invitation to the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, a moment of national recognition for his dedication.
When asked if he plans to stop collecting, Ram laughs, “No, never! I’m addicted. I’m still buying radios” He always carries a small Sony pocket radio with him wherever he goes.
His dream? To have Prime Minister Modi visit his museum in person one day. “That would be the happiest moment of my life,” he says.
In an age of fast-changing technology, Ram Singh Boudh reminds us of the beauty of the past. Radios may be silent now in many homes, but thanks to him, their stories are still being told—loud and clear.
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