Vijay Umrao, Station Manager of EAVA FM in Leicester, recently experienced a career- defining moment when he was invited to a royal reception at Buckingham Palace.
The invitation, extended through his involvement with the Community Media Association (CMA), allowed him to meet His Majesty King Charles III – an occasion not only recognised Vijay’s personal accomplishments but also highlighted the importance of community radio in the UK.
Since being founded in 2008, EAVA FM has been a key voice for Leicester’s diverse communities, offering multilingual programming that brings together people from various cultural backgrounds.
Under Vijay’s leadership, the station has fostered cohesion among the city’s multicultural population, providing a platform for East African, South Asian, Caribbean, and Eastern European communities to share their stories.
Reflecting on the invitation, Vijay recalls: “It was a huge surprise and an incredible honour. To be recognised by the royal palace for our work in community radio was humbling.”
The evening at Buckingham Palace was dedicated to celebrating the role of regional media, particularly community stations like EAVA FM, in promoting social cohesion and giving a voice to marginalised communities. For Vijay, it was a moment to reflect on how far the station has come and the impact it continues to have on Leicester.
The highlight of the evening was meeting King Charles. “It felt surreal,” says Vijay. “To stand in one of the most iconic places in the world, shaking hands with the King, and to talk about EAVA FM — it was unforgettable.” In their brief conversation, King Charles expressed genuine interest in EAVA FM’s mission. “He said, ‘Wow, that’s fantastic.
The work you’re doing and the languages you broadcast in — it’s incredible,’” Vijay recalls. The King’s words were not only a recognition of Vijay’s work but also an acknowledgment of the broader impact of community radio.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
For Vijay, the meeting wasn’t just about personal recognition—it was a celebration of EAVA FM’s role in uniting the community. “It’s not just my moment,” he emphasises.
“This recognition is for the entire team – the family at EAVA FM and everyone who has supported us over the years.
It’s a recognition of our collective efforts to bring people together.”
The royal recognition has brought attention to the vital role community radio plays in fostering inclusivity. For Vijay, meeting King Charles was a profound experience that will stay with him forever.
“It’s a memory I’ll treasure,” he says, reflecting on a moment that not only marked a personal milestone but also highlighted the significance of community media in today’s world.
