History

Gujarat state had faced number of natural calamities, but the earthquake of 26th January, 2001 which resulted in gigantic loss of human and infrastructure resources. Also it exposed the need of disaster mitigation policies to be taken up rapidly in the state to cease future losses due to any hazard. The aftermath of the earthquake was very tragic with the trauma and despair of the affected people beyond comprehension. The large area of the state was affected and there was communication blackout which resulted kehos in gathering information and managing rescue & relief work. Hams from other states joined group of Gujarat Hams in providing emergency communication in the large affected area of the state. This resulted understanding need of Ham Institute to promote Ham activity in the state. And eventually Gujarat Institute of Amateur Radio (GIAR) was established o 4th March, 2001 under the leadership of Dr. S.K. Nanda, Senior IAS officer & Ex-Chief Secretary and Mr. E. Radhakrishna, Senior IPS officer & Ex-Police Commissioner Vadodara.

Journey of GIAR of more than two decades started with a small group of Hams of Gandhinagar & Ahmedabad. GIAR has completed more than 70 training batches in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Junagadh and other places and successful in getting 2000 new licences by the efforts. Now Gujarat has network of 5 VHF repeaters, host of 3 HFI events in 2003, 2008 and 2015. GIAR participated in number of emergency communication during disasters right from Gujarat Earthquake to Tsunami at Andaman & Nikobar, Flood at Surat, Nilofar Cyclone, Nepal earthquake, Tauktae Cyclone and set-up emergency communication network during several forecast of cyclones and heavy rainfalls.

Hams / Members / Founders / Office Bearers

Dr. S. K. Nanda
Mr. E. Radhakrishna
Mr. Pravin Valera
Mr. Jagdish Pandya

Repeater

Repeater info coming soon.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  • What is Amateur Radio?

Amateur Radio is a hobby that allows people to communicate with each other using radio waves. Amateur Radio operators, also known as hams, can use their radios to talk to other hams all over the world, or to participate in emergency communications.

 

  • Who can become a ham?

Anyone over the age of 12 can become a ham in India. There are no educational or technical requirements, but you will need to pass a written exam.

 

  • What can I do with a ham license?

With a ham license, you can:

  • Talk to other hams all over the world
  • Participate in emergency communications
  • Experiment with new radio technologies
  • Build your own radios and antennas
  • Learn about electronics and radio theory

 

  • What can’t I do with a ham license?

You cannot use your ham radio for commercial purposes, or to cause interference with other radio services. You also cannot use indecent language or profanities.

 

  • How do I get a ham license?

To get a ham license in India, you will need to:

  1. Fill out an application form
  2. Pass a written exam
  3. Pay the application fee

The application form and exam syllabus can be found on the website of the Ministry of Communications.

Once you have passed the exam and paid the fee, you will be issued a ham license. Your license will be valid for five years.

 

  • Where can I learn more about Amateur Radio in India?

There are many resources available to learn more about Amateur Radio in India. Here are a few:

  • Gujarat Institute of Amateur Radio (GIAR)
  • The Amateur Radio Society of India (ARSI)
  • The National Institute of Amateur Radio (NIAR)
  • The Ministry of Communications

You can also find local ham clubs in your area. These clubs can provide you with information and support as you learn more about Amateur Radio.