For Vijay Umrao, Station Manager of EAVA FM, a community radio station in Leicester, a recent event marked the pinnacle of his career—a royally fabulous moment that he’ll remember forever…
As part of his role with the Community Media Association (CMA), Vijay received a prestigious invitation to a royal reception at Buckingham Palace. There he had the honour of meeting His Majesty King Charles III, a moment that not only recognised his personal achievements but also celebrated the vital work of community radio across the UK.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
Vijay’s journey from community radio volunteer to Station Manager of EAVA FM is a testament to his dedication to Leicester’s diverse communities. Since 2008, EAVA FM has been a voice for various cultural groups in the area, offering programming in multiple languages and bringing together people from all walks of life. His work has been instrumental in fostering cohesion and collaboration across the city’s diverse populations.
In recognition of his contributions, Vijay, as a member of the Community Media Association, was invited to attend a regional media reception hosted by King Charles at Buckingham Palace on March 26. “When I received the invitation, it was a huge surprise and an incredible honour,” he recalls. “To be recognised by the royal palace for the work we do in community radio was absolutely humbling.”
The evening was dedicated to celebrating the role of regional media, with a focus on the crucial contributions made by community radio stations like EAVA FM. The invitation was a testament to the positive impact community media has in the UK, and for Vijay, it was a moment to reflect on the station’s growth and success over the years.
The reception at Buckingham Palace was a remarkable experience, and the highlight of the evening was meeting King Charles himself. As Vijay describes it, it felt ‘quite surreal’ —standing in one of the most iconic venues in the world, talking to the monarch about the work that EAVA FM and other community radio stations do across the country.
Inside the royal ballroom, Vijay had the opportunity to speak briefly with the King. “I turned around, and there he was. It was a 30-second window to speak to him, and I couldn’t believe I was shaking hands with the King,” he tells the Leicester Times. “I told him about EAVA FM, how we’re a multilingual station, and the role we play in giving a voice to diverse communities in Leicester.”
Picture credit: Ian Jones
To Vijay’s surprise, King Charles responded with genuine interest. “He said, ‘Wow, that’s fantastic. Community radio plays a great role within the sector. The work you do, the amount of languages you have, the cohesion you develop—it’s incredible.’” The King’s recognition of community radio’s importance was a rare and special moment, confirming the sector’s value and its place within the broader media landscape.
For Vijay, the moment he met King Charles wasn’t just about personal recognition. “It wasn’t just my moment,” he says. “It’s a moment for the entire community, for the family at EAVA FM, and for everyone who has supported us along the way. It’s recognition for all the hard work we’ve done to bring people together through community radio.”
EAVA FM, under Vijay’s leadership, has given a voice to Leicester’s diverse communities, from East African to South Asian, from Eastern European to Caribbean. The station has helped bridge gaps and foster understanding among people from different backgrounds, making it a vital part of the city’s media landscape.
Vijay’s meeting with King Charles is not just a personal milestone—it’s a pivotal moment for the future of community radio. The royal recognition has brought attention to the sector’s role in promoting social cohesion and giving voice to often marginalised communities.
For Vijay, meeting the King was a profound experience that he’ll cherish for years to come. “To stand there in the palace, shaking hands with the King, knowing that what we do at EAVA FM has been recognised at the highest level—it was incredible,” he says. “It’s a memory that will stay with me forever.”
