Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948), leader of India’s non-violent struggle for freedom,  says that “My notion of democracy is that under it the weakest should have the same opportunity as the strongest.” The greatest protection of human rights emanates from a democratic framework grounded in the rule of law. A functional democracy that accommodates diversity is increasingly becoming the planet’s best bet against the concentration of power in the hands of a few and the abuse that inevitably results from it.

The Community Radio (CR) station is not a profit making institution. It is purely a service oriented system. The CR station can convey messages or knowledge to the targeted listeners community over the radio regarding health, hygiene, agriculture, culture,education, etc. through a variety of programmes.

Our study has focused on understanding the promotion of democracy and human rights  related programmes are designed and their impact on the community of Tumkur taluk in Karnataka state. 80 respondents were selected purposively for the study. The data were collected by the respondents through direct contact and with the help of local participation. Questionnaire and Interview techniques were used for the collection of data.

The overall study indicated that the promotion of democracy and human rights  related programmes are designed well and its impact on the community is really great. This kind of research would help the researchers to understand how the  Community Radio plays an important role in creating awareness on democracy and human rights.

 KEYWORDS: democracy, human rights, Community radio, awareness