When asked to recall the happiest moment in her job, Liu Hui always replies that it was the time she opened a letter from one of her listeners.
Liu is the host of the Hindu language program "Today's Tibet" aired by China Radio International (CRI).
And the sixth anniversary of the program's launch has led to a large volume of letters, greetings, poems and beautiful gifts from her listeners.
"Apart from words of praise and greetings, our listeners often write in to say how the program has served as a real eye-opener for outsiders," said Liu.
Rakesh Roshan, chairman of the Ashirwad Listeners' Club in India's Bihar State, wrote: "We have found that the program has been rich, lively, colorful and informative since it was launched, and it attracts us like a magnet.
"The program - especially the 'quiz and award' - has been a regular part of our lives. The questions were carefully designed and the gifts awarded were impressive."
Listeners say "Today's Tibet" stands out because it tells the truth about Tibet. "News media in some parts of the world are biased in their coverage of Tibet and often mislead the public," said Sunic Kumar Jain from India in a letter.
"With its formative, detailed and straightforward format, CRI's 'Today's Tibet' stands out from the crowd, and has been attracting an increasing number of listeners. I believe the program should continue to help people gain a deeper understanding of Tibet," he said.
Among listeners home and abroad, "Today's Tibet" has enjoyed great support from Tibetans.
"I would like to offer my greetings to the staff of CRI," said Jinmi Qiongdan, a Tibetan student from the Tibetan Middle School in Beijing.
"I have been particularly impressed to find that 'Today's Tibet' has revealed to the world the autonomous region's history and present situation, and brought my homeland close to a global audience. I sincerely wish the program all the best."
Having received so many greetings, Liu believes it's the active support and participation of the listeners that has kept the program fresh and dynamic.
"Whenever I sit in front of the microphone waiting to begin the program, I feel I am communicating heart-to-heart with my friends from afar."
Liu experienced the wonderful feeling of becoming a grandmother two years ago.
"The cute little baby girl is my pride and treasure. I did once think seriously of retirement to enjoy a better family life, but eventually talked myself out of it because I know my heart is with the audience - my dear brothers and sisters," she said.
Liu believes the program has made her life more valuable and meaningful, and made her many friends.
"Shri Pai from India writes to me nearly every week, and says his family of five listens to our program. He hosted a family show to share books, magazines and pictures from CRI about Tibet," Liu said.
"And visitors to his show were all surprised to find Tibet had seen such big changes."
Liu said members of her team would redouble their efforts to increase airtime and frequency of the program and improve the service.
"I want to say to all my audience Zhaxidele, which means 'Good Luck' in the Tibetan language," Liu said.
(China Daily October 18, 2002)
