Malkangiri, Jan 30: The district-level general council meeting of the Utkal Journalists’ Association, Malkangiri district, was held at the Eco Park in Chitrakonda block.
The program was organized by the Chitrakonda Block branch of the Association under the अध्यक्षता of District President Ashok Mishra. Chitrakonda MLA Mangu Khila attended as the Chief Guest. Raj Kamal Purohit, local Samiti Member, joined as the Chief Speaker. Among the distinguished guests were Block Education Officer Ms. Gayatri Devi, District Secretary B. Srinivas Patra, Vice President Prashant Kumar Sahu, Treasurer Hrushikesh Sethi, Chitrakonda Block President Shiva Prasad Khara, and Police Officer Limai Chandra Panda.
The program began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp before a portrait of Lord Jagannath, followed by prayers and the singing of “Vande Mataram.”
In his address, Chief Speaker Raj Kamal Purohit highly appreciated the role of working journalists and stated that journalists of Malkangiri district have a distinct identity in the state. Distinguished guest Ms. Gayatri Devi presented a self-composed song dedicated to journalists, boosting their morale.
Chief Guest MLA Mangu Khila described journalists as the driving force of district development and remarked that “journalists are another name for development.” He urged journalists to bring the issues of remote and underdeveloped areas of the district to public attention. He also assured that he would raise journalists’ genuine demands in the State Assembly, including enhancement of insurance coverage, implementation of a pension scheme, and provision of government housing for journalists through a simplified process.
Fulfilling an earlier promise, the MLA also laid the foundation stone for the construction of a building for the Chitrakonda Block unit of the Association.
Other guests on the dais expressed their views on strengthening the Association. More than 80 journalists from various blocks of the district attended the meeting, making it a success.
Subsequently, eight journalists from different places joined the Association, impressed by its activities. The new members and office-bearers were felicitated with mementos and bouquets by the dignitaries on the stage.
District President Ashok Mishra informed that discussions were also held regarding organizing similar programs in the future and convening a state-level executive meeting. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by District Secretary B. Srinivas Patra.