Kalimela, 18th Nov 2025: The Utkal Journalists’ Association, Malkangiri district, celebrated the district-level National Press Day yesterday at the Kalimela fairground. On this occasion, an independent program was organized at the guest house of the Kalimela Block Forest Department. The program was presided over by Ashok Mishra, President of the District Utkal Journalists’ Association, while the chief guest was Malkangiri MLA Narasingha Madkami.
Other honored guests included Block Vice President Subhasini Sodi, Chief Speaker District Information and Public Relations Officer Pramila Majhi, Kalimela Video Pradeep Kar, Tahsildar Ramakrishna Satyarajguru, former MLA Mukunda Sodi, Ambusmayan Nrusingha Charan Mahanti, Police Officer Mukunda Melka, Editor of District Utkal Journalists’ Association B. Srinivas Patra, Vice President Prashant Sahu, Treasurer Hrushikesh Sethi, Executive President Niranjan Mall, and Kalimela Block President Satya Narayan Subudhi, among others.
During the event, it was emphasized that the delivery of clean, unbiased news can help establish truth and justice in society. President Ashok Mishra highlighted the importance of research and verification in journalism to ensure responsible reporting. Chief Speaker Pramila Majhi stated that for a healthy democratic nation, it is the duty of everyone to provide accurate and truthful news. She further emphasized that journalists should serve society by delivering respectful, truthful, unbiased, and investigative reporting.
The event also noted the growing influence of social media on journalism, stressing the need to maintain credibility and closeness to the public through accurate news reporting. This year, a discussion was held under the auspices of the Press Council of India on “Preserving Public Trust in Mass Media Amid the Increase of Misleading News.”
During the program, Association member Bhagaban Sahu delivered the welcome address and managed the proceedings. At the conclusion, member Saurabh Mandal offered a vote of thanks. The event also honored journalists and distinguished individuals for their notable contributions and services. Senior district journalists Ratsakar Das, Durga Prasad Pattnayak, and Gopi Krishna Pattnayak were recognized for their exemplary work and contribution to journalism.
Additionally, journalists who had faced arrests while reporting truthful news—such as Ladhua Vikram Swain, Deepak Maharana, Abinash Behera, and Rahul Golari—were acknowledged. More than 80 members of the association were present at the event.
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