Bhubaneswar: Pradyumna Bal was a man of strong determination and high principles. All through his life, he endeavoured to establish democratic values in society. His uncompromising struggle to establish probity in public life, freedom of speech and journalistic ethics will continue to inspire the journalists of the current and future generations, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said on Monday.
The CM was addressing a ceremony on the golden jubilee of Odia daily Pragativadi, founded by Bal. “Today is a historic day for leading Odia Newspaper “The Pragativadi”. It is celebrating its Golden Jubilee year today along with the birth anniversary of its founder Pradyuma Bal.”
“I pay my sincere tributes to him on this occasion and extend my warm greetings to all the members of the Pragativadi family and its well-wishers.”
The most essential factor that works for a newspaper is the trust it creates among its readers. Reflecting the issues of society that concern all sections of society, especially the weaker section, is a critical factor that every newspaper should strive for, the CM said.
“The Pragativadi, in its fifty years of existene, has stood the test of time and has become the voice of the voiceless. I am glad that following the footsteps of Pradyumna Babu, the newspaper has been making great endeavours to preserve Gandhian values in society,” Naveen added.
“Odisha today has been making huge strides on the path of development. The transformation of Odisha is noticed and applauded across the country and even the world. The new Odisha is confident and trying hard to set global standards in all its actions and endeavours. I hope The Pragativadi will continue to support this great journey of our state.”
“I congratulate all the award winners. My special congratulations to Sri sarat chandra Nayak of Mayurbhanj for being confered with this Year’s pradyumna Bal seva samman,” Naveen concluded.
