Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi called upon the media to provide constructive criticism without fear and prejudice. Chief Minister made this statement while attending the 8th edition of Sambad Corporate Excellence Awards-2025 held at Hotel May Fair in the state capital, on Monday.
The Chief Minister continued: “It will help the government to bring the problems and issues of the people to the notice of the government and solve them. But the fine line between newspaper distribution and editorial malpractices also needs to be respected. He said that the basic mantra of journalists should be’ Let Truth Prevail’.”
On this occasion, Majhi has sought the cooperation of people from all walks of life towards the great journey of change that has begun to build a prosperous Odisha.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that Odisha’s vision for prosperity by 2036 and becoming a growth engine for a developed India by 2047 is on track to be fully achieved. In recent months, Odisha has gained national and international attention for successfully hosting various high-profile events. The state’s unique cultural heritage has been showcased globally through connections with the Odia diaspora. Notably, the Utkarsha Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave – 2025 has surpassed previous records in industry and trade, unlocking vast opportunities for the state. Therefore, the initiative that has been started to build a new Odisha will be successful with the cooperation and participation of all sections of people.
The Chief Minister said that along with the dissemination of news, media houses are playing the role of change agents these days. They are openly discussing many issues through various conclaves and creating awareness at various levels of society. He called this a very commendable initiative.
Praising the newspaper’s Corporate Excellence Award programme, the Chief Minister said that such events help do business in Odisha. He said that such programmes have played an important role in spreading Odia identity.
Praising Eastern Media Chairman Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, Majhi said that today Soumya Babu has become an institution rather than an ordinary person. He is a great achievement in the world of Odisha media. If today the Odisha media is in a respectable place, then the first credit will go to Soumya Babu, the Chief Minister said.
He said that although Soumya Babu left his mark in various fields, from journalism to politics and social service, he is most popular as a newspaper creator. Stating that Soumya Babu was a leading commander in the struggle for Odia independence, the Chief Minister said that in the fight between the land and the party, he chose the land.
Delivering his speech, Eastern Media Chairman Soumya Ranjan Patnaik said that the change that has taken place in Odisha has signalled a new era. Now we are moving forward to make Odisha great. Therefore, everyone in Odisha should become a worshipper of excellence.
Addressing the industry leaders, he said that Odisha youths are working in big corporate sectors all over the world and achieving success. Therefore, the corporate sector of Odisha should also employ Odisha youths in large numbers.
17 brands were awarded in five categories at this event. At this event, Dr Monica Patnaik, Director of Eastern Media Newspaper and Ms Tanya Patnaik, Editor of Kanak News, delivered their keynote speeches.
