Senior media personality Mr.Prasanta Patnaik has been conferred with “Utkal Sambadika Ratna Samman” by Union Minister for Tribal Affairs & Jal Shakti, Shri. Bishweswar Tudu on the National Press Day.
However, Patnaik had formally dedicated the “Utkal Sambadika Ratna Samman” in favor of the poor, suffering, and deprived people of the country who had inspired him to choose journalism over other professions.
Acknowledging the honor conferred on the National Press Day celebration by the National Journalist Welfare Board, Patnaik said that the media scene in the country has gone a sea of change during the past fifty years. With the development of technology through media has spread its wings over the globe, the fundamental rights of the media persons have been threatened to a great extent. Now with the amendment of the law, a police sub-inspector has the authority to declare any media person on his reporting as anti-national and throw him into jail.
The media in our country have been largely divided. Some journalists are dancing to the tune of the political bosses in their management. He appealed to the media persons to be united and fight for the interests of the country and they should always give prime importance to the real need of the people by raising voices against all exploitation.
Mr. Dipak Malavya, Chairman of Kanpur Branch of Lok Sevak Mandal had presided over the meeting. Mr.Kishore Shrestha, Chairman, Nepal Press Council (EAPC) attended as the Chief Speaker.
Mr.Prasanta Patnaik thanked the people from different parts and different professions for their good wishes.
Prasanta Patnaik