Media Must Reclaim Accountability: Senior Journalists Sound Alarm at Rajya Kahani Annual Meet
Bhubaneswar, 18 Aug: The annual festival and friends’ reunion of the weekly newspaper Rajya Kahani was held with great enthusiasm at the Buddha Temple in Bhubaneswar.
Presided over by poet Rakshak Nayak, the programme featured senior journalist Bibhuti Bhusan Kar as the chief guest.
Pabitra Maharatha, a prominent leader of the Odia language movement, attended as the guest of honour.
Special guests included BJP leader Professor Purnachandra Mallick and litterateur Dr Chakradhar Das, among others.
Chief guest Bibhuti Bhusan Kar observed that newspapers today navigate numerous challenges, primarily stemming from a lack of accountability.
The spread of fake news is undermining the credibility of the media and leaving society immature, with political parties also playing a role in this trend.
Editor Ashok Sahu shared the journey of the publication, noting that Rajya Kahani has continued its programmes and publications with the support and cooperation of a circle of well-wishers.
Professor Purnachandra Mallick spoke on various aspects of print media and the responsibilities of media professionals.
Poet Rakshak Nayak highlighted that Odisha has one of the highest magazine mortality rates.
Running a periodical without social encouragement and advertisements is extremely difficult, he said, adding that the growing influence of social and electronic media has reduced public interest in print publications.
Dr Chakradhar Das expressed confidence that Rajya Kahani is moving forward with the goals of innovation, bringing good people together, and doing meaningful work.
He believed the paper would remain at the forefront of the revolution of words.
Pabitra Maharatha remarked that social harmony and traditional values have declined in contemporary society.
Instead of blaming others, self-improvement is essential.
Such attitudes were absent in Jagannath culture, he noted.
He urged Rajya Kahani to continue guiding people toward social reform and fostering respect for ancestors.
Journalist Hrushikesh Goud shared his experiences of rural journalism. During the event, Rajya Kahani felicitated several individuals for their contributions: journalists Hrushikesh Gaud and Chitta Ranjan Pattnaik, Balaram Nanda, retired government officers Sushant Mohanty and Gourachandra Mahapatra, Sambalpur-based litterateur and journalist Rajaram Panda, and Pathani Raut, Information and Public Relations Officer to the Chief Secretary.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by editor Ashok Sahu.
