Orissa TODAY Turns 21, Rings Alarm on Fake News & Paid Media Journalists
Bhubaneswar, December 11: Journalists must discharge their duties with utmost honesty and present only truthful and impartial news to bring about genuine social reform, stressed distinguished speakers at the 21st anniversary celebration of English daily Orissa TODAY held here on Thursday.
“If news is not true and unbiased, it will harm society, and the credibility of the fourth estate will be completely eroded,” the speakers unanimously observed while addressing a seminar on “Safeguarding Press Credibility Amidst Rising Misinformation.
The day-long programme, organised at Geet Gobind Sadan, also marked the first anniversary of the newspaper’s digital channel OT LIVE.
Former Chief Secretary of Odisha, Shri Bijay Kumar Patnaik, inaugurated the event, while retired Justice of Orissa High Court Justice Bimal Prasad Das graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Joining as Special Speaker, Prof. Dr Mrinal Chatterjee, Chairman, Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, delivered the keynote address.
Among the honoured guests were former Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax Shri Manoranjan Panigrahi (IRS), former Vice-Chancellor of North Odisha University Shri Kumara Bara Das, IFFCO PRO Shri Prasanna Beura, senior journalist and former Information Commissioner Shri Dillip Bisoi.
Speaking on the occasion, Justice Bimal Prasad Das threw light on the present challenges and future responsibilities of the press. Prof. Mrinal Chatterjee analysed the current state of journalism and the growing menace of misinformation in the digital age.
The other dignitaries emphasised the critical role of ethical journalism in upholding democratic values and urged media houses to remain vigilant against fake news and paid content.
Orissa TODAY Editor Shri Abinash Mishra presided over the function. Shri Manoj Das and Shri Mitrabhanu Palei efficiently anchored the proceedings, while Khordha district representative Shri Madhabananda Rout proposed the vote of thanks.
On the occasion, several eminent personalities who have excelled in their respective fields were felicitated by the newspaper.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from journalists, intellectuals, and well-wishers, reaffirming Orissa TODAY’s commitment to fearless and credible journalism as “The People’s Voice”.
Orissa Today Excellence Award 2025: Honouring Excellence Across Odisha
On this occasion, Orissa Today felicitated the recipients of the Excellence Award 2025, celebrating distinguished individuals who have made remarkable contributions in literature, education, journalism, public service, culture, entrepreneurship, and social work.
Awardees
* Dr Simant Kumar Nanda – Eminent Writer, Bhubaneswar
* Prof. Jayant Panda – Professor & Former H.O.D, PG Dept. of Medicine, SCB Medical College, Cuttack
* Dr Prasanna Kumar Beura – Public Relations Officer, PR & Administration Department, IFFCO Ltd., Paradeep
* Sri B. Tapan Kumar – Public Relations Officer, East Coast Railway, Khorda
* Bharati Bhusan Mishra – Cultural Contributor, Dhumpa Sangeet, Bhubaneswar
* Sanyasi Gouda – Journalist, Orissa Today, Berhampur
* Capt. Premananda Rout – Educationist & Principal, Odisha Maritime Academy, Paradip
* Balaram Sahoo – Social Worker, Cuttack
* Sruchisura Suman Behera – Entrepreneur, Aumkaar Infra Properties Pvt. Ltd., Balangir
* Er. Manoj Kumar Dalei – Interior Designer, Bhubaneswar
* Sudhansu Sekhar Kar – Journalist, OT Live, Puri
* Pradeep Das – Businessman, Cuttack
* Tapan Kumar Mohanty – Photo Journalist, Bhubaneswar
* Monoj Das, Sanjaya Yadab, Naresh Berhma, Mitrabandhu Palai – Recognised for their contributions in journalism and community service
