Stressing Accuracy and Accountability in Journalism
Speakers at the State-level National Press Day event today underscored the pivotal role of the media in strengthening and safeguarding democracy. They noted that accurate news delivery and constructive criticism help enrich democratic values, while the spread of misleading information raises serious concerns about press credibility.
The event, organised at the Conference Hall of the Department of Information and Public Relations, focused on the theme set by the Press Council of India: “Protection of Media Credibility in the Context of Increasing Misinformation.”
Media Must Uphold Truth to Protect Democracy
Delivering the keynote address, former Utkal University Political Science Professor Surya Narayan Mishra said that the media has always played a vital role in defending democratic ideals. He stressed that in an era of misinformation, media houses must ensure factual accuracy and avoid spreading misleading or false news.
He added that the responsibility lies with journalists to bring verified information to the public and promote awareness through ethical reporting.
Need for Deep Verification Before Publishing News
Speaking as the main guest, Ravenshaw University Assistant Professor Dr. Debilal Mishra emphasised the need for thorough verification of every piece of information before dissemination. Incorrect or intentionally distorted news, he noted, can severely harm both society and democracy.
Media’s Responsibility to Inform Students and Aspirants
Director of the Information & Public Relations Department Anuj Kumar Das Pattnaik stated that students preparing for competitive examinations have always relied heavily on media reports. Since news influences learning and success, he urged media representatives to remain vigilant and avoid spreading any form of misinformation.
Additional Director (Technical) Gurveer Singh added that even unintentional errors in reporting can have damaging consequences, making journalistic caution indispensable.
Senior journalist Pitabas Mishra also shared his views during the event.
Prize Distribution for State-Level Speech Competitions
The winners of the Odia and English college-level elocution competitions organised for the occasion were felicitated:
Odia Elocution Winners
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1st Prize: Simran (Birla Global University)
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2nd Prize: Shaswati Priyadarshini (Utkal University)
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3rd Prize: Barsha Nayak (Buxi Jagabandhu Autonomous College)
English Elocution Winners
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1st Prize: Samina T. Gandwa (KIIT University)
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2nd Prize: Krishna Priyadarshini Hota (BJB Autonomous College)
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3rd Prize: Archita Bhanja (Birla Global University)
The department also honoured Shashank Shekhar Dash of ‘Paperman India’ for his assistance during the newspaper exhibition.
Newspaper Exhibition Showcases Over 500 Publications
As part of National Press Day celebrations, a grand newspaper exhibition was inaugurated by Additional Chief Secretary Hemanta Sharma at Jayadev Bhavan. The exhibition featured:
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93 journals and magazines
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17 foreign newspapers
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240 Odia dailies and archival editions
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A total of 501 newspapers and publications
Event Concludes with Active Participation from Media and Intellectuals
Deputy Director Sucheta Priyadarshini introduced the guests, while Information Officer Rozalin Sahu coordinated the proceedings. Numerous media representatives, officials and intellectuals participated, reaffirming the importance of ethical journalism in safeguarding democracy.