Jajpur : Dharmasala Media Club celebrates Foundation Day

Jajpur : The first Foundation Day celebrations of the Dharmasala Media Club (DMC) was held on Sunday at the indoor hall of Kalpataru Das Stadium at Jaraka Bazaar in Jajpur district. Badachana MLA Amar Prasad Satpathy, publisher of Samaja, a leading vernacular daily, Niranjan Rath, senior journalist Pradyumna Satpathy, literature Raj Kishore Padhy and noted poet Goutam Jena attended.

While DMC president Bimal Pati presided, general secretary Anand Moharana presented the annual report. The DMC felicitated State OAS topper Aswini Kumar Panda, local OAS officer Kalpita Jena, Samaja subeditor Sukanti Rout, Kumari panchayat Sarpanch Khirod Prava Samal and progressive farmer BasantaParida for their contributions.

Addressing the gathering, the MLA stated that the media is the mirror of society; it acts as a watchdog to protect public interest against malpractices and create public awareness.

Pradyumna Satapathy said the media has the ability to act as check and balance for the administration and constructive criticism since a strong and free press is crucial to the functioning of true democracy.

"There is no doubt that a strong and free press is crucial to the functioning of democracy. The right to freedom of expression is a constitutional right," he said.

Niranjan Rath said the media which played a huge role in bringing about changes in society since time immemorial. He acknowledged the contributions of everyone who worked at their own level and capacity and helped strengthen the party voice, thereby bringing it power.

Pati listed the various initiatives taken by the club in social service since its inception.

Working president of DMC Sudhakar Rout welcomed, while assistant secretary Dildar Chand proposed a vote of thanks.