In a heartfelt address marking the 41st founding day of Odia daily *Sambad* and its sister channel *Kanak News*, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi celebrated the media group’s pioneering spirit while underscoring the vital role of journalism in nation-building.
The event, held in Bhubaneswar, brought together journalists, staff, readers, and viewers, with the CM extending warm congratulations to Chairman Soumya Ranjan Pattnaik and Editor Tanaya Pattnaik.
Describing the day as one of “pride, joy, and fulfilment” for the Sambad family, Majhi hailed *Sambad* as a “milestone in Odisha’s newspaper history.” Launched in 1984 amid a landscape dominated by evening editions and postal distributions, the paper revolutionised the industry with its morning edition, colour printing, and offset technology. “Back then, competitors mocked the idea of fresh morning news,” the CM recalled, quoting Pattnaik’s retort: “I won’t serve stale news to readers.” This bold move ensured readers got updates as late as 3 a.m., including international, sports, and business news that arrived post-8 p.m.
Majhi credited Pattnaik’s “unwavering struggles, tireless efforts, and immense sacrifices” for *Sambad*’s enduring appeal. From expanding from 8 to 16 pages – a first in Odisha – to launching regional editions in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, the paper set benchmarks. Today, 41 years on, *Sambad* remains a trusted leader, undeterred by social media’s rise, proving that “content is king.” The CM praised *Kanak News* as a reliable viewer favourite and noted how Pattnaik mentored young journalists, many of whom now helm Odisha’s media landscape.
Turning to journalism’s historical mantle, Majhi invoked the press’s role in India’s freedom struggle, from *The Bengal Gazette* – shut down by the British within two years – to Odisha’s *Utkal Deepika*. Post-independence, during the Emergency, journalists risked their lives to safeguard democracy. “Media is the fourth pillar,” he asserted, urging outlets to hold governments accountable without partisanship. He lauded Pattnaik’s fearless columns, like the iconic “Aama Gharara Halchal” (Our Home Affairs), which ruffled feathers among leaders and officials.
Sharing a personal anecdote, the CM recounted visiting a highly educated critic of Pattnaik, only to find *Sambad* on his table. “I don’t like Sambad,” the friend admitted, “but I must read what Soumya has written against today’s politicians and officers.” Majhi smiled, affirming that true journalism serves the people, not power.
The address pivoted to national and state progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Amid recent challenges like the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, Majhi contrasted Modi’s decisive response with the tepid handling of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Over 11 years, India has surged in social, economic, and political spheres, from Jan Dhan Yojana banking the unbanked to Swachh Bharat building toilets for every household in two years – feats unimaginable in the prior 67 years of independence.
Economic reforms shone brightly: GST, the largest since 1947, unified 17 taxes into one, with the recent GST 2.0 slashing rates by up to 5% for everyday goods. As GST Council member, Majhi highlighted Odisha’s inputs, like 5% GST on stationery and reduced rates on coal and farm equipment. India’s economy, now the fourth largest, eyes third place at $5 trillion soon, with policy insulated from politics.
For Odisha, the CM outlined an ambitious roadmap to a “prosperous Odisha” by 2036, marking the state’s centenary. Targeting a $500 billion economy and a spot among India’s top five developed states, the vision embraces a mixed economy. Recent initiatives include semiconductor hubs – three units incoming, two MoUs signed – and ₹2 lakh crore in 84 industrial projects, promising 1.64 lakh jobs and ₹17 lakh crore investments.
In closing, Majhi urged the media to foster constructive criticism, distinguishing it from personal slander. He praised Pattnaik’s oratory, inspiring youth from the 1980s-2000s and initiatives like *Aama Odisha* for cultural promotion and green activism across 147 assembly segments. “Journalism is a noble profession,” he said. “Keep governments alert through positive scrutiny. Let’s build a beautiful, prosperous Odisha together.”
The Sambad family received renewed felicitations, with the CM affirming his government’s respect for media freedom, vowing no curbs or disrespect.
