Induction Event – 2023 for MJMC Programme of Utkal University, Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Journalists have a great responsibility towards the nation and nation building. Their writings and deliberations help to bring about change in the society and remains under the constant vigil coupled with discussion of a large readership and viewership, across boundaries. The media giving voice to the helpless is well appreciated being the integral pillar of democracy must never deviate from its root intent. Many distinguished speakers have expressed the need for journalists to engage their strength and capabilities in the development of the nation by taking proper training and emulating the same for the society at large is an eternal spirit in motion.
Four days of Induction Programme for Masters in Journalism & Mass Communication (MJMC) Programme of Utkal University was organized by Post Graduate Department of Public Administration, Utkal University during 16 to 19 August 2023.
During the inaugural address, eminent media personality and academician Professor Pratap Aditya Mishra expressed that newspapers played a very crucial role in the freedom movement of India. Journalism is the triumph of truth over falsehood and the art of presenting truth objectively is expected at every point of time. Journalism without fear or favor brings success which the new students can reflect in their lives.
Bhabani Shankar Mohapatra, Lead Anchor and Associate Editor of OTV voiced his opinion on the work and duty of the journalists which is above all for the development of the society, meant for the common people in their innate nodes of life. The role of media to provide true and unbiased news is very important in educating society and people at margins were his propositions.
Noted Writer and Editor of “Katha” Dr. Gaurahari Das addressed the event and reiterated on the fact that, in the contemporary times media becoming a medium for displaying political power is a matter of worry. It is affecting journalists to provide true, impartial and factual news. Journalism is now considered as a new science on earth in which creative writing is emphasized. The ability of intricate writing would never shed its luster in the age of tech marvels including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) was firmly expressed by Dr. Das.

Former Higher Education Secretary Dr. Partha Sarathi Mishra emphasized on the students to be trained according to the needs of print, electronic and digital media industries. As a result, they can show their creative talent in the media and acquire the skills to face all the challenges easily were deliberated by Dr. Mishra.
Times of India Bureau Chief Ashok Kumar Pradhan opined on rigorous training for the new generation of journalists as they need to be made aware of their importance in the changing environment and unprecedented norms of media expansion, across all the spheres and genres. Publication of excellent quality textbooks is essential for grooming of aspiring journalists who can properly streamline the power of media to inform and enlighten the masses was his message for the students.
Professor Padmalaya Mahapatra and Assistant Professor Dr. Jyotirmayee Tudu spoke during the program which was chaired by Head of the Department of Public Administration & Coordinator of MJMC Dr. Pratima Sarangi. Assistant Professor Dr. Hemanta Kumar Dash delivered the welcome address while Dr. Ramakanta Mahananda curated the event. A plantation program was also organized during the event to mark the beginning of new entrants.