BHUBANESWAR: A responsible newspaper is not a friend to the government, it stands as a strong ally of democracy and the voice of the people, said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday.
Addressing the 41st anniversary of Sambad Group, Majhi said newspapers are the mirror of the society and journalists are the conscience keepers of the nation.
“It is not just your right but also your responsibility to question and hold accountable those in positions of power - the government, leaders, ministers and officials - who are entrusted with serving the people,” he stressed.
The CM expressed concern that many among the new generation of journalists seem unable or perhaps unwilling, to distinguish between constructive criticism and personal attacks, which in journalistic terms amount to slander.
“Instead of engaging in fair and thoughtful critique, some have resorted to personal insinuations, which only weaken the noble purpose of journalism,” he added.
The CM urged everyone from the media fraternity to keep the government alert and aware through positive and constructive criticism. “Journalism is a noble profession, a sacred calling and it is your duty to uphold its dignity while performing your responsibilities with integrity and fairness,” he said.
Majhi said a prosperous Odisha by 2036 means the state will have to achieve a $500 billion economy. “To realise this vision, Odisha must transition towards a mixed economy and steps in this direction have already been initiated. I urge the media to actively contribute ideas and suggestions to help achieve this vision,” he said.
Veteran journalist and group editor of Dainik Bhaskar Prakash Dubey, Hindu Business Line resident editor Poornima Joshi, Sambad Group and Eastern Media Limited chairman Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, Sambad and Kanak News editor Tanaya Patnaik and Eastern Media Limited director Monica Nayyar Patnaik were present.