The Press Club of Odisha, a body for working journalists of the State, was formally launched by Information and Public Relations Minister Arun Kumar Sahu in a simple function here on Saturday. It was attended by journalists from across the State.
Speaking on the occasion, Sahu said the State Government is committed to safeguard the interest of journalists. It has already enhanced the corpus of the journalist welfare fund to Rs five crore. The new club, he said, will go a long way in strengthening the Government’s efforts.
Editor of “Dharitri” Tathagata Satpathy, who chaired the inaugural function, said the Press Club will provide a platform to unitedly fight for the cause of the journalists who are increasingly coming under attack while discharging their duty. The club will be open to working journalists from all segments, new associations as well as existing ones.
Proprietor of “Odisha Bhaskar” Madhu Mohanty said the club was conceptualised in July and is up and running within a month which speaks volumes of the support it has received from journalist fraternity.
Managing Editor of “Samaya” Ranjib Biswal, Dipak Malavya of Lok Sevak Mandal, Chief Editor of Odisha TV Soumyajit Patnaik, Editor of “Sambad Kalika” Jayashis Ray and Annapurna Dash of “Dinalipi” also spoke. Managing Editor of “Pragativadi” Samahit Bal, Editor of “Samaja” Gopal Mohapatra were present on the occasion while Resident Editor of The New Indian Express, Odisha Srimoy Kar offered the vote of thanks. The club has started operating from a rented premises in IRC Village.