Sidhant Mohapatra Calls for Responsible Media, Preservation of Pure Odia at Rama Devi Media Fest

Bhubaneswar: Actor-turned-MLA Sidhant Mohapatra on Friday stressed the urgent need to preserve the purity of the Odia language in media and uphold journalistic responsibility in an era driven by speed and sensationalism.

Addressing students on the second day of “Media Antara,” the annual media fest organised by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Rama Devi Women’s University, Mohapatra expressed concern over what he described as increasing distortions in spoken and written Odia across news platforms.

“In the race to break news first, accuracy often takes a backseat. But people tend to believe what they see and hear in the media. That makes responsible reporting even more important,” he said, urging budding journalists to verify facts thoroughly before publication or broadcast.

Highlighting the cultural responsibility of the media, the legislator underscored that language is a vital carrier of identity and heritage. He appealed to young communicators to use “pure and correct Odia” while maintaining clarity and credibility in reporting.

Adding a lighter touch to his address, Mohapatra shared humorous anecdotes from his acting career and recounted an incident involving a fake Facebook account that many had mistaken for his official profile. The episode, he said, reinforced the importance of digital awareness and authenticity in the age of social media.

The event was graced by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Chandi Charan Rath, who voiced concerns over environmental degradation and lauded the department for creating a platform that encourages dialogue on contemporary media challenges.

Head of the Department Dr. Ambika Sankar Mishra welcomed the guests, while media professional Amit Mallick emphasised the need to prioritise professional skills and truthful reporting over TRP-driven content.
An awareness film titled Samaya, produced by the Girija Memorial Road Safety Foundation Trust, was also released during the programme. Trust Chairperson Amiya Bala Parida spoke about the importance of road safety and responsible civic behaviour.

Senior journalists Ramajivan Gochhayat and Debashis Samal were felicitated for their contributions to the field. Winners of various competitions held as part of the fest were awarded prizes. The event was seamlessly conducted by students of the department, including Chinmayee Jena, showcasing their organisational and communication skills.