Odisha Women in Media Marks 1st Foundation Day Celebrating Journalistic Achievements

Bhubaneswar: On its 1st foundation day, the Odisha Women in Media (OWM) gathered on Monday to commemorate the accomplishments and positive contributions of women journalists in the field. The event was graced by Patricia Mukhim, Editor of The Shillong Times and a Padma Shri awardee in 2000, as the chief guest.

During the celebration held at a hotel in Bhubaneswar, Mukhim emphasized the importance of giving a voice to women in rural areas to ensure their perspectives are heard. She encouraged women journalists to display solidarity and support each other, highlighting the significance of unity in the field of journalism.

President of OWM, Kasturi Ray, outlined the vision and agenda for the organization’s future. Minati Behera, chairperson of the State Commission for Women, spoke about the inspiration and inclusion of women in various sectors, emphasizing the pivotal role of women in media in bringing attention to cases that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Deepa Adhikari, former Broadcast Journalist and Development Communication Expert, stressed the need for developing listening skills, particularly among women journalists. She highlighted the importance of addressing intellectual marginalization to truly hear the voices of the vulnerable.

Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, a former journalist turned politician, shared her story of struggles and efforts in reporting. She encouraged OWM members to pursue their passion and not give up, despite facing challenges.

The OWM presented awards in both Odia and English journalism categories. Satarupa Samantray of Argus TV (Odia) and Aishwarya Mohanty, an Independent Journalist (English), were the recipients of these prestigious awards.

Additionally, the organization organized panel discussions on the representation of unheard voices in today’s media landscape and engaged in conversations with grassroots workers. The event provided a platform for reflection, celebration, and discussions on the role of women in media and their contributions to society.