Bhubaneswar ( KCN):
Jaydev Bhawan witnessed a remarkable confluence of vision, leadership, and nation-building as the National Media Conclave 2026 along with the 13th ‘I-Women of Substance’ Award Ceremony was आयोजित with grandeur in Bhubaneswar. The prestigious event was jointly organized by Kalinga Gaurav Foundation in association with Rashtriya Patrakar Mahasangha.
The conclave brought together eminent personalities from across the nation, including media leaders, academicians, social reformers, corporate professionals, and changemakers, creating a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and forward-thinking discussions.
The programme was conducted under the leadership of Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samantaray (Chairman), Dr. Chidatmika Khatua (Secretary General), Prof. Major Dr. Kalpana Das (Advisor), and Dr. Rajanikanta Mishra (Convener), with guidance from Rudra Narayan Samantaray, President of Kalinga Gaurav Foundation.
The inaugural session was graced by Rabinarayan Nayak, Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development & Drinking Water, as Chief Guest, alongside Prafulla Chandra Ghadei as Guest of Honour. In their addresses, they highlighted the vital role of media and collective leadership in achieving the ambitious vision of Viksit Odisha 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047.
Prominent media personalities of Odisha, including Sisir Bhattamishra, Sangram Acharya, Durgashish, Amitav Das, Debendra Suar, and Malay Mahanty, were felicitated for their outstanding contributions to journalism.
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the weekly newspaper “Aajira Samparka” and the official website of Kalinga Gaurav Foundation, marking a significant stride towards strengthening communication and digital outreach.
The conclave featured a series of insightful panel discussions across diverse sectors:
Media Session: Featured leading voices like Tanaya Pattnaik, Dilip Bisoi, Guru Kalyan Mahapatra, and Akshaya Kumar Sahu, moderated by Sandeep Sahu.
Political Session: Included Arun Kumar Sahu, Ashok Das, Laxman Munda, Irasis Acharya, and Sofia Firdous, moderated by Dr. Rajaram Satpathy.
Ollywood Session: Eminent personalities such as Ashrumochan Mohanty, Naina Das, Harihar Mahapatra, Chinmaya Das Pattnaik, and Tapas Sargharia shared insights, moderated by Rishi Pattnaik.
Corporate, Entrepreneurship & Health Sessions: Brought together experts like Dr. Kavita Rao, CA Sunita Mohanty, Dr. Priyanka Mishra, Dr. Pradyush Samantaray, and Dr. Pradeep Rath, among others.
A touching moment was the introduction of the “Bitiya Foundation”, where an awardee pledged support for children battling cancer, reflecting the spirit of compassion and social responsibility.
During the evening समारोह, the 13th ‘I-Women of Substance’ Awards honoured 27 exceptional women for their remarkable contributions across fields, while 31 educators were recognized with the ‘Nation Builder Awards’ for their invaluable role in shaping society.
The event also witnessed the presence of distinguished dignitaries such as Manoj Kumar Tripathi (District Governor, Rtn 3262), Madhusmita Tripathi (First Lady Rtn), Bijendra Singh Chauhan (BJP Spokesperson, Haryana), and Sudhi Ranjan Mishra (GM, PR & Communications, Jindal Steel), among others.
Adding cultural richness to the occasion, vibrant performances showcased Odisha’s heritage and artistic brilliance.
The conclave concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all guests, participants, organizers, and supporters. Overall, the event delivered a powerful message of unity, responsibility, and progress—reaffirming that empowered women, ethical media, visionary leadership, and dedicated professionals are the pillars of a progressive India.
About the Author
