Journalists should be more dutiful to make people remain alert about the possible second wave of coronavirus infection in coming days, said Assembly Speaker Surjya Narayan Patro at the National Press Day observed here on Monday. Unlike earlier years, the National Journalists Welfare Board (NJWB) observed the Day in a simple manner this year.
Patro said while 213 countries have already witnessed the first phase of Corona infection, the second wave is likely to affect humanity during the ongoing winter and its impact would be more intense compared to that of the first wave. As no medicine or vaccine is yet to be invented, there is a need for creation of more awareness about the impact of the virus and its precautions, stressed Patro.
Inaugurating the event, State Human Rights Commission former Chairman Justice Birakishore Mishra said journalists should be fearless.
On behalf of NJWB chairman Deepak Malavya was present, while Samaj Publisher Niranjan Rath presided. Prameya editor Gopal Krushna Mohapatra was conferred with Utkal Sambadika Ratna Samman for this year.
Utkal Mail editor Pitabasa Mishra expressed unhappiness over a decline in journalistic fidelity and urged scribes to introspect. Senior journalist Arun Kumar Panda stressed on fearless journalism. Utkal Journalist Union president Bibhuti Bhusan Kar called upon journalists not to get biased. I and PR Director Krupasindhu Mishra said media should work as a guide to the society during the current difficult time. On this occasion, 27 senior journalists were given pension.
NJWB general secretary Sanat Mishra spoke on the importance of the Press day and president and senior journalist Pradosh Pattnaik introduced guests.
On this occasion two books, 'Apriyama' and 'Raj Sanyas Shivaji' written by Arun Panda were released.
A silence was observed for senior journalists who have passed away. Former PIB Deputy Director Sudhashu Shekhar Dhada, Welfare Board vice-president Pradyumna Mohanty were among others present.