‘Sampark’, an Odia newsweekly, was launched by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on the Utkal Divas. The inaugural issue of the magazine features 82 major personalities, who have shaped and impacted Odisha since the State was carved out on linguistic basis on April 1, 1936. The selection was done by an eminent jury, comprising former Minister Panchanan Kanungo, social worker Jagadananda, writer Dash Benhur, Odissi dancer Aruna Mohanty and sports journalist Sambit Mohapatra.
A lot of names had come up for consideration but finally the jury selected 82 personalities as modern-day Odisha turned 82 on Sunday. The magazine also contains news, new features, columns and infotainment that would keep readers abreast of latest developments in Odisha and outside. Among others, its publisher Sameer Hans, Executive Editor Saroj Baland other team members Dikhya Tiwari, Ashok Sahani were present.