Bargarh (Odisha)- Marking a powerful milestone, the 45th anniversary celebration of GanaIshtahar brought together respected voices from across journalism, literature, law, and social service to honour the Odia weekly’s unwavering dedication to fearless reporting. Held at the Bargarh Mahila Samiti Hall, the event was chaired by GanIshtahar Trust President Pradeep Hota and coordinated by Editor Prasanna Kumar Mishra.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Dr. Rabindra Garatia, former principal of Parvati Giri Women’s College, emphasized that journalism should be rooted in integrity and public welfare. He called on media professionals to avoid flattery and political alignment, urging them instead to uphold moral values, objectivity, and self-restraint.
Speakers across the board — including senior journalist Shankar Ballav Mishra, poet and writer Manoranjan Sahu, social activist Chandrasekhar Bag, and senior advocates Shirish Ballav Mishra and Shyam Sundar Agrawal — praised GanIshtahar for giving space to the unheard voices of society. They described its commitment to truth and its independent stance as a model for responsible journalism.
The 45th special edition was dedicated to India’s freedom fighters and formally released by Social Worker Kanak Pradhan. Veteran journalists who have made lasting contributions to the profession were honoured during the occasion. Among those felicitated were Ratnamani Satapathy, Niroj Pani, Gorekhnath Bariha, Balaram Pradhan, Abhimanyu Pradhan, Surendra Kathar, Manohar Dash, Chandramani Behera, Naba Dash, Ramesh Pradhan, and writer Utpanna Bhoi.
Editor Prasanna Mishra, in his address, reflected on the publication’s journey through decades of socio-political shifts and challenges. He affirmed that public trust and reader goodwill continue to be the greatest strength of the weekly. A musical welcome performance by Sasmita Pattnaik, Pranati Panda, Saubhagya Lakshmi Mishra, Swadhinee Dash, and Sushama Panda set a soulful tone to the celebration.
