Bhubaneswar: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Media & Entertainment Symposium 2025, held in Bhubaneswar, brought together a distinguished gathering of industry leaders, policymakers, and media professionals to discuss the evolving landscape of media, entertainment, and technology.
The event was graced by the presence of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Women and Child Development, Tourism, and Mission Shakti, Smt. Pravati Parida, who delivered a compelling address on the media’s vital role in the journey towards a “Viksit Odisha” (Developed Odisha).
Shri Rajib S. Sahoo, Chairman of the ICC Odisha State Council welcomed Deputy Chief Minister Smt.Pravati Parida.
In her keynote speech, Deputy Chief Minister Parida highlighted the profound impact of the media in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation. She underscored the media’s capacity to shape public perception and its crucial function as a bridge between the government and its citizens. Citing the successful dissemination of key government initiatives, such as the “Subhadra Yojana,” to the remotest corners of the state, she praised the media’s dedication to informing and empowering the populace.
Smt. Parida also called upon the media to fulfill its responsibility as a “fourth pillar” of democracy, urging it to not only inform but also to critically evaluate the government’s actions, both positive and negative. “Media should keep an eye on the wrongs and good deeds of the government,” she stated, “so that the government can correct the wrongs and promote the right ones.” She stressed that by bringing the problems of the people to the public eye, the media enables the government to take prompt notice and action.
Shifting her focus to the state’s potential, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized the immense opportunities within Odisha’s tourism and creative sectors. Acknowledging the rapid growth of OTT platforms, music, and films, she assured the audience of the government’s commitment to supporting the industry’s development. She promised new programs in the coming days to harness Odisha’s vast potential and strengthen the creative ecosystem.
The event, which was also attended by key figures such as Shri Rajib S. Sahoo, Chairman of the ICC Odisha State Council, and Ranjith Chakkatha, CEO of Ninja Media, served as a platform for reaffirming the commitment to building a sustainable and vibrant creative economy in Odisha. Smt. Parida’s address resonated with the symposium’s core themes, reinforcing the idea that a robust and responsible media and entertainment sector is indispensable for achieving the state’s and the nation’s developmental goals.