Bhadrak : Reinforcing the role of media as a bridge between governance and citizens, the PIB, Bhubaneswar, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, organised a Regional Media Workshop, Vartalap, at Bhadrak today.
The programme was held as part of a nationwide outreach initiative commemorating 12 years of transformative governance under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Addressing the gathering, Bhadrak MP Shri Avimanyu Sethi stated that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, India has emerged as one of the world’s leading economic powers. Highlighting the country’s remarkable economic progress over the past 12 years, he noted that India has risen from the 11th position to become the world’s fourth-largest economy.
He further observed that the nation has witnessed rapid economic and social development under Shri Modi’s leadership. Emphasising the role of the media in this transformative journey, Shri Sethi said that the media has been a key stakeholder and an important partner in the country’s development process.
Attending the event as the guest of honour, Bhadrak MLA Shri Sitansu Sekhar Mohapatra stated that the media plays a crucial role in a democracy.
Presiding over the programme, Shri Akhil Kumar Mishra, Additional Director General, PIB & CBC Bhubaneswar, stressed that meaningful communication is central to effective governance. He described Vartalap as a platform that fosters direct engagement with media stakeholders and facilitates accurate dissemination of information about public welfare programmes. Drawing lessons from episodes in the Ramayana, he observed that communication is most effective when it is clear, transparent, objective and free from fear, bais and prejudice.
Bhadrak Collector Dr. Dilip Routrai highlighted the significance of dialogue-driven platforms in strengthening collaboration between the administration and the media.
The programme was also attended by Chief Development Officer, Bhadrak, Shri Suvendra Kumar Samal. Enriching the technical session, noted author Shri Pabitra Panigrahi offered valuable insights into various flagship initiatives of the Government and their transformative impact on society.
A wide-ranging discussion was held on flagship programmes of the Government of India, including PM-KISAN, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Namo Drone Didi, Digital Agriculture Mission, Digital India, PM Awas Yojana, Financial Inclusion initiatives, National Horticulture Mission, Make in India, women-led development, infrastructure expansion and rural drinking water supply.
Dr. Sunil Kumar Bhuyan, Sub-Divisional Veterinary Officer, and Smt. Anuradha Panda, Block Agriculture Officer, Bhadrak, elaborated on the implementation and benefits of various schemes and interacted with media representatives during an open question-and-answer session.
Booklets showcasing key milestones and achievements of the Government during the past 12 years were also released on the occasion.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Shri Pradeep Kumar Choudhury, Head of Office, Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Bhubaneswar and Nodal Officer of the workshop. The vote of thanks was proposed by Shri Mahendra Prasad Jena, Assistant Director, PIB Bhubaneswar. The workshop was moderated by Smt. Madhusmita Mahapatra, Sub-Divisional Information and Public Relations Officer, while Shri Swadhin Shakti Prasad, Media and Communication Officer, PIB, coordinated the proceedings.
The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation from media representatives and government officials from Bhadrak district.