The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Bhubaneswar, organised a Regional Media Workshop “Vartalap” at Konark today to strengthen collaboration between the government and the media in effective public communication.

 

 

The workshop was presided over by Shri Akhil Kumar Mishra, Additional Director General, PIB & CBC (Odisha & Jharkhand Region), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, who delivered the keynote address. Shri D. Kalyan Chakravarthy, IRS, Joint Commissioner, CGST Bhubaneswar, attended as the Distinguished Guest, while Shri Gurukalyana Mohapatra, Chief Editor, Samaya, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.

In his address, Shri Akhil Kumar Mishra highlighted the media’s crucial role in strengthening democracy through credible communication. “Media acts both as a mirror and a messenger - reflecting reality, guiding perception, and deepening democracy,” he said. He observed that if communication stops, the search for solutions also stops, and that understanding a problem is equivalent to understanding the solution itself. He stressed that continuous and transparent communication builds public trust and sustains good governance.

 

Shri Mishra also underlined that credibility and compassion are the two sides of responsible journalism. In an era of fast information, he reminded that it is truth that must travel the farthest. He encouraged journalists to focus on developmental and human-interest stories that showcase the real impact of government initiatives at the grassroots.  “Every policy finds its purpose when it transforms a life,” he remarked.

Addressing the gathering on “NextGen GST Reforms and their Benefits”, Shri D. Kalyan Chakravarthy highlighted how the reforms are simplifying compliance, promoting ease of business, and ensuring greater transparency. He noted that taxation is meant to be facilitative, not punitive, urging officers to adopt a cooperative approach to strengthen public trust. Reflecting on India’s progress, he said the nation now ranks as the fourth-largest economy, poised to become the third-largest in coming future, driven by transparent taxation and responsible communication. He briefed about the GST reforms in detail.

Shri Gurukalyana Mohapatra spoke on the evolving media landscape and the ethical responsibility that accompanies press freedom in the digital era.  He urged the media to highlight developmental and livelihood stories, especially from sectors like fisheries and agriculture that are transforming rural and coastal communities. He also talked about various central initiatives.

 

Shri Pradeep Kumar Choudhury, Assistant Director, CBC & Nodal Officer of Vartalap, welcomed participants and outlined the objective of the workshop, calling Vartalap an important interface between the government and media where policy meets perception.

 

The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Shri M.K. Jali, Deputy Director, PIB Bhubaneswar. The proceedings were conducted by Shri Swadhin Shakti Prasad, Media & Communication Officer, PIB. More than 60 journalists of Konark and adjacent places participated in the workshop and interacted with the officers.

 

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SO/Swadhin/Manoj

 

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