Nilokheri/Karnal, April 6: A National Media Conclave and 'Nari Shakti Samman' (Women's Empowerment Honor) ceremony were organized in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, under the aegis of the Kalinga Gaurav Foundation. Odisha's Minister for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, Rabinarayan Naik, graced the inaugural session as the Chief Guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Virendra Singh Chauhan—Director of the Haryana Institute of Rural Development and a renowned expert in journalism and mass communication—shared his insights regarding the evolving global landscape of media and the various dimensions of its role in the construction of a 'Developed India' (*Viksit Bharat*).
Dr. Chauhan asserted that the media's role in building a developed India must be even more expansive and impactful than the glorious role it played during the freedom struggle. He emphasized that the creation of a self-reliant and developed India is impossible without the development of its villages. Therefore, the media must actively align itself with the development of rural India, rallying behind the clarion call: "Let us head towards the villages" (*Chalo Gaon Ki Ore*).
Dr. Chauhan further stated that the media's responsibility should not be confined merely to questioning the government. While it must undoubtedly raise precise and incisive questions, the media must simultaneously move forward in the direction of offering solutions and becoming an active partner in driving positive change.
He noted that this national conclave brought together media professionals from various states across the country—including Odisha—as well as distinguished personalities actively engaged in social sectors. During the event, individuals who have demonstrated exceptional excellence in their respective fields were also felicitated.
Throughout the various discussion sessions, legislators from different political parties, prominent local media figures, and subject-matter experts participated actively, sharing their perspectives on contemporary issues.
Concluding the program, Dr. Chidatmika (General Secretary of the organizing body), along with Pavitra Mohan Samantray and Dr. Rajnikant Mishra, expressed their gratitude to all the guests and participants.