The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Bhubaneswar organized the regional media workshop “Vartalap” at Konark, aimed at strengthening collaboration between the government and the media. The workshop brought together more than 60 journalists from Konark and surrounding districts to foster robust public communication and responsible journalism.
Keynote Insights and Media’s Role at Vartalap
Shri Akhil Kumar Mishra, Additional Director General, PIB & CBC (Odisha & Jharkhand Region), presided over the session and delivered the keynote address. He highlighted that media plays a critical role in reinforcing democracy by acting as both “a mirror and a messenger”—reflecting reality and shaping perceptions. Mishra emphasized that transparent, continuous communication is essential for public trust and good governance, asserting that communication and solution-seeking go hand-in-hand.
GST Reforms and Public Interface
Distinguished Guest Shri D. Kalyan Chakravarthy, Joint Commissioner, CGST Bhubaneswar, spoke on NextGen GST reforms, noting their contribution to simplifying compliance, business ease, and greater transparency. He encouraged cooperative approaches among officers to build public trust and cited reforms as central to India’s rise to the world’s fourth-largest economy. Chakravarthy detailed GST reforms and the nation’s ambition to become the third largest globally, driven by responsible communication and taxation.
Responsible Journalism and Developmental Stories
Guest of Honour Shri Gurukalyana Mohapatra, Chief Editor of ‘Samaya’, shared perspectives on the ethical responsibilities that come with press freedom in the digital era. He urged media professionals to highlight stories of development and livelihood from sectors like agriculture and fisheries, particularly those impacting rural and coastal areas. Speaking on policy and perception, Shri Pradeep Kumar Choudhury, Assistant Director, CBC and Vartalap Nodal Officer, called the event a bridge between government and media for better understanding and coverage of public initiatives.
Conclusion
The workshop concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Shri M.K. Jali, Deputy Director, PIB Bhubaneswar, and was conducted by Shri Swadhin Shakti Prasad, PIB Media & Communication Officer. Journalists actively interacted with officials, reinforcing the importance of credible, compassionate reporting and government-media collaboration for democratic progress.
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Source: PIB
