New Delhi, Sep 6: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday attended the India and Odisha Journalism Awards 2025 ceremony organized by Pallibani Mission in New Delhi, where he honoured distinguished journalists who have significantly contributed to shaping public discourse in India and Odisha.

The event, attended by Yoga Guru Swami Ramdev, celebrated the vital role of journalism in strengthening democracy and cultural awareness.

आज दिल्ली में Pallibani Mission द्वारा आयोजित India and Odisha Journalism Award 2025 कार्यक्रम में योग गुरु स्वामी @yogrishiramdev जी के साथ भारत और ओडिशा की पत्रकारिता को नया आयाम देने वाले विभिन्न पत्रकार साथियों को सम्मानित करने का सुखद अवसर प्राप्त हुआ। इस विशेष अवसर पर मैं… pic.twitter.com/z3S6QAQbC3

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) September 6, 2025

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Pradhan expressed his joy at felicitating journalists who have brought new dimensions to Indian journalism. He extended warm wishes to Sanjeev Paliwal, Pratap Somvanshi, Saurabh Dwivedi, and Odisha-based journalists Sangram Sarangi, Ratnakar Bhoi, and Satyasundar Barik. He also thanked Ramachandran Nath, chairman of Pallibani Mission, for organizing the event.

Odisha’s Linguistic and Cultural Legacy Highlighted

Pradhan reflected on Odisha’s historical significance, noting that in 1936, it became India’s first language-based state. After 100 years, in 2036, Odisha will celebrate the centenary of its formation as a separate province. He emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting Odia language, which was granted classical status in 2014, and credited Ramachandran Nath for his contributions to this cause.

The Minister reiterated that the National Education Policy 2020 aims to uplift all Indian mother tongues, including Odia, and stressed Odisha’s vital role in realizing Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a Developed India.

Call to Preserve Odisha’s Global Heritage

“Every society needs an identity. The greatest identity of the Odia society is Lord Jagannath, and there is no doubt about it. In today’s context, it is essential to understand and communicate the intellectual depth and vastness of our Odia society. As an Odia, it is our duty to elevate our rich culture, history, and heritage not just nationally, but globally,”  the Minister said.

Pradhan also reminded the audience that the global spread of Buddhism began from Odisha, underscoring the state’s spiritual significance. He called upon citizens to collectively preserve and promote Odisha’s legacy and contribute meaningfully to India’s development journey.