Bhubaneswar, Jun 26: Veteran journalist Sarat Chandra Dash, former Odisha Bureau Chief of the Press Trust of India (PTI), passed away on Friday at the age of 83. Dash, who served PTI for over four decades, was widely respected for his balanced reporting, professional integrity, and insightful coverage of Odisha’s political and social landscape.

Dash began his career with PTI in the early 1960s and worked in the agency’s Mumbai and New Delhi bureaus before heading the Odisha bureau. He retired in 2003 after 42 years of service. Known for his sharp news sense and impartial reporting, Dash covered some of the state’s most significant events, including natural disasters such as cyclones and floods, earning admiration for his accuracy and courage.

Leaders across Odisha paid tribute to Dash’s contributions. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described him as a journalist of “high values and professional integrity,” while former CM Naveen Patnaik said Dash was “a respected figure in Odisha’s media world who earned numerous accolades.”

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed grief over the demise of veteran journalist Dash. He described Dash as a “skilled journalist and outspoken individual” whose contributions to the media world will remain unforgettable.

Dash’s demise marks the end of an era in Odisha journalism. His work set high standards for ethical reporting and inspired generations of journalists. He is survived by two sons and two daughters.