Today is the day of celebration for completing 151 years of Odia journalism. Before and after independence odia journalism had played a vital role. It was used as the strongest weapon to make a disciplined society.
Many historians opine that 'Madala Panji' could be taken as the first instance of journalism in Odisha. Some also believe that 'Kujibara Patrika' deserves that distinction. In 1769, Sadhu Sundar Das circulated a periodical called the Kujibara Patrika. This palm leaf periodical or irregular frequency included homilies on social and religious issues. It also included news items based on political, administrative and socio cultural matters.
The first Odia news paper to be published was the weekly Utkala Deepika by Gouri Shankar Ray on 4 August 1865. This is the first written odia newspaper. It was born at a time when Odisha was beleaguered with many problems. A devastating famine (na-anka-Durbhikha) was underway. That wiped out one third population of Odisha. Odia language and Odia literature was under attack. The society weighed down by superstitions. It was seeked a strong reformation. In this critical juncture the Utkala Deepika took birth. It played a very crucial role in sociopolitical life of Odisha. It limelighted the misery of common people to the notice of the concerned authority. Back to back Utkala Deepika highlighted the impact of famine and suggested remedies that could be taken. It worked for the development of Odia language and protection of Odia.
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