Bhubaneswar: Parents are the true representatives of God. They are the ones who bring us into this world. With their blessings, children can achieve great success. In fact, it is the parents who feel the greatest joy in their children’s achievements. Their sacrifices and support are immeasurable, and no amount of success can ever repay that debt. A father’s hard work and dedication are beyond calculation. Children who remain grateful to their fathers are more likely to succeed in life.

These sentiments were shared by Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, Chairman and Managing Director of Eastern Media Limited, while attending the fifth edition of the ‘My Father, My Hero’ program organised by Sambad Digital at Rail Auditorium, Bhubaneswar on July 12. Expressing concern over increasing cases of mistreatment of parents by children in today’s times, Patnaik said, “If the father is successful, the pressure on children is reduced. Those parents who receive respect and care from their children are truly blessed.”

He emphasised the importance of selfless service to parents without harboring any ego. Unfortunately, cases of abuse—both of parents by children and children by parents—are becoming headline news, which is a reflection of how neglected parents have become in our society. Therefore, he stressed the need to raise awareness on this issue.

Monica Nayyar Patnaik, Director of Eastern Media Limited, said, “Sambad has always connected people through such innovative initiatives. The most heartening aspect of this event is the enthusiastic participation of school and college students.” She urged that children should never forget their responsibilities toward their fathers.

Asit Mohanty, Editor of Aama Odisha Publication and 'Paurusha', said, “We often fail to recognise the importance of a father while he is alive; we only understand his value in his absence. A father is greater than the sky, and a mother is greater than the earth. We give importance to the earth, but not enough to the sky. The one who gives us life, provides us shelter, and protects us from fear—is none other than our father. Therefore, fathers should always be remembered and respected.”

Sambad Publisher and COO Kamalakanta Mahapatra, Sambad Digital Marketing Head Lingaraj Lenka were present at the event. On this occasion, Pramod Rath, Founder and Chairman of Dreams University, and Subas Bhura, Founder and Chairman of Utkal Builders Ltd., were honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Accepting the award on behalf of her father, Chinmayee Rath said, “My father established an educational institution in memory of his own father. Every child should hold such sentiments of gratitude in their heart.”

As part of the ceremony, Henny Fresh Director Chaudhury Debabrata Sahu and Operations Director S.B. Debadatta were also felicitated. Other dignitaries honoured included Santosh Kumar Das, Divisional Manager of Canara Bank; Milan Kumar, Director of 32 Gems; Lokanath Das, Associate Vice President of CARE Hospitals; Mihir Das, Proprietor of Sanjay Electronics; Jagadish Bhagat, Faculty of Vedic Group of Institutions; and Sumit Kaur, Business Head of Car Bazaar.

During the lucky draw, several participants received gifts, including:

  • 10 silver coins from Subrat Jewellers
  • 10 Bluetooth neckbands from Mobile 7
  • 6 sunglasses from Kuber Opticals
  • 4 gift hampers from PhysicsWallah
  • 2 smartphones from Digital House
  • An iron and a smart TV from Balaji Electronics

Akshita Mohanty was the lucky winner of the smart TV.

The programme began with an inter-school dance competition. Students performed dance routines on the theme ‘My Father, My Hero’. BJEM School won first prize, Jupiter came second, and Vivekananda English Medium School secured third place. They were awarded trophies and cash prizes. Vedic International School and TSG Gurukul took fourth and fifth places respectively.

Judges for the dance competition were renowned dancers Sonal Acharya, Rajalakshmi Behera, and Sagarika Mohanty. Yojanagandha Mohanty performed the song “Bapa Mo Bapa” (Father, My Father). The event concluded with a dance performance by students of the Sambad School Of Media And Culture (SOMAC).