THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, MAY 1, 2026

The Odisha Chapter of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication Alumni Association (IIMCAA) on Friday hosted its alumni meet - CONNECTIONS 2026 - with great enthusiasm, bringing together members of the ever-expanding IIMC fraternity in the state to celebrate camaraderie, professional collaboration, and a shared commitment to society and the media profession.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the IIMCAA Award for Public Service to Ankita Sahoo, popularly known as the "Pad Woman of Odisha", in recognition of her nearly 13 years of dedicated work in the field of women's menstrual hygiene and awareness.

An alumna of the 2012-13 Odia Journalism batch of IIMC, Ankita has been at the forefront of efforts to break taboos surrounding menstruation and promote accessible menstrual hygiene practices across Odisha. Receiving the honour, she underscored the importance of involving men in conversations around menstrual health, stressing that meaningful social change can only be achieved when both men and women participate equally in awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives.

The gathering also felicitated two silver jubilee students, Manaswini Mishra and Biswajit Sahoo, for their enduring association with the institute and its alumni network.

Over the years, the IIMCAA Odisha Chapter has consistently worked towards strengthening bonds among alumni by fostering mentorship, collaboration, and collective growth. The meet provided an excellent platform to reconnect, share experiences, discuss emerging trends in media and communication, and explore ways through which alumni can contribute meaningfully to society.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Dr. Anand Pradhan, Regional Director of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal, said, "IIMC's strength lies in its people. The alumni meet is a reminder of how our graduates carry forward the institute's values into diverse fields while staying connected to their roots and to each other."

He also highlighted the introduction of new MA programmes, including MA in New Media Communications and MA in Strategic Communication, alongside the institute's flagship PG Diploma courses.

"We are also planning for an incubation centre, and it is open not only to students but also to alumni who are inclined towards new ideas and startups," he added.

IIMCAA President Sandeep Sethi reiterated the significance of such alumni meets in nurturing a community that continues to inspire, support, and uplift one another.

The event witnessed the presence of several distinguished personalities and prominent alumni, including Aditya Birla Management Corporation Private Ltd. Vice President (Corporate Communications & CSR) Dr. Bibhudatta Mahapatra, veteran journalist Kasturi Ray, Biraj Swain, award-winning journalist Sarada Lahangir, Vice Presidents Sangita Agarwal and Byomakesh Biswal, and Arunika Mohapatra, among others.

Odisha today stands as the second-largest hub of the IIMC alumni network in the country. Alumni from the state are making significant contributions across media, communication, governance, academia, and allied sectors, while remaining connected through a strong sense of fraternity and shared purpose.

The IIMC family in Odisha continues to grow, weaving together generations of communicators who carry forward the institute's rich legacy while nurturing each other's professional and personal journeys. The IIMCAA Odisha Chapter remains committed to building a vibrant alumni community, promoting professional excellence, and contributing meaningfully to the larger cause of media and communication in Odisha and beyond.