Bhubaneswar, October 10:The Odisha Information Service Association (OISA) organised its Annual Function 2026 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, on Saturday, bringing together Odisha Information Service (OIS) officers serving in subdivisions, districts, Regional Divisional Commissioner (RDC) headquarters, State Headquarters, and various ministries and departments of the Government of Odisha.

A seminar on“Public Relations in the Digital Age: Changing Responsibilities, Emerging Challenges and New Opportunities for Public Relations Officers”was organised as part of the event to deliberate on the evolving role of public relations in the digital era and the challenges and opportunities emerging from the transformation of the communication landscape.

Shri Sanjay Kumar Biswal, IAS, Director of the Information and Public Relations (I&PR) Department, Odisha, attended the programme as the Chief Guest. Shri Ashok Kumar Beuria, Additional Secretary, I&PR Department, was the Guest of Honour, while Prof. Anand Pradhan, Regional Director of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, delivered the keynote address as the Chief Speaker.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Biswal underscored the importance of the OISA in fostering professional growth, strengthening unity and promoting the collective development of OIS officers. He assured the Association of the Government’s necessary support for strengthening the cadre and enhancing the effectiveness of public service delivery.

Prof. Pradhan elaborated on the seminar theme, highlighting the growing influence of digital media and the need for timely, accurate and credible information dissemination. He emphasised effective media engagement, people-centric communication and the adoption of innovative strategies to meet the changing expectations of the public.

He also stressed that Public Relations Officers must continuously upgrade their professional skills, adapt to emerging technologies and develop effective mechanisms to counter misinformation and disinformation. Strengthening public trust through transparent, responsive and credible communication, he noted, remains central to effective engagement between the Government and the people.

The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. OISA President Smt. Sucheta Priyadarshini, General Secretary Shri Pathani Rout, Advisor Shri Santosh Kumar Das, Vice-President Shri Bibhuti Bhusan Nayak, Joint Secretary Shri Deepak Kumar Sahoo, other office-bearers and members of the Working Committee were present.

Retired OIS officers who had served the department in various capacities were felicitated in recognition of their valuable contributions to public service. They shared their professional experiences and insights, inspiring serving officers and highlighting the significance of dedication, commitment and institutional experience in strengthening the information and public relations machinery.

The Annual General Body Meeting, held after lunch, deliberated on cadre-related issues, professional development and measures to strengthen the Association. The General Body unanimously resolved to pursue cadre strengthening, timely promotional opportunities, capacity building and regular training for officers through sustained engagement with the Department. These measures aim to promote professional excellence, ensure career progression and improve the quality and effectiveness of public service delivery.

The Association also expressed its gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, for releasing the OISA souvenir“Loka Sampark”on October 9, 2026. The souvenir was released during an orientation programme for OIS officers on “Emerging Trends in Social Media”, organised by the Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Odisha, a day before the Annual Function.

The event also featured poetry recitation, mimicry and other cultural activities, providing officers with a platform to showcase their literary and creative talents. The performances added vibrancy to the celebration and strengthened camaraderie and fellowship among serving and retired OIS officers.

The Annual Function reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to professional development, cadre strengthening and responsive public communication in an increasingly digital and information-driven society.