As also in a few different regions in India, journalism in Odisha initially emerged through missionaries. According to the Government Gazette, the Christian missionaries arrived in Odisha on February 2, 1822. Set up in 1837, The Mission Press in Cuttack was printing out The New Testament. Hence it also started with the main Odia diaries ‘Gyanaruna’ (1849) and ‘Prabodha Chandrika’ (1856). By this time, there was a wide publication of general textbooks and non-religious texts in India due to Lord Macaulay’s Education Policy. All of these were limited to the city of Cuttack and focused on the aspect of the propagation of Christianity.
The primary Odia paper to be printed was the weekly ‘Utkal Dipika’ by Gouri Shankar Ray in 1866. Utkal Dipika owed its introduction to the world to the upsurge of patriotism during the late nineteenth century. Therefore, every year the 4th of August is celebrated as Odia Journalism Day. Utkal Deepika was conceived when Odisha was ambushed with numerous issues. Overwhelming starvation due to famine was in progress, which cleared out 33% of the populace Odisha. Odia language was enduring an onslaught. Odia literature required a solid fillip. The general public burdened by strange notions seriously required a change. A patriot development was easing back coming to fruition. It was in this basic point that Utkal Deepika took birth and it assumed a critical job in the sociopolitical life of Odisha. It carried the situation of ordinary citizens to the notification of the concerned power. It continually featured the effect of the starvation and recommended measures that ought to and could be taken. It strived for the advancement of Odia language and writing and security of Odia interests. It battled for the amalgamation of remote Odia-talking zones, which stayed dispersed under various common organizations by propelling an incredible crusade. It attempted to connect with individuals’ issues. It urged individuals to compose letters to the paper in regards to their issues. Utkal Deepika proceeded with distribution till 1936.
Gourishankar Ray remained its editor till he passed away in March 1917. Nilamani Vidyaratna served as the editor of this paper after Ray’s demise. Vidyaratna was related to Utkal Deepika till his passing in 1923. After his demise, the paper bit by bit lost steam lastly shut. In its 70 years of presence, Utkal Deepika gave a solid establishment to Odia news-casting.
After Independence, journalism and media houses gained more momentum. It additionally observed an attitudinal change. It turned into a venturing stone for some to enter legislative issues. Governmental issues and writing has had an extremely close connection with Odia reporting. But, Utkal Dipika laid the foundation of Odia journalism
