IIMC Alumni Meet Honors 'Pad Woman' Ankita Sahoo

By: WE staff | Monday, 4 May 2026

• IIMCAA Bhubaneswar meet celebrates alumni engagement and impact
• Ankita Sahoo recognized for menstrual hygiene advocacy work
• Institutions mark foundation day and Labour Day with events

The Indian Institute of Mass Communication Alumni Association (IIMCAA) Odisha chapter held alumni meet in Bhubaneswar, bringing together members of IIMC Community to reinforce professional networks, as well as to reaffirm their shared commitment to creating social impact.

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the IIMCAA Award for Public Service to Ankita Sahoo, a ‘Pad Woman of Odisha’. Ankita, who graduated from the 2012–13 Odia journalism batch, encouraged adding men to the topic about menstrual health, as this would create greater awareness and empower young women to break through the societal barriers associated with menstrual health.

The programme also honoured the contributions made by IIMC alumni Manaswini Mishra and Biswajit Sahoo, who received appreciation for their accomplishments. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Regional Director IIMC Dhenkanal Anand Pradhan appreciated the strength of the alumni network of IIMC, which continues to make valuable contributions despite being associated with the institution. Pradhan also informed about the launch of new courses at MA level in new media and strategic communications and an incubation center open to students and alumni.

In another event, DAV Public School, Pokhariput celebrated its 35th Foundation Day through various activities, which included Vedic Yajna, cultural performances, and release of its school magazine ‘Prerana’.

Another educational institution in Odisha – Fakir Mohan University, Balasore observed International Labor Day 2026 by conducting seminars on labor rights, social justice, as well as activities conducted by students and tree plantation drives in the university premises.