Samata Conclave 2025 Celebrates Democracy and Free Speech

The inaugural edition of the Samata Conclave, dedicated to the celebration of democracy and freedom of speech, concluded on March 10, 2025, at the Press Club of Odisha in Bhubaneswar. This two-day event gathered a diverse group of participants, including judges, politicians, journalists, writers, and artists, who engaged in comprehensive discussions on issues related to democracy, media, politics, literature, and art.

Key Discussions and Highlights

Organized by senior journalist Kedar Mishra, the conclave featured a series of panels and discussions that highlighted the critical role of free speech in a democratic society. Among the notable attendees was the President of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee, Bhakta Charan Das, alongside esteemed journalists such as Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, Rasheed Kidwai, and Rabi Das.

The event was inaugurated by Justice S Muralidhar, former Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court, who emphasized the importance of press freedom and the judiciary in upholding constitutional rights. He articulated the vital connection between a free press and a functioning democracy.

Press Freedom Under Threat

On the concluding day of the conclave, Paranjoy Guha Thakurta addressed the audience, stating, “We cannot have democracy without freedom of speech and expression. The current government has introduced several laws to curtail freedom of speech in information technology, digital data privacy, and more. Safeguarding the rights of the media is the need of the hour.”

This statement reflects growing concerns among media professionals regarding legislative measures perceived as restrictive to free expression. The conclave served as a platform for participants to voice their apprehensions and advocate for greater protection of journalistic freedoms.

Overall, the Samata Conclave 2025 not only celebrated the pillars of democracy but also called attention to the challenges facing free speech today. The conversations initiated during this event are expected to resonate within the political and social landscapes of India as advocates continue their efforts to uphold democratic values.