Senior photojournalist Ashok Panda died in a road accident at Sakhigopal while on his way to cover the Rath Yatra in Puri on Friday. Panda (53), was the Chief Staff Photographer of Odia daily Samaya and also contributed photographs to several State level and national newspapers and websites.
The sudden news of his demise has shocked the media fraternity. Many from the industry including members of the Media Cares family have expressed their grief.
He had started his career as a photojournalist with Eastern Press Agency in 1984. He later joined Samaya in 1996. He had also contributed to The Asian Age, The Times of India, and several other publications.
Panda had received several awards including Best Photographer Award by www.orissadiary.com (2011) and Prerana (2011), Panchama Veda Best Photography Award (2010), Satabdira Kalakara Best Photographer Award (2010).
