TOI journalist in Odisha succumbs to Covid-19

BHUBANESWAR: Pritiman Mohapatra, a senior journalist with The Times of India, Bhubaneswar, lost his battle to Covid-19 and pased away at a private hospital in the state capital on Saturday.
Chief minister Naveen Patnaik, Union petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan and members from the journalist community were among those who mourned Pritiman’s untimely death.
An alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in Dhenkanal, Pritiman (48) was an affable and soft-spoken journalist. After completing journalism from IIMC in 1995-96, Pritiman worked as a reporter and on the desk with various vernacular and national media organisations in the state and outside for over 24 years. He had been with The Times of India here since 2012 and had rose to become an assistant news editor, ably discharging his responsibilities on the way.
Pritiman got infected by Covid on April 19 and was admitted to a private hospital on April 24. His condition deteriorated in the last few days and he was put on ventilator support.
“Despite the best efforts from the doctors, his condition did not improve. Doctors declared him dead on Saturday,” said a bereaved family member.
Pritiman was cremated following Covid safety protocols at Satyanagar crematorium on Saturday evening. His wife, minor daughter and mother too have been infected by Covid-19 and are in home isolation.
The chief minister condoled Pritiman’s death. “In the time of sorrow, the chief minister prayed for the peace of Pritiman’s departed soul and offered condolences to the grieving family,” Naveen’s office tweeted.
Dharmendra, senior BJP leader Baijayant Panda and Congress state president Niranjan Patnaik were among those who conveyed their prayers and condolences.
“Saddened to hear about young journalist Pritiman Mohapatra’s death. I offer my heartfelt condolences. May the god grant strength to his family during the dark times,” Dharmendra tweeted.
“Very saddened to learn of the untimely passing of #CoronaWarrior senior @TOIBhubaneswar journalist Pritiman Mohapatra. My thoughts & prayers are with the bereaved family,” Baijayant tweeted.