Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, in true sense, is a multifaceted personality. As a media baron, politician and social activist, Soumya Ranjan Patnaik is a household name in Odisha. Apart from being the man who instituted the largest media house in the state, he has also championed various social causes such as promotion of Odia language and culture, spreading awareness and conducting massive blood donation drives.

He is widely regarded for his independent mindedness and path-breaking initiatives that opened up new era in the print media landscape in Odisha. He is the Chairman of the Sambad Group – a 360 degree media house catering to all sections of the media content consumers.

An alumnus of the prestigious Ravenshaw University, Banaras Hindu University and University of Oxford, with over a decade-long teaching tenure, Patnaik is a mesmerising orator. His contagious youthful charm and exuberance have also made him an inspiration for the youth.

In spite of his busy schedule, his keen interest in cricket and soccer draw him to various tournaments all over the world.

Tanaya Patnaik, who heads the print, radio, television and digital wings of Odisha’s no.1 media house, Sambad Group, is an alumnus of the prestigious Warwick Business School in England. She is extremely passionate about new media and has been pioneering the group’s foray into digital platforms. She identifies herself as a proud Odia and actively promotes Odia culture via Sambad Group’s various platforms.

Tanaya was instrumental in introducing ‘Street Store’ project concept in India for the first time in 2014.

She facilitated the ‘Sambad 100 Women Edit-a-thon’ aimed to create and edit biography articles of notable Odia women on Wikipedia in Odia and also orchestrated an exclusive open mic for women called ‘UNZIP’ to commemorate International Women’s Day which organizes innovative, women centric events.

Her very own monologue series ‘Pause with Tanaya Patnaik’ sheds light on various issues, personalities and places relatable to the current trends, along with Odia tradition and culture.

A fervent enthusiast within the realm of theatrical performances, she embarked on a creative endeavour by founding Choklate Productions. This venture bore fruit with the creation of a widely acclaimed play titled “Ahe Nilashaila.” Apart from Bhubaneswar, New Delhi and Bengaluru, the historical play was staged in Pilgrim Town Puri too during the inauguration of Jagannath Temple Heritage Corridor project.