Arabinda Padhee’s heartfelt tribute to OTV’s intrepid Journalist Arindam Das wins hearts

Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and Principal Secretary in the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department, Arabinda K Padhee, turned nostalgic on Sunday after coming across an old photograph that brought back memories of late OTV journalist Arindam Das.

Padhee, one of the most respected IAS officers of Odisha, shared the throwback picture on social media, recalling moments from the past. Posting the image, Padhee wrote: “Just received this photograph, likely from around 2011/12 in Bhubaneswar. In the background (top right) is late Arindam Das – a bright journalist who left us far too soon.”

Just received this photograph, likely from around 2011/12 in Bhubaneswar. In the background (top right) is late Arindam Das- a bright journalist who left us far too soon. pic.twitter.com/YO3P0WqTB1

— Arabinda K Padhee (@arvindpadhee) September 7, 2025

His heartfelt post struck an emotional chord with netizens and has since gone viral, garnering hundreds of likes, reactions, and comments from followers and well-wishers alike.

For those unfamiliar, Arindam Das was one of OTV’s most fearless and intrepid journalists. He tragically lost his life on September 24, 2021, while covering a daring rescue operation involving an elephant in the Mahanadi River near Mundali in Cuttack.

Though years have passed since his untimely demise, Arindam’s memory continues to remain alive in the hearts of his colleagues, friends, and countless admirers across Odisha. Those who knew him fondly remember him as a lively, courageous, and warm personality, whose dedication to journalism set him apart. His legacy, marked by his courage and humanity, continues to inspire many.