tiol Press Day - an epitome of free and responsible press

UJJAINI SHARMA

The tiol Press Day, which will be celebrated on November 16, will commemorate the role of the fourth pillar of democracy that has been playing a big part in bringing changes in the society. This day is an emblematic proof that in our country, this fourth pillar represents itself as a symbol of a liberated and reliable medium of expression.

The Press Council of India, which acts as a moral entity, started functioning as a regulatory body by acting as a medium which is not fettered by any exterl factors. It does not work under any influence or threat whatsoever and is keeping up its high standards as expected from a powerful medium. The Press Council has marked its presence as a distinctive entity which exercises a substantial say-so, over the mechanisms of the state in course of its duty to safeguard the independence of the press.

Press or media in their individual are of work for long are playing a big part in bringing changes in thoughts by influencing people towards positive aspects. This positivity in thoughts make the people think in the right direction in regard to the things happening in the society they live in. In addition to changing people’s  mindset, this medium has even other big roles to perform as democracy’s fourth pillar.

The tiol Press Day, stresses on the importance of giving away honest and biased news that will act as a source of creating an atmosphere of informative and educative milieu in the country through which masses can be encouraged to be perilously conscious of the latest developments in the country.  The liability of press, as assumed by many, does not end in the lookout for elucidating people’s tribulations. Fortutely, in the eon of information technology, apart from the task of seeking solutions for change in societal and opinioted growth in the society, this pillar of democracy imbibes the ideals of fair and equal dispensation of news and views.

It may be recalled that, the first press commission in its recommendations for the establishment of a press council in 1956, concluded that the best way for maintaining professiol jourlistic ethics laid in bringing into existence a body with statutory authority, a platform where the sole duty of the people associated with the industry would be to arbitrate. With this aim, the time-honored statutory body of the Press Council of India, since its inception, has not deviated from its goal.

The tradition of commemorating tiol Press Day dates back to the year 1977 when for the very first time, semirs on relevant topics started being held as mark of veneration of the event. To this day, every year semirs and conventions are being religiously organized to encourage the media to pursue its duties following the dictum of freedom with responsibility. To perpetuate the high values of freedom of speech as enshrined in the Constitution of India, this day is still being observed with great admiration.                                                                                             

It may be mentioned that the Father of the tion, Mahatma Gandhi spoke on the fundamental notion of self regulation of the Press Council of India.  

Media positively has succeeded in nurturing the fundamental duties among the Indian people by preserving the composite heritage and tradition in its richness and by keeping up its policy of promoting democratic values of our country. Keeping up the core essence as a pillar of democracy, press or media since decades tried to safeguard the other pillars of our tiolistic values like social, constitutiol, economic and political freedom even in crucial circumstances of being threatened by both exterl and interl factors.   

It may thus be assumed that in keeping up the good work of stirring the sense of right and wrong, to uphold tranquility and concord among the masses that rises above barriers of caste, religion, and sectiol wellbeing, the tiol Press Day will once again bring with it a fresh air of brotherhood that binds individuals in every sphere of their lives. As a guide of democratic principles, the Press Council of India, which helps in forming the right opinion by portrayal of authenticated and verified news and views, has constantly proved its assertive presence among the world press councils.

Therefore ,with earnest anticipation, this year we look forward to celebrate the day of November 16 with utmost pride to cherish the true ideals of democratic principles that personify press or media as a true icon of right to expression for safeguarding  people’s right.