Every year on November 16, the country observes National Press Day to commemorate the establishment of the Press Council of India. On this occasion, the Press Council of India organized an event on the theme “The Media’s Role in Nation Building” at the Scope Complex, New Delhi. Approximately 15 students, comprising both second and third years, witnessed the event, accompanied by Mr. Gagan Gera. The day's chief guest was Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Hon'ble Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Government of India. Escorted by the Guest of Honour, Dr. L. Murugan, Hon’ble Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy, Government of India. The event was also presided over by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, the Hon'ble Chairperson of the Press Council of India and Shri Swapan Dasgupta, one of the most eminent journalists.
The event was summoned at 4 p.m. with the arrival of the chief guest and the presentation of shawls with plants to the dignitaries by Justice Ranjana Prasad Desai, followed by the lighting of the lamp by Shri Anurag Singh Thakur. The Hon’ble Chairperson of the Press Council of India gave the speech, highlighting her journey from being a judge to being the Chairperson of PCI. She elaborated on the changing media trends since the early days of print media and the current digital age. Thereafter, Dr L. Murugan gave his speech on the significance of media in the nation’s development and its importance among the masses.
Later, Shri Swapan Dasgupta delivered the keynote lecture accentuating the spread of fake news and misinformation during the pandemic and the need to fact-check the news before circulating. Further, the release of Norms of Journalistic Conduct, Edition 2022 took place by all the dignitaries. Shri Anurag Singh Thakur gave the inaugural address, mentioning the government-initiated funds for journalistic welfare. He also raised concern over journalism's declining importance of investigation and research. He encouraged the young journalists and the students attending the event to pursue passionate and purposeful journalism. The event ended with a word of thanks by Shri Nungsanglemba Ao, Secretary, the Press Council of India.