Why is National Press Day celebrated on November 16?

New Delhi: National Press Day is celebrated on November 16 to commemorate the establishment of the Press Council of India which was formed in 1966. Press Day is the symbol of a free and responsible press in India as it also ensures that journalistic objectivity is not compromised due to “influence or threats of any extraneous factors.”

Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar extended his greetings to the media fraternity on the occasion of National Press Day.

Read who said what on National Press Day:

In a message at the webinar on #NationalPressDay by Press Council of India, reiterated that freedom of the press is the cornerstone of our Democracy, but at the same time stressed that it is a responsible freedom. pic.twitter.com/7iosPCl9Xj

— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) November 16, 2020

Greetings on #NationalPressDay. Our media fraternity is working tirelessly towards strengthening the foundations of our great nation. Modi govt is committed towards the freedom of Press and strongly oppose those who throttle it.
I applaud Media’s remarkable role during COVID-19.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 16, 2020

A free & a responsible press is the cornerstone of our great democracy. The freedom our press & media enjoy is a direct reflection of the freedom our citizens enjoy. This #NationalPressDay, we salute journalists with honesty, integrity & humility who fight for progressive ideals. pic.twitter.com/qUzmeu5ncy

— Congress (@INCIndia) November 16, 2020

Greetings to all members of media on #NationalPressDay.
A free and responsible press is most essential in a democracy.

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) November 16, 2020

Inspite of all the challenges the media faces they still strive to bring us the truth. Convey my respect to all the journalists who have the courage to look for the truth on the national media day. #NationalPressDay pic.twitter.com/5BEIqj9cdc

— Kanimozhi (கனிமொழி) (@KanimozhiDMK) November 16, 2020

#PresidentKovind‘s message on the occasion of #NationalPressDay pic.twitter.com/Uw9YTQdU6I

— PIB India (@PIB_India) November 16, 2020

What is the objective of this day? 

This day stands as a day symbolic of a responsible and free press in the country. Since the year 1997, the Council has commemorated the day in a significant way through seminars with relevant themes.

There are several Press/ Media Councils across the world but the Press Council of India is a unique entity in its duty to safeguard the independence of the press, where the press is that of a free type which realizes its own responsibilities as the fourth pillar of the country.

The Press Council keeps a check on the quality of reportage provided by the Indian press. It also ensures that journalistic objectivity is not compromised due to “influence or threats of any extraneous factors.”