National Press Day 2025: Upholding the Freedom and Responsibility of the Press
National Press Day is celebrated across India every year on 16th November to mark the establishment of the Press Council of India. This day reminds us of the essential role that a free and responsible press plays in protecting democracy and promoting transparency. It also honours the journalists who work tirelessly to inform people and speak truth to power.
The Press Council of India was set up in 1966 under the Indian Press Council Act of 1965, following the recommendations of the first Press Commission. It was created with the goal of protecting the freedom of the press while maintaining high professional standards in journalism. Later, it was reconstituted under the Press Council Act of 1978 as a quasi-judicial and autonomous body. What makes it unique is that it can even question the government or any authority if press freedom is being threatened.
The Council consists of a Chairman and twenty-eight members. The Chairman is selected by a committee that includes the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and a representative elected by the members of the Council. Its key objectives are to preserve press freedom and to ensure that newspapers and news agencies maintain ethical and professional standards. The Council also studies matters related to media laws, public complaints, and journalistic ethics, and it can form special committees to investigate serious issues. It works to help journalists remain independent, to promote honesty and responsibility in reporting, and to ensure that the media continues to serve public interest.
National Press Day has its roots in the establishment of the Press Council on 16th November 1966. At that time, India was going through major political and social changes, and there was a growing need to maintain the credibility of the media. Since then, this day has become a symbol of the freedom and responsibility of the press. It reminds journalists of their duty to report truthfully, avoid bias, and respect public trust. Every year, the day is observed across the country through seminars, workshops, and discussions that highlight the importance of ethical journalism in strengthening democracy.
Each year, National Press Day is observed with a particular theme related to the issues faced by the media. While the official theme for 2025 will be announced later by the Press Council of India, it is expected to focus on topics such as digital safety, fact-checking, and responsible journalism in an age of misinformation. In 2024, the theme was “Media in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,” which explored how technology is changing journalism and raising new ethical challenges. The 2025 celebration will continue to emphasize the need for truth, integrity, and accountability in news reporting.
National Press Day encourages everyone, especially students and educators, to take part in meaningful activities such as writing short speeches or essays, creating posters, or discussing how media has evolved in the digital era. These activities help people understand how journalism supports democracy and why responsible reporting matters in shaping public opinion.
The first newspaper published in India was Hicky’s Bengal Gazette, started by James Augustus Hicky in 1780 in Calcutta. It was written in English and became known for its bold criticism of the British government. Though it faced many restrictions, it laid the foundation for the Indian press and inspired future generations to use journalism as a tool for truth and reform.
National Press Day 2025 reminds us that the press is not only a mirror of society but also its conscience. A free and fair press is the foundation of a healthy democracy because it keeps citizens informed and holds those in power accountable. However, with this freedom comes great responsibility. Journalists must ensure that their reporting is based on truth, fairness, and respect for others. In an era dominated by social media and rapid information sharing, responsible journalism is more important than ever.
As India celebrates National Press Day this year, it is a moment to appreciate the contributions of journalists and media professionals who work to protect democracy through their dedication to truth. It is also a time to remind ourselves that press freedom must be guarded carefully, for without it, no society can truly claim to be free. The celebration of National Press Day is therefore not just about honouring the press, but also about renewing our collective commitment to integrity, transparency, and justice in public life.
(The writer is Additional Director General, PIB, Bhubaneswar, Government of India.)
