Governor KT Parnaik emphasised the pivotal role of the press in the democratic system, calling it the “fourth pillar” and a vital contributor to the vision of developed India. In his message on National Press Day, which the governor noted serves to reaffirm the collective commitment to safeguarding the freedom of the press – a cornerstone of any healthy democracy – he highlighted that the media’s essential functions are to inform citizens, nurture public discourse, and uphold transparency and accountability among institutions and public figures.
The governor also noted the media’s powerful and proactive role across every sphere of life, with its influence reaching every corner of society.
Law and Legislative Minister Kento Jini underscored that a free press is “a responsibility, not a privilege,” asserting that the strength of Indian democracy is derived from an independent and ethical media. Jini urged journalists to maintain sincerity and truth, stressing that verification, investigation, and accuracy must remain the bedrock of reporting.
He called for “clean and fair journalism” as the guiding principle.
The assessment coming from these public figures is a reminder of the indispensable dual nature of the press as both a pillar of democracy and an entity with profound ethical responsibilities. The media’s fundamental anchors remain verification, investigation, accuracy, and responsibility.