India celebrates National Press Day on November 16 every year to recognise the important role of a free, responsible and independent press in a democratic society. The day also marks the foundation of the Press Council of India (PCI), which came into existence in 1966 as a statutory, autonomous body. The PCI was created to preserve the freedom of the press while also ensuring that journalists follow high professional standards. Even though the media landscape has changed greatly over the years, the Council’s message continues to remain relevant.
National Press Day is a reminder that journalism is more than a profession. It is a public service that requires fairness, accuracy and accountability. A strong press gives citizens reliable information, encourages healthy debate, and holds those in power answerable. At the same time, the day highlights the responsibilities that come with these freedoms. Journalists are expected to avoid sensationalism, verify facts, give space to diverse voices and report with sensitivity, especially while covering issues involving vulnerable communities.
Across the country, media organisations, journalism schools, government bodies and press clubs observe the day with panel discussions, seminars, workshops and award ceremonies. These events bring together reporters, editors, students and scholars to discuss the changing media environment, challenges before the press and solutions to improve credibility. Many institutions also use the day to honour journalists who have shown exceptional commitment to truth and public interest, sometimes at personal risk.
In recent years, conversations around National Press Day often focus on issues such as misinformation, the pressures faced by newsrooms, online abuse of journalists, the impact of digital platforms, and the need for media literacy among the public. These discussions help reinforce that a free press is not just the responsibility of journalists; it also depends on readers and viewers who support ethical reporting and demand transparency.
For journalists, the day is an opportunity to reflect on their own work—what they can do better, how they can serve their communities, and how they can uphold trust in an era where information spreads quickly but not always accurately. National Press Day therefore stands as both a celebration and a reminder: a celebration of India’s vibrant media and a reminder that press freedom must be protected, strengthened and used responsibly for the good of society.
