A special seminar to commemorate World Press Freedom Day was held at the International Centre of Media Excellence, Gwalior On Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest, Keshav Pandey, noted social activist and senior journalist said that World Press Freedom Day is observed to increase awareness among the public about the importance of having a free press.  Pandey added that this day is a day to pay tribute to the principles of freedom of the press, evaluation of the freedom of the press, defense against the attack of external elements on the freedom of the press and to pay tribute to the journalists who died while serving the press.

He added that according to reports, the environment for the country's media has not been favorable in recent months. The number of attacks has increased by 63 per cent to 140 between May 2022 and March 2023, up from 86 in 2021-22.

In such a situation, there is a threat to the safety of journalists and the freedom of the press. Pandey further said that the news of harassment of journalists keep coming from all over the world.

Journalism is a risky profesion. Attack on journalists is not a new thing, be it Jamal Khaghoshi of Saudi Arabia or Gauri Lankesh of India or journalist Pandit of Bhind. From time to time, news of attacks on journalists or their murder comes to the fore. In such a situation, it is for everybody to make sure that the voice of journalists is not suppressed through harassment by different forces.

Pandey further said that the governments should do everything possible to protect the freedom and dignity of the press as well as to keep journalists safe.

The seminar was also attended by Deepak Tomar, Akshendra Kushwaha and Harish Pal among others.