Freedom of Press must be used in the interest of people, society and nation,” said Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Damodar Rout, while addressing a State-level celebration of the National Press Day here on Saturday.
Rout said that media as a watchdog in a democratic country should safeguard public interest and rights of the citizens. Besides, the new comers in the noble profession should always remember the ethics of journalism and responsibility towards society, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, educationist Prof Surya Narayan Mishra said every effort must be made to ensure that the news reaching to readers is accurate. Media should give priority to reflect joys as well as sorrows of the downtrodden people so that their issues can be addressed, he asserted.
Among others, I and PR Department Director Pramod Kumar Das, Deputy Director Niranjan Sethy and Utkal Journalists’ Union vice-president Bibhuti Bhusan Kar spoke. The topic of the function was ‘Role of media in serving public interest.’ The Minister inaugurated an exhibition showcasing various existing and ancient newspapers at the Jayadev Bhawan.