The World Press Freedom Day was observed across Haridwar district on Thursday with the veteran journalists and the academicians calling for combined efforts by those wedded to the democratic values to preserve the dignity and integrity of journalism as a profession and also to fight for the freedom of the press in view of increasing onslaught on it. Notably, the United Nations General Assembly had proclaimed the World Press Freedom Day in December 1993 following the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference. Since then 3 May is being celebrated internationally every year as the World Press Freedom Day.
While congratulating all associated with the realm of journalism, a veteran journalist Raj Kanwar said that all committed to the democratic values are concerned over the rising attacks on the social media activists as well as the photo-journalists. “This must be stopped at any cost. Besides, the journalists must embody the lofty values the profession professes and expose what should be exposed and fight for what is to be preserved fearlessly. Objectivity- absolutely unbiased by personal predilection- being the hallmark of journalism, the journalists must be true to the soul of the profession,” he said.
Dr Sukhnandan Singh, a teacher of journalism, said that the day commemorates the people’s right to truth. “If the press is gagged or the press freedom is curtailed it robs the people at large of their right to truth. For it is through the media that they connect themselves to the happenings of the world. It is, however, sad that years after independence and foundation of the edifice of democracy in India, journalists/ editors are attacked, movies are censored, publications are fined. This is a day to pledge to fight tooth and nail for the freedom of the press and to say no to unethical journalism.”
The principal of Delhi Public School, Haridwar, K C Pandey said that the students of the schools and the colleges must be involved in the commemoration of the day.
“It would not just make them aware of the significance of the freedom of the press but it would make them warriors for the same,” he added.