Naveen Patnaik, Dharmendra Pradhan Wish Journalists On National Press Day

Bhubaneswar: On the eve of the National Press day, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday greeted journalists, and urged everyone to take a pledge to make the fourth pillar of democracy free, fair and independent.

Patnaik also said that a vigilant and free press was the key to an informed society and vibrant democracy.

"Warm greetings to journalists and media persons on #NationalPressDay. A vigilant and free press is the key to an informed society and vibrant democracy. Let us pledge to make the fourth pillar free, fair and independent to speak the truth," he tweeted

Warm greetings to journalists and media persons on #NationalPressDay. A vigilant and free press is the key to an informed society and vibrant democracy. Let us pledge to make the fourth pillar free, fair and independent to speak the truth. pic.twitter.com/jnvmZSpg7m

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) November 16, 2020

Among others, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Odisha Congress chief Niranjan Patnaik also extended their wishes to scribes.

Pradhan said a free press is critical for strengthening democratic roots.

"..Let us continue to stand for free, fair and unbiased journalism to empower our citizens and also for a better society," the Union minister tweeted.

Greetings to the media fraternity on #NationalPressDay. A free press is the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy & critical in strengthening our democratic roots. Let us continue to stand for free, fair and unbiased journalism to empower our citizens and also for a better society. pic.twitter.com/yvbZPaDQkX

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) November 16, 2020

The Congress leader called upon all journalists to "hold high the torch of truth".

Taking to microblogging site, he said "Warm wishes to all my brothers & sisters of the media fraternity on #NationalPressDay. Hold high the torch of freedom and truth, because that is what shall steer the nation through these dark and difficult times."

Warm wishes to all my brothers & sisters of the media fraternity on #NationalPressDay. Hold high the torch of freedom and truth, because that is what shall steer the nation through these dark and difficult times. pic.twitter.com/KwCja9EAA7

— Niranjan Patnaik (@NPatnaikOdisha) November 16, 2020

National Press Day is observed on November 16 every year to commemorate the establishment of Press Council of India in 1966.

(With PTI Inputs)