New Delhi: Real democracy depends on participation of informed citizenry, the Press Council of India remarked on the eve of National Press Day, while dedicating this year's celebrations to the role of media in facilitating transparency in public affairs.
The Council, which observes November 16 every year as National Press Day, said that discussions on the subject 'Transparency in Public Affairs: The role of the Press' will be held at various levels in the Centre, States and UTs.
The Day symbolises free and responsible media in the country and is observed every year by holding seminars, symposia, workshops, debates and discussions on topics related to the Press, the PCI said in a statement issued here.
The Council said that as it is the only authority enjoying the statutory mandate to encourage the media to pursue its duties, it has instituted National Awards to honour journalists, photographers and freelancers excelling in print media.
The main celebrations in Delhi will be inaugurated by Justice M N Venkatachaliah, Former Chief Justice of India where Union Ministers Prakash Javadekar, Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and PCI Chairman Justice Markandey Katju would be present.
