By:
Deeksha Pandey, BMM
Student of SJMC Sem.-1st
School of Journalism & Mass Communication
Every year , May 3 , is observed as a ‘World Press Freedom Day’ or in other words ‘World Press day’ declared by the United Nations General Assembly. Media is the fourth pillar of democracy and it should have the freedom, it deserves. According to UNESCO, this day is to respect the commitment, hard work and dedication of every journalist who works day and night , risk their lives to provide the right information, to strengthen the democracy,to drive a change in society, and to be the voice of the public and this day also works as a reminder to the government to not pressurize media and provide them the freedom of expression which they deserve . This is the day when we appreciate the hardships faced by the journalists and every person related to the media including reporters , camerapersons , editors, photojournalists etc and also remember the journalists who gave their lives in the aim of truth. They risk their lives and brave every challenge and stormwith an ease.
World Press Day, 2021, is based on the theme ‘Information as a public good’ which underlines the importance of verified and reliable information. Every journalist aims to provide the right information in every household.In the year, 2020, when pandemic hit almost every country and the lockdown was imposed , journalists worked hard as frontline workers during the pandemic and are continuing to do so now in the midst of the second outbreak of Covid-19 which is horrifying in some countries like India. Whether a storm hits or the universe ends , nothing can ever stop a journalist to fulfill its duties.