TNI Bureau: The birth anniversary of the Press Council of India was observed as National Press Day in Odisha’s state capital Bhubaneswar today. The celebration was not only confined to Bhubaneswar, but also the functions are being organised in other districts to mark the day.

The event opened with the display of various existing and ancient newspapers and magazines, which have been playing a key role in society, at Jayadev Bhavan.

Chief Speaker Sri Prafulla Kumar Mohanty, Chief Guest Sri Surendranath Nayak, OUJ president Prasanna Mohanty and other veteran journalists Sanat Mishra and Pratap Mohapatra spoke valuable things expressing concern over the current condition of media, which has been an instrument of the politicians and corporate houses.

The veterans focused on the setting up of a Media council that would also include electronic media to replace the toothless Press Council, which has been seen as a powerless body in the country. Senior journalist Sanat Mishra also suggested to conduct press conferences at one venue where all the journalists and correspondents could be able to cover the news without any hassles and problems.

The dignitaries on the dais released a book that features selective articles at the event, which was organised by I&PR department and Odisha’s leading journalists’ associations.

The country has been observing the foundation day of the Press Council of India as National Press Day on November 16 since 1997.