A CORRESPONDENT
SHILLONG: Along with the rest of the country, the 'National Press Day-2020' was also celebrated here on the theme 'Role of Media during the COVID-19 Pandemic and its Impact on Media'.
Addressing the gathering virtually from New Delhi, Minister in charge Directorate of Information and Public Relations, James Sangma said that an independent press is an integral element of democracy and it is a key stakeholder in every form of government by virtue of its duty to inform, communicate, educate and engage the public for the purpose of sustainable development and social unification. "That is why, we all know, it is the fourth pillar of democracy", added Sangma.
Congratulating and acknowledging the immense contribution made by the media in these difficult and uncertain times in providing accurate information to the public by risking their lives during this global pandemic, Sangma underscored the importance of the media in providing reliable and accurate information about COVID-19 pandemic.
Stating that the government has always believed that the media is its accountability partner to serve the people and the state for sustainable and responsible development, Sangma urged the media to adhere to the highest standards of journalistic integrity.
Later, the members of the media join the webinar organised by the Press Council of India, New Delhi on the mentioned theme organized from New Delhi.