DW BUREAU / shimla A state level programme and interactive session was organized by the Information and Public Relations Department here today on the occasion of National Press Day on the subject 'The role of Media in Nation Building'. Principal Secretary of Information and Public Relations Department Subhasish Panda presided over the event as the Chief Guest. Senior journalist and Editor of Hill Post Shimla Ravinder Makhaik and State Bureau Chief of Amar Ujala Suresh Shandilya were present in the programme as keynote speakers. On this occasion, while congratulating the media on National Press Day, Subhasish Panda urged the media to inculcate the spirit of nationalism among the citizens and to bring continuous positive changes for the betterment. He said that the role of the media in nation building is very important in the present scenario. Presently with the use of technology, there has been an increase in the facility and means of dissemination of information. But many new challenges have also emerged. He said that various mediums of media are playing an important role in empowering the nation. The positive issues raised by the media infuse new energy and enthusiasm in every person. He appreciated the efforts made by the media in communication of information and maintaining faith in the nation's capability among the citizens during the Covid-19. Ravinder Makhaik in his keynote address said that at present there has been an increase in the mediums of media. With the globalization of resources, a vibrant media continues to play an active role in building India into a modern nation state. India's policy of helping other nations in securing Made in India vaccines was highly acknowledged in the global media during the Covid-19. He said that the backing of a strong media narrative is necessary for the social, economic and political development of the modern nation state. The media's role in nation building during the country's freedom struggle has its own significance. Media holds the responsibility of presenting events in its original form. New global media platforms need to rise from India that tell India's story. As a messenger of information, the media manage global public opinion which is an important aspect for nation building. Suresh Shandilya on this occasion said that freedom fighters utilized the media to awaken people to attain freedom and the cause to make people aware is still carried by the media. He said that the media has an important place among the four pillars of democracy. The Press Council of India (PCI) was constituted with the aim to protect freedom of speech and maintain high standards of press. The discussions on the subjects provided by PCI are apt platforms for media persons for self-evaluation. (editor@dailyworld.in)