National Press Day in India Date in the current year: November 16, 2024

National Press Day was initiated by the Press Council of India (PCI), a statutory body responsible for governing the conduct of the print media and ensuring that the freedom of speech is maintained. The Press Council was established on July 4, 1966 by the Parliament and officially started working on November 16 of the same year. The anniversary of the latter event was proclaimed National Press Day.

National Press Day was created to raise public awareness of the role of a free, pluralistic and independent news media in the development of the democratic society. On the occasion of the holiday, the Press Councils organizes various seminars and other events and activities dedicated to the most important issues of modern journalism.

On November 16, the Prime Minister of India and other government officials congratulate all media persons on their professional holiday, commending their role in giving voice to the voiceless. National Press Day is the professional holiday of all reporters, editors, camerapersons, and other specialists working in the media.