Press most important pillar of democracy: Kidwai

Chandigarh, Jan 5 (UNI) Haryana Governor A R Kidwai today termed the Press as the most important pillar of democracy and called upon it to mobilise public to shed communalism, casteism or regionalism and work for the prosperity of the country unitedly.

Dr Kidwai was speaking at a function organised by Haryana Patarkar Sangh for honouring 12 journalists for their outstanding contribution in various categories of journalism during the year 2006 at Raj Bhavan today.

The Governor said that Press acts as a bridge between the public and the Government. ''It publicizes the welfare programmes and policies of the Government and also brings to its notice the problems being faced by the public.'' ''The role of the press is very wide as it has played a very important role before and after independence in fostering the spirit of patriotism among the people,'' he addded.

Dr Kidwai said the Haryana Government was far ahead of other states in providing facilities to the press, so that they could perform their duties with ease.

On this occasion, the Governor also released a book 'Aur Leela Chali Gayi" written by Mr Purshotam Sharma on the social issues facing the society.

Union Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjeet Singh, while speaking on this occasion, said that Haryana was basically rural-dominated state but with the passage of time great transformation was taking place and it was becoming one of the developed states of the country.

UNI MA BK2036