LUDHIANA: International Press Freedom Day was celebrated under the auspices of the India media Centre and the Punjab Union of journalists in the Hotel Le Baron here on Saturday.

The occasion was marked by the presence of Advocate General Punjab, HS Mattewal, Additional Advocate Generals Piyush Kant Jain, HS Sidhu and the PWD Minister Parminder Dhindsa.

Addressing the large number of Journalists gathered from all over the state Mattewal said that the Press is not only the fourth pillar of the society but is also essential for the success of democracy.

Terming the Right to Information act as one of the greatest achievements of the government which has ushered into a new era of transparency, Mattewal also held that there was nothing wrong if there were some queries for the advocates or the judges regarding their assets.

"The role of the press which is one of the most powerful institutions in the present scenario is very important for keeping a check on the working of the governments and also for the regulation of the society," he added.

Hailing the presence of the young journalists in large number on the occasion Parminder Dhindsa (PWD Minister) said that a large number of new journalists that are coming up is a good sign for the country as they will play a great role in ensuring the freedom of Press. He also assured the journalists that once the elections are over he would arrange a meeting of the journalists with the Chief Minister to address the problems of the journalists.

Paying tribute to the sacrifice of the journalists who became the victims of various atrocities, Resident Editor Dainik Bhaskar Rajeev Singh informed that in the year 2007 -08 itself over 187 journalists lost their lives in different incidents all over the country.

Following this a minutes silence was observed by all the gathered journalists for saying prayers for the departed journalists.

Amongst others who spoke on the occasion were Additional Advocate General Piyush Kant Jain and Hs Sidhu, Dr Harjinder Singh Lal President Punjab Union of Journalists, Ashok Singhi, All India Organizing Secretary, IMCA and Jaspal Singh Heera General Secretary, Punjab Union of Journalists.