There is no denying the fact that media play a significant role in national affairs and national development. It not only promotes national identity and harmony but also contributes in achieving economic progress and social development. As the media touches almost every aspect of public life, its responsibility is crucial for creating, shaping and reflecting public opinion. Considered as the heart of democracy and rule of law, the media also helps nations meet various formidable contemporary challenges. Nepal has witnessed a noteworthy growth in the media sector following the restoration of democracy in 1990. The Rising Nepal's sister publication, the Gorkhapatra daily, has been a national heritage in the country's media sector. The vernacular Nepali newspaper has entered the 120th year of its launching. As a state media, the publication has seen many ups and downs since its inception on May 6, 1901 (Baisakh 24, 1958 B.S.). Despite facing a myriad of challenges, the publication has continued to serve the nation and the people.

The Gorkhapatra is the country's first and foremost national vernacular newspaper. Recognising its immense and persistent contribution to the nation, the government had announced five years back to mark the Gorkhapatra's founding day as the National Journalism Day.  In his message of best wishes delivered on the occasion of the 5th National Journalism Day and the 120th anniversary of the Gorkhapatra, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli aptly said freedom of press and expression were the oxygen of social life. The Prime Minister also said that the role played by the media fraternity in the country's democracy movement was unforgettable. He further said that the government was with the journalists in protecting their professional interests and independence. He said, "We have unflinching commitment and respect for press freedom." He commended the journalists for carrying out their responsibilities in the difficult time of the nationwide lockdown aimed at containing COVID-19. Showing his genuine concern over the tendency of disseminating unfounded news contents through media, he called on journalists to remain alert for preventing such materials. 

Similarly, in his message given on the occasion, Minister for Finance and Communication and Information Technology Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada said that truth-based, impartial and credible journalism would alone enhance the dignity of journalism as a profession. Minister Dr. Khatiwada also hoped that the National Journalism Day would inspire all the journalists and the mass media to carry out their professional responsibilities in such a manner that could contribute to the task of nation building. Meanwhile, the Gorkhapatra Corporation's management has renewed its commitment to improving the quality of its publications and disseminating news and views as per demanded by its valued readers. The corporation has been effortful in making its publications easily available to readers across the country. As part of its plan, it has already started bringing out its publications from Biratnagar in the east and Kohalpur in the west. The corporation is striving to take all the readers into confidence by offering high quality publications and become financially self-sufficient. Since the Gorkhapatra and its sister publications belong to the nation and people, all the citizens should take its ownership.