Media in Manipur sheds light on journalism's progress in State

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 21: Intellectual Forum of North East in association with All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) and Editors' Guild Manipur released volume I & II of the book "Media in Manipur" today.
Lok Sabha (Inner Manipur) MP Dr RK Ranjan, proprietor of The Sangai Express, Nishikant Singh Sapam, Editors' Guild Manipur president Khogendra Khomdram, IGNTU-RCM Director Dr NG Ngalengam, AMJWU president Bijoy Kakchingtabam and Manipur Hills Journalists' Union president Ramkung Panmei attended the book releasing function held at Rotary Multi Service Centre's Harakchand Agarwal Memorial Rotary Auditorium at Mantripukhri.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr RK Ranjan recalled the struggles the pioneers in the field of journalism had in Manipur and maintained that the books that shed light on the emergence of journalism and freedom of press in Manipur will provide valuable insight to students and research scholars in the field.
The present status of media and its development is a result of the hard work and dedication of the pioneers in the field, he said.
Proprietor of The Sangai Express, Nishikant Singh Sapam also recalled the early days and expressed happiness on the release of the  books. The books contain recounts of incidents that helped shape the present state of journalism/media in the State, he said.
"Due to our genuine love for the press and media, we worked hard and gave our best to develop the medium," he said adding his journey began with the Imphal Free Press and he later launched The Sangai Express, which is one of the largest circulated newspapers in Manipur.
Sharing his stories and struggles he had faced in shaping The Sangai Express, Nishikant said that the goal of the media is to seek the truth and shed light on the wrongs happening around. The reporters and all media personnel should be encouraged. Their voice should not be gagged, he said.
Editors' Guild Manipur president, Khogendra Khomdram shed light on the contents of the books. Research scholars and students, especially those who are pursuing Mass Communication and Journalism will find the books interesting and insightful. He also shared the early days of journalism in the State and recounted many instances and struggles Editors and reporters had faced.
He also wished to see more volumes covering all facets of the journey of the press in the State.