FOOTPRINTS, 2008

15 November 2008, MU, Canchipur, Manipur

FOOTPRINTS, 2008 - An interaction with media stalwarts of Manipur was organized by the SIMC, Pune in association with the Mass Communication Department of Manipur University. The function was held on 15th November, 2008 at the Senate Hall of Manipur University from 10.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m and was graced by Prof. HNK Sarma, Pro-Vice Chancellor, M.U. as Chief Guest and Shri K. Madhumangol Singh, Former Editor of Prajatantra and ISTV news. The function was presided over by Prof. Ujjwal Kumar Chowdhury, Director, SIMC, Dean, SIU.

The function was started with a devotional song by students of Mass Communication Department of M.U. Keynote address signifying the purpose of holding Footprint, 08 to Manipur was delivered by Grace Laikhuram on behalf of SIMC Media trainees. .

The function was attended by large numbers of students of various schools and colleges and also of the M.U. besides a large number of working journalists and other interested persons.

The seminar was held on three themes:-

• Media in Manipur : Yesterday, Today an Tomorrow
• Citizen Journalism and
• Traditional Media an Culture of Manipur

Media Stalwarts Irengbam Arun, Editor-Ireibak and Bijoy Kakchingtabam, Associate Editor-Poknapham spoke on "Media in Manipur :Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow".

Both Irengbam Arun & Bijoy Kakchingtabam emphasized the importance of factual reporting by newspapers in the context of pressure exerted to the media by the state as well as the non-state actors in the present conflict situation in Manipur.

In the post lunch session Rupachandra Yumnam, News Editor ISTV, Phulindro Konsam, Convenor-Committee on Human Rights and Kh. Jibenkumar Singh, Co-ordinator- NECEER spoke on the theme of "Citizen Journalism" Rupachandra Yumnam compared the role of the Editor to that of a gate keeper signifying the delicate role of the press in determining news worthiness veracity and possible impacts of write ups before putting them to print. While Phulindro Konsam dwelt on importance of media in highlighting Human Rights violation cases, Jabankumar Singh spoke on the role of media on NGO an the important role played by E-mail in news connectivity.

Dr. Khomdon Lisam, Ex-Director, MACS, Dilip Mayengbam, Programme Executive, AIR and M.C. Thoiba, Critic of Culture, Telegraph spoke on the theme "Traditional Media and Culture of Manipur". Dr. Khomdon Lisam largely dwelt on the importance of media in the fight against HIV-AIDS. Dilip Mayengbam spoke at length about the near extinct Cultural forms of Manipur like Pena, Khongjom Parva etc and the measures being taken up by the AIR to preserve them.

M.C. Thoiba, while lamenting that these Ballard forms of Manipuri Culture like Pena, Khongjom Parva and Wari Leeba were heading towards extinction spoke of the need to preserve them. He also spoke about the importance of popular medium of Shumang Leela (Courtyard play) a traditional theatre form of Manipur and also of the yearly ritual of Lai-Haraoba ritual performed at every locality of the valley.

After the inaugural portion the event marked by keynote address, speeches by the Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour was over, the talks/presentations on the Seminar Sessions were moderated by Prof-Ujjwal Kumar Chowdhury, Director SIMC. At the end of such session there were very lively interactive panel discussions involving the speakers and the audience in healthy and lively debate expertly moderated upon by Prof. Ujjwal Kumar Chowdhury.

Many speakers observed that media like any other industry and should be financially sound enough to sustain itself and it should also be fully responsible to the society. The discussions were as varied as the backgrounds of the speakers.

Prof. HNK Sarma, Chief Guest spoke about their increasing importance of media with the advancement of technology, Guest of Honour K. Madhumangol said that "Meitei Chanu" the first Manipuri daily was published by Manipur Revolutionary leader Hijam Irabot in 1922. He also said that in the early period drums and horses were used for sending news and messages.

Prof. Ujjwal Kumar Chowdhury, Director, SIMC in his presidential address stated that today the media played a vital role and it became a part of the society. With the help of the media lots of changes could be brought about.

An exhibition of various works of NGOs like Spastic Society, Manipur Voluntary Health Association, Childline, New Age and Halfway Home was also organized within the framework of the pogramme. The exhibits highlighted various issues such as addiction, AIDS, disabilities etc.

Later Young Achiever’s Award was presented Th. Jogendrajit for his outstanding performance in the Manipur Media. Jogendrajit is currently pursuing M.A. degree in the Mass Communication Department of Manipur University.

Prizes were also distributed to the school children for the three best captions submitted during the caption writing competition held during school campaigns in the city.

The function was organized by SIMC, Pune in association with and active support and participation by the Mass Communication Department, Manipur University.

The function was closed with an vote of thanks by Miss Sonia Wahengbam, HOD Mass Communication, Manipur University.

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This information was provided by Ms. Grace Laikhuram . She can be contacted at grace(dot)laikhuram(at)gmail(dot)com
This was webcasted on November 16th 2008

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