A tribute to Late Seram Mangi Singh: Birth Of Broadcast Journalism In Manipur

Thoudam Imomacha Singh *

A radio :: Pix - From a book 'Voice of the Voiceless' by Seram Neken

In connection with the forthcoming 2nd Death Anniversary of Late Seram Mangi Singh, the writer would like to dedicate his piece of eulogy to the memory of the eternal soul of his dear friend. The writer's humble attempt is with no pretensions.

Journalism and humanism are two sides of the same coin. The intrusion of journalism into Manipur was during the pre-war (World War-II) days. Jannaneta Hijam Irabot had keen interest in journalism. Rajkumar Shitaljit Singh was also one of the pioneer journalists in Manipur. He, even, opened his own Printing Press and published a Manipuri daily entitled 'Manipur Matam'.

He was also the Editor of 'Lalit Manipuri Patrika', a monthly Manipuri Journal published by the Chitrangada Press, Imphal. Rajkumar Shitaljit also acted as the reporter of two National Newspapers such as the 'Amrita Bazar Patrika' and the 'Statesman'. At that time, Manipur had no Newspaper Sales Agency, therefore Rajkumar Shitaljit had also to do the job of a Selling Agent of these two Newspapers: the 'Amrita Bazar Patrika' and the 'Statesman'.

Veteran journalist Keisam Kunjabihari Singh was the Editor of the erstwhile Manipuri daily 'Ngasi' and another seasoned journalist Gourahari Singh had edited the then 'Anouba Samaj'. Another experienced journalist Naorem Birendrakumar Singh was the Editor of 'Paojel'. RK Maipaksana was another veteran in journalism in Manipur.

He was the first Publicity Officer (PO) of Manipur government during early days of his journalistic activities in Manipur. Later on, he left the job, but his stock of knowledge in journalism and his interest in journalistic activities remained intact, till his last breath.

The younger generation of journalists in Manipur, today, must offer their gratitude and obeisance to these pioneers of journalism, who left no stone unturned for the promotion of journalistic aptitude, which is also a part and parcel of humanism. Even if the writer has scant knowledge of journalism, he does enjoy to express his view that journalism is an art of service catering to humanitarian causes.

Writers of books on journalism express their view on the line that successful journalists are not born, they are made. Most of the pre-requisites necessary in the making of a journalist are identically essential for the success of persons in other professions also.

The writer is earnest to mention some of the traits required for a journalist:
1) intelligence,
2) punctuality,
3) honesty,
4) reliability,
5) imagination,
6) courage,
7) perseverance,
8) adaptability,
9) endurance,
10) innovation,
11) cheerfulness.

Prior to World War-II, Newspapers were successful vehicles to scatter information of sorts to the newshungry public. British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) had started broadcasting news bulletins from November 1922, when Shri John Reith was at its helm. During those days the contents of news bulletins were solely provided by News Agencies.

Since Reith was a capable and knowledgeable administrator, he wanted both speed and accuracy for the bulletins that went on the air from BBC. However, he did not mind a bulletin to be delayed due to want of confirmation and authentication. Richard Dimbleby, a veteran BBC broadcaster took the initiative to write to the BBC News Editor, hinting that BBC should depute its own correspondents to the scene of event like other Newspaper establishments for better coverage of news items.

He said, "In this way, I believe that news could be presented in a gripping manner and at the same time remain authentic". Dimbleby had a clear vision that newspaper journalism and broadcast journalism are different cups of tea. These two are also professionally different. They require separate skill and training. He said: "Radio is not a Speaking Newspaper". He also added: "It requires training all its own. A good newspaper journalist may not be good in radio journalism".

The birth of broadcast journalism in Manipur:

Since the advent of All India Radio Imphal (AIR Imphal), broadcast journalism had appeared in the realm of journalistic activities in Manipur. In this respect, RK Maipaksana had taken a pivotal role. Therefore, RK Maipaksana deserves to be called the 'Father of broadcast journalism in Manipur'.

Besides being an astute broadcaster, RK Maipaksana used to write scripts on different themes of public interest during his time. His commentaries on different topics also went on the air. All India Radio Imphal, (AIR Imphal) had produced a good number of broadcast journalists.

In this respect, mention may be made of the Late Maibam Haricharan Singh, the Late Kh Bimala Devi, M Lalgopal Singh, A Kamson, the Late K Gourahari Sharma, the Late Seram Mangi Singh, BB Sharma and the writer himself. Maibam Haricharan Singh belonged to the Central Information Service, (now rechristened Indian Information Service, IIS).

Seram Mangi Singh, K Gourahari Sharma and BB Sharma belonged to the latter Service Cadre of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. The regional News Unit (RNU) of AIR Imphal was earlier headed by Maibam Haricharan Singh as News editor. He was capable and knowledgeable with a professional aptitude.

Regarding the work culture in the RNU of AIR Imphal, he (Maibam Haricharan Singh) had made ample contributions. After him, Seram Mangi Singh had taken the onus of the RNU of AIR Imphal. Seram Mangi Singh, besides his being the controlling officer of the Unit during his time, had innate qualities of broadcast journalism.

He had the proficiency and skill of his job. It is, indeed, a rare aspect of a professional. He took voluntary retirement from service well head of his time as he was keen to join the mainstream of Indian politics. After Seram Mangi Singh, BB Sharma has had long innings in the RNU of AIR Imphal as its controlling officer.

The Regional News Unit (RNU) of AIR Imphal is, in fact, the sanctum sanctorum of the "Media Establishment". It is also the soul searching unit of this professional Institution called All India Radio. AIR Imphal is always in a position to vehemently appeal to the public psyche through its innovative broadcast style.