The Unseen Battle – Struggles of Newspapers in Nagaland

Do you know how our everyday news reaches our doors before we wake up? How many hands and how much hard work are behind those 8- 12 pages we flip every day?

On May 18th 2024, 18 students from School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, who opted for the elective course on Agricultural Journalism (EXT 202), visited Nagaland Post and Eastern Mirror media houses in Dimapur, under the guidance of course in-charge, Prof. J. Longkumer, Dept. of Agricultural Extension Education. The objective was to know more about its functions, the daily preparations and behind the scene activities of the newspapers; and it really opened our eyes about their unseen sacrifices and struggles.

Every day hundreds of people coming with their press releases, thinking theirs is the most important, the pressure to select the right and urgent one for the readers, how they wish they could publish all but space constraints make it impossible. The heartburn when some mistakes are made, the irate callers shouting at them…. the list goes on.

The do or die moments when they must choose justice over any other personal bonds. They are compelled to have thick skins and unbiased hearts.

The continuous calls and waiting impatiently for confirmation/verification of news so that the readers do not consume wrong information.

The mechanical and technical problems, the road conditions which make the newspapers difficult to reach every nook and corner of the state, but they still try.

Today’s news is old news tomorrow. The pressure of completing the entire process from afternoon till early morning; checking and rechecking to provide the best content for the readers, is immense.

They are truly our unsung and unseen daily heroes.

Bringing truth to power, bringing little known news of our state, daily updating the public about the world, serving them every day.

Everyday the same pressure, the same struggle, yet they relentlessly keep on going.

Seems so difficult, why do they even choose this path, was the question that popped up in my mind.

When asked, we were told that their curious minds keep them operating, with grit and determination to provide the public with news that will inform, educate and even activate the public.

To be a journalist, a curious mind is essential. Degrees in journalism will get you only so far; but if you are curious, hungry for information and have a zest for chasing stories -that will get you far, we were told.

Every day is an opportunity to learn new things about our state, the region, the nation and the world.

Interacting with the Editor/Proprietor in both the media houses was indeed a wonderful learning experience. Their stories and experiences captivated our imagination and inspired us so much. 

My friends and I were shown around the offices and the main hub where the newspapers were printed and it left us awestruck. So much goes into the publication of the newspaper which we take for granted.

I have learned so much and I now appreciate our daily newspapers; and have so much respect for those working so hard to bring to us our daily news.

Majority of the people still wake up looking forward to the newspaper to read with their morning tea. If the newspapers do not reach their doorstep, a huge chunk of their morning routine is upset and leaves them frustrated and feeling like something very important is missing in their day.

There are also the mornings when the father calls his son or daughter because he could not understand some words written in the newspaper and the leisurely discussions that ensues brings the family closer.

The 8-12 pages that we read every day, makes our day complete as it updates us and brings us together.  The everyday Nagaland news and information summarised in a few pages, unites us thus creating a hope and generating a confident feeling for a brighter future for Nagaland.

Thank you for all your daily sacrifices.

By: Kikhruvino Nagi,

B.Sc. (Hons) Ag. 2nd Year,

SAS:NU, Medziphema Campus