Members of MPC along with the faculty and students of FAC
and Jubilee Memorial College after the seminar at FAC conference hall on
Wednesday.
MOKOKCHUNG — The
Sociology department of Fazl Ali College (FAC), in collaboration with the
Mokokchung Press Club (MPC), hosted a thought-provoking seminar titled
"Media and Society" on Wednesday at the college’s conference hall.
Attended by students from FAC and Jubilee College, the event
highlighted the transformative power of media with Limalenden Longkumer,
president of MPC and Editor of Mokokchung Times, delivering a compelling
keynote address on "Media and its impact on community."
Longkumer began his address by emphasising the media's
pervasive influence, stating, “The way you think, the way you see the world,
your ideology—whether you realise it or not—has been shaped by what media has
shown you. And that is powerful.”
He delineated the distinct roles of global, national and
local media, noting that while global and national outlets expose audiences to
the wider world, state and local media serve as a mirror reflecting daily
realities.
In Nagaland, he argued, this mirror reveals stark truths:
unemployment, corruption, suppression of free speech, misuse of customary laws
and a troubling “culture of apology letters.”
“Local media brings these issues to light—issues ignored by
broader platforms,” he said, underscoring its unique role in rooting influence
within cultural contexts and community needs.
Beyond merely reflecting society, Longkumer highlighted the
media's capacity to drive change.
He cited tangible examples: when local media exposes
corruption in churches, it shatters taboos around critiquing leadership; when
it champions entrepreneurship, it redefines respectability beyond government
jobs; and when it warns against over-reliance on public sector employment, it
awakens youth to the need for innovation and a diversified economy.
“This didn’t happen by accident—it happened because someone
used the media effectively to raise awareness,” he asserted.
Longkumer challenged the audience to wield this power
responsibly.
“If you use the media to spark healthy discussions,
highlight critical issues and push for reform, you can shape a better society.
But if you perpetuate toxic trends or cover-ups, that’s what we’ll stay stuck
with,” he cautioned.
Addressing the Sociology students directly, he reframed them
not just as consumers but as potential creators of media narratives.
“By the truths you highlight and the ideas you champion, you
can either move society forward or hold it back,” he said, urging them to
leverage their understanding of power systems, culture and communication.
Concluding with a call to action, Longkumer posed
provocative questions for students to explore through media such as ‘Why does
Naga society cling to superstition? Why does corruption go unpunished while
integrity languishes? How can tribalism and parochialism be overcome? Does
religion hold social value if its teachings are ignored? Why do scientific
inquiry and critical thinking lag in Naga society?’
“Sociology offers insights into our problems and solutions.
If you investigate these questions and share your findings through the media,
this seminar will have been a success,” he said, leaving the audience with a
challenge to shape the narrative.
The seminar underscored the media's dual role as a mirror
and a catalyst, igniting discussions on its potential to transform Nagaland’s
social landscape.
