Monalisa Changkija, the Founder Editor of Nagaland Page, announced the closure of the beloved tabloid-sized newspaper in Nagaland on Tuesday evening, January 7, 2025.
Nagaland Page was the first and possibly the only daily English newspaper in Nagaland to be established by a female journalist. Nagaland Page, which was established in May 1999, has consistently generated high-quality journalistic content that documents the daily events and developments in Nagaland.
Changkija stated at a press conference that the closure of Nagaland Page was due to both financial and personal reasons. Changkija stated, “Nagaland Page was never financially stable from the outset; however, we have managed to sustain ourselves for more than twenty-five years primarily through love and fresh air.”
Additionally, she conveyed her appreciation to all those who have played a crucial role in Nagaland Page’s journey.
Changkija continued, “I am unable to adequately express my appreciation to the numerous individuals who have provided unwavering support, assistance, and collaboration in every facet of our production process over the years, including the training of new recruits during our initial years, news gathering, IT, and the machine room. However, please be assured that you will always hold a special place in my heart.”
The complete speech of Changkija is provided below:
“You may have observed that Nagaland Page has not yet been released, despite the fact that we are now in the second week of January.” You may be wondering why, or you may not. I have extended an invitation to you to this location today to inform you that, following a thorough evaluation, I have made the decision to close the Nagaland Page. Our most recent issue was released on December 21, 2024. You may now be wondering why I have delayed in announcing the closure of the Nagaland Page. This is due to my desire to conclude the Christmas-New Year holidays and to have some personal time before I made a public appearance.
Since April 1985, I have been a journalist, contributing to numerous newspapers and magazines both within and outside of Nagaland. Following the age of fourteen
In May 1999, I established my own daily newspaper, Nagaland Page, after years of working in the media. Nagaland Page was the second English-language daily in the state, following Nagaland Post. On May 29, 2024, we commemorated our 25th anniversary.
You, like all others, will question the rationale behind my decision. The reasons are financial and personal, although they are not necessarily in that order.
Despite the fact that Nagaland Page was never financially stable from the outset, we were able to sustain ourselves for more than twenty-five years, primarily through the power of love and the invigorating influence of nature. Currently, it is evident that love and fresh air are insufficient due to personal reasons.
The Nagaland Tribune application can be downloaded from the Google Play store.
It is a difficult decision to confront reality, but it is one that must be made. My paper is not the first to fold, nor will it be the last. Although it is not mandatory to publicly announce the folding of a newspaper, I felt compelled to do so due to my nearly forty-year career as a journalist and my involvement in the public sphere. Furthermore, I would prefer that no one perceive me as a coward on account of my retreat.
I would also like to clarify that, despite the fact that I am no longer an editor as a result of the closure of my newspaper, I will always be the Founder-Editor of Nagaland Page. Also, although I am no longer an editor, I continue to be a journalist and a member of the media community in Nagaland. Additionally, I will persist in my writing endeavours for as long as I am capable.
I would like to express my gratitude to each and every individual who has been a crucial component of our Nagaland Page journey since its inception, regardless of how inadequate the term may be. I am unable to adequately express my appreciation to the numerous individuals who have provided unwavering support, assistance, and collaboration in every facet of our production process over the years, including the training of new recruits during our initial years, news gathering, IT, and the machine room. However, please be assured that you will always hold a special place in my heart.
I would like to make it clear that I am unable to express my gratitude to my team, the Page Family, for their unwavering support and encouragement from the very beginning. I would like to mention a few names, but I will refrain from doing so in order to avoid accidentally omitting anyone. Of course, you are aware of your identity, and it is well-known to all. My Page Family has remained steadfast and supportive, particularly during the difficult periods of my professional and personal life. You will always be a significant part of my life, as will all of our readers, well-wishers, advertisers, distributors, hawkers, and the general public.
The closure of Nagaland Page marks the end of an era in the history of the media in Nagaland. However, the media in the region will continue to flourish in new and innovative ways. Numerous new beginnings and endings occur with each new day and year. This is the lifestyle that generations have endured and passed down. There will never be another institution named Nagaland Page; however, I am certain that there will be newer and superior institutions to replace it.
I am grateful.
