On Tuesday evening, January 7, 2025, Monalisa Changkija, Founder Editor of Nagaland Page announced the closure of the beloved tabloid size newspaper in Nagaland.
Nagaland Page was the first and perhaps the only daily English newspaper in Nagaland founded by a female journalist. Started in May 1999, Nagaland Page has produced quality journalistic works, recording daily events and happenings in Nagaland.
Addressing a press conference, Changkija informed that the reasons for the closure of Nagaland Page were both financial and personal. “Nagaland Page was never on a strong financial footing right from the beginning but somehow we managed for over twenty-five years mostly on love and fresh air,” said Changkija.
She also expressed gratitude to everyone who has been an integral part of Nagaland Page’s journey.
“I don’t have the right words to convey my gratitude to so many people, who throughout the years, extended unstinting assistance, support and cooperation in every aspect of our production process, not least in training the new recruits in our initial years, news gathering, IT, in the machine room, etc., but please know that you have a special place in my heart always,” added Changkija.
Below is the full speech of Changkija:
“You may have noticed that we are well into the second week of January but Nagaland Page is yet to hit the stands. Perhaps you are wondering why or maybe not. I have invited you here today to inform you that after much consideration, I have decided to fold Nagaland Page. Our last issue was published on December 21, 2024. You may now wonder why I have taken some time to announce the closure of Nagaland Page. This is because I wanted the Christmas-New Year holidays to be over and I needed some time for myself before I went public.
I have been a journalist since April 1985, writing for several newspapers and magazines in and outside Nagaland. After fourteen years since I joined the media, I started my own daily newspapers Nagaland Page in May 1999. So after Nagaland Post, Nagaland Page was the second English daily in the State. We celebrated our 25th Anniversary on May 29, 2024.
You, as everyone else, will wonder why I have made this decision. The reasons are financial and personal ~ not necessarily in that order. Nagaland Page was never on a strong financial footing right from the beginning but somehow we managed for over twenty-five years mostly on love and fresh air. Now because of personal reasons, love and fresh air is clearly not enough.
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Facing reality is a tough call but a call that must be made. Mine is not the first paper to fold nor will it be the last. While it is not mandatory to publicly announce the folding of any newspaper, because I have been a journalist for almost forty years and in the public space, I felt the need to make this announcement. Besides, I wouldn’t like anyone to think that I have slunk off like a coward.
I would also like to state that although with the closure of my newspaper, I cease to be an Editor I will always be the Founder-Editor of Nagaland Page. Also, while I am not an Editor now, I remain a journalist and a member of the media fraternity of Nagaland. And, I will continue to write as long as I am able.
However inadequate the term is, I take this opportunity to say ‘Thank You’ to all each and every person who have been an integral part of our the Nagaland Page journey right from day one. I don’t have the right words to convey my gratitude to so many people, who throughout the years, extended unstinting assistance, support and cooperation in every aspect of our production process, not least in training the new recruits in our initial years, news gathering, IT, in the machine room, etc., but please know that you have a special place in my heart always.
I place on record that I cannot ever adequately thank my team, the Page Family, who stuck with me and borne with me through thick and thin from day one. I would like to say some names but I will refrain lest I inadvertently omit anyone but you know and everyone knows who you are. My Page Family has stuck to me and stood by me, especially through all the dark days of my professional and personal challenges. You will always remain a big part of my life ~ as much as all our readers, well-wishers, advertisers, distributors, hawkers and the public at large.
In the history of the media in Nagaland the closure of Nagaland Page is an end of an era but the media here will continue to grow from strength to strength and in newer manifestations. Each new day, each new year comes with numerous new beginnings and endings. This is the way of life generations have lived through and passed on the baton. There will never be another institution called Nagaland Page but I am very confident there will be newer and better institutions to take its place.
Thank you.”
