Media and Northeast of India

Cultural Representation and Lack Thereof

There is a lack of cultural representation and awareness surrounding the region. The artistic accomplishments of Assam up until very recently weren’t really noticed. Assam recently achieved a world record for folk dance performances of Bihu and Jhumor with a record number of dancers. Awarding Mr. Bhupen Hazarika, the Bharat Ratna made an impact by bringing the history of Assamese music to the forefront. The recent news of UNESCO recognizing ‘Moidams’, the ancient burial grounds of the Ahom Kingdom, remains relatively unknown. The Hornbill Festival, celebrated during the first week of December each year in Nagaland, has recently gained recognition. Music festivals, such as the Ziro, Dambuk, and Cherry Blossom Festival, are up-and-coming concerts encouraging indigenous talents. Religious tourism in Assam has also picked up pace very recently. People all over the country have also started to visit the ‘Maa Kamakhya’ temple. 

Natural Disasters and NorthEast India

Notably the North East region of India is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods.  All of these issues have been receiving scant media attention each year. The ongoing conflict in Manipur received a bit of media attention till the time it did not. Controversies surrounding influencers have flooded the mainstream and social media as opposed to ongoing ethnic clashes in Manipur. Rather than exploring the root cause, historical context, and potential solution, the whole narrative gets reduced to a ‘conflict zone’. 

Exploring Northeast India’s Diverse Culinary Palette

In addition the culinary diversity in all the various states of North East India is also a reflection of the rich tapestry.  Each state offers quite different flavors of traditional recipes. Certain comforting foods from Assamese cuisine include ‘Aloo Pitika’. It is mashed potatoes with mustard oil and green chilies, herbs (lai), mustard greens, and fiddlehead fern (Dhekia). There is also Machor Tenga, a tangy fish curry. From Manipur, iromba is a dish that combines fermented fish with mashed vegetables. Nagaland’s famous axone (fermented soybeans) adds depth to the food as a preferred side dish. The Naari chutney (dried fish) and Sinzu (veggies and wai wai) are loved side dishes within the region. The use of fresh, local ingredients brings out a true celebration of indigenous flavors and techniques. 

Role of Regional Media

Unlike national media, which often overlooks or misrepresents the region, regional media provides a platform for authentic voices and narratives. It highlights local news, cultural events, political developments, and social issues that mainstream outlets often ignore. The regional media reporting on local stories is not enough for mainstream media to pick up as newsworthy. Subsequently there is an obvious disconnect between the existence of a disparity and what is being highlighted. The need for a more balanced and informed public discourse still exists. The discourse highlights the work on resolving complex social and political issues over sensationalizing controversies. Irom Sharmila from Manipur had little coverage for her struggle to highlight her home state. The global wins of Mary Kom, Lovelina Borgohain, and Mirabai Chanu contributed to highlighting NorthEast. 

Suggesting Reads to Understand Northeast’s Turbulent Past

North East Social Research Centre, Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development, and Nilima Studio are a few think tanks. They have been actively publishing various reading materials. They publish leaflets, visual reports, and coffee table books, offering qualitative and quantitative regional insights. Feminist publications like Zubaan have featured a lot of stories from the different states of the region. Authors like Sanjay Hazarika, Sanjib Baruah, Rita Choudhury, Arup Kumar Dutta, Mamoni Rasam Goswami, Hiren Gohain, and Janice Pariat have highlighted pressing issues. Books like ‘Strangers of the Mist’,‘The Chinatown Days’, and ‘Rendezvous with Rebels’ are good for understanding the region better.