Why does our society still uphold superstitious beliefs? Why does our society fail to punish corruption and reward integrity? What must we do to overcome tribalism and village-ism? Does religion have any social value — and if yes, why does society not practice the teachings it professes? Why are scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and social awareness of important issues lacking in the larger Naga society?
These were the five questions posed to the students of Sociology during a seminar on Media and its Impact on Society held at Fazl Ali College (FAC) on April 9, 2025.
Organized by the Department of Sociology, FAC, in collaboration with the Mokokchung Press Club, the seminar sought to explore how media shapes social thinking, attitudes, and awareness.
Limalenden Longkumer, President of the Mokokchung Press Club and Editor of Mokokchung Times, delivered the keynote address, focusing on how media influences society at local, national, and global levels.
“When we talk about media, we must remember one thing: media shapes society,” Longkumer stated. He highlighted how a majority of what people know today — whether about global affairs or local issues — comes through media consumption.
Bringing the discussion closer to home, Longkumer spoke about the challenges of local media in Nagaland, its limited reach, financial constraints, and the struggle to remain independent. He encouraged the students to critically engage with both global and local media to develop informed perspectives.
The seminar concluded with an interactive session where students were challenged with five thought-provoking questions — urging them to reflect on deep-rooted societal issues, the role of media in addressing them, and their responsibilities as the future changemakers of society.