For countless Bengalis, the newspaper was akin to a family member — a constant in a world that has shifted dramatically over the years
Team Clarion
KOLKATA – A sombre mood has gripped the Bengali-speaking community across India as the news spread of the closure of the Bengali daily Prant Jyoti Dainik.Founded in 1961 in Silchar, Assam, this paper was more than a publication for its readers; it was a voice that connected generations, fostering local identity and championing community concerns. Its decision to end publication on 25 October 2024 has left readers and journalists alike reflecting on the irreplaceable role it played for over six decades.
Social media quickly became a repository of grief as news of Prant Jyoti Dainik’s closure spread. The paper was not merely a source of information; it was a cherished friend who witnessed and documented community milestones, political developments, and everyday life. “People don’t mourn the death of their loved ones as they’re mourning the closure of this newspaper,” shared one reader. For countless Bengalis, the newspaper was akin to a family member — a constant in a world that has shifted dramatically over the years.
From its inception, Prant Jyoti Dainik served as a cultural cornerstone, bridging generations with its unique focus on local issues and community stories often overlooked by larger, more urban-centric publications. It covered a wide range of topics, from the challenges of rural life to the intricacies of regional politics, and offered a platform where readers could see themselves and their concerns reflected. Even as digital media gained prominence, Prant Jyoti Dainik held a special place in the hearts of its readers, who turned to its pages for a deeper, more personal view of their world.
The closure of Prant Jyoti Dainik highlights the struggles that many regional publications face in an age dominated by digital and corporate media. According to Niloy Paul, a spokesperson for the newspaper, prolonged financial difficulties and an unsustainable business model ultimately forced their hand. “Due to financial challenges and failure in the publication business, we can no longer publish and sell Prant Jyoti Dainik,” Paul stated, capturing the heartbreak of a forced decision that affected countless lives and families.
Veteran journalist Pranabananda Das from Silchar described the harsh realities for smaller media outlets. He noted that the government’s advertising policies favour large media houses, while smaller, regional publications often struggle to secure the financial support needed to sustain operations. “In the Northeast, there are few opportunities for corporate advertising, so many media houses depend on government ads for revenue,” Das said. “But these advertisements are limited, especially for smaller outlets with fewer resources, which often don’t align with government perspectives.”
The newspaper’s closure leaves a void in Bengali culture, as well as in the daily routines of its readers, who eagerly awaited each edition to read stories that were relevant to their lives. “I’m saddened to see it go,” expressed a longtime reader on social media. “The paper chronicled our lives and was with us through good times and bad. It understood our culture, our language, and our spirit. There’s nothing else like it.”
For the journalists and staff who dedicated their lives to producing Prant Jyoti Dainik, the end of the paper is a personal tragedy. “Journalism is not an easy job,” reflected Didar Rahmani, a former reporter who began his career with the paper in Assam’s Hailakandi district. “When Prant Jyoti first started, we had to send news via fax machines. The thrill of seeing one’s story in print was unmatched.”
The newspaper’s shutdown means job losses for many, adding economic uncertainty to the grief already felt by former employees and their families. Prant Jyoti Dainik provided employment for journalists, printers, distributors, and support staff, who now find themselves wondering about their next steps in an increasingly unstable media environment. “Just imagine how many people would have been employed with this newspaper,” shared one former employee. “How many homes must have been disappointed.”
The paper’s closure, however, is emblematic of a broader issue that plagues local media across the country. With rising operational costs and dwindling revenue, small publications are finding it increasingly difficult to sustain themselves, even as they strive to deliver journalism that speaks directly to their communities.
The shutdown of Prant Jyoti Dainik is a stark reminder of the precarious state of local journalism, particularly in regional languages. As larger outlets dominate the digital space and advertising dollars flow to metropolitan hubs, local newspapers often lack the resources to adapt. This trend has prompted concerns over the long-term viability of regional journalism and the diversity of perspectives that such publications bring to the media landscape.
Experts have expressed concern that the decline of regional media could lead to a homogenous media landscape where only a few voices are heard, diminishing the richness of public discourse. “With each newspaper that closes, our voices become a little more homogenised,” said Rahmani. “We lose that local lens, the focus on issues that are closest to us. National newspapers simply don’t capture the nuances that a local paper can.”
Despite the challenges, some journalists remain hopeful that Bengali-language journalism will find a way to endure. The public’s reaction to Prant Jyoti’s closure is a powerful reminder of the importance of local news, even at a time when digital platforms are becoming dominant. In a tribute, a commentator expressed hope: “We’ve lost a part of ourselves today. Prant Jyoti was not just a newspaper; it was the voice of our people. It may be gone, but we won’t forget it. We’ll carry forward its spirit, and, hopefully, one day, we’ll see a resurgence of local journalism.”
The outpouring of grief seen across social media highlights the community’s resilience and belief in the enduring power of journalism. For now, the future remains uncertain for those involved in the paper’s production, but the memories and stories that Prant Jyoti documented over its 63-year history will live on. This paper may no longer grace the breakfast tables of its readers, but its legacy will continue to inspire those who believe in the importance of community-driven journalism.
In a final reflection, Dr SM Alfarid Hussain, Associate Professor of Mass Communication at Assam University, captured the gravity of the moment: “The end of a newspaper is a sad day for journalism and everyone connected to it. It also marks a loss for the public discussions that newspapers encouraged in our society.”