Dainik Prantojyoti, Northeast India’s first Bengali daily newspaper, recently closed its doors after 63 years. Founded in 1961 in Silchar, Assam, the newspaper became a trusted source of local, state, national, and international news.
For decades, Dainik Prantojyoti was more than just a newspaper; it played a central role in the daily lives of the Bengali-speaking communities in North East region, sparking reasonable discussions and debates by connecting people through the power of journalism.
The sudden closure of Dainik Prantojyoti highlights a challenging shift in the media world, as more people turn to digital and electronic sources for news content. Facing difficulties in generating revenue and maintaining readership, the newspaper could no longer afford to stay open.
This decline reflects a broader trend affecting smaller print media outlets and newspapers, which often rely heavily on sarkari advertisements to stay financially stable.
Dainik Prantojyoti have long provided a platform for diverse viewpoints, which is essential for a healthy and constitutional democracy. Without such most valuable sources, communities lose an important space for public dialogue and critical reflection on current events.
The closing of Dainik Prantojyoti serves as a reminder of the value of independent journalism and the challenges it faces today. As the media landscape continues to change, it raises important questions about the future of print journalism and the role of diversity in shaping informed communities.