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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 9 (EMN): Capi Daily, a Tenyidie vernacular newspaper, celebrated its 25th anniversary at Mission Compound in Kohima on Wednesday. The celebration was organised under the aegis of Ura Academy, Tenyidie Keruvuo Krodo.
Mhalezolie Kire, editor of Capi Daily, while speaking on the occasion, informed that till now, Capi is the only Tenyidie vernacular daily being published in the state. Recalling the journey of Capi over the years, he recounted how Vikesel Neikha (publisher) and R Solhou (editor), jointly started the publication in 1988, from where the Angami vernacular paper was issued on weekly, biweekly and tri-weekly.
It was informed that after some time, Vilasielie Nakhro, became the editor before the vernacular newspaper closed down for some few months. However, Kire informed that from 1997 onwards, the edition began to be published on a daily basis "which is the reason why they were celebrating the silver jubilee anniversary of the paper."
Thejangulie Kire, Neitsu Khezhie and Kekhrievor Yhome chipped in to help in publishing the daily when Mhalezolie Kire took over as the editor, Medo-u Dzeyie as associate editor and Kevihelie Medom as assistant editor.
Kire recalled how they encountered challenging times shifting from the manual press to offset. It was during those tough times when Sebastian Zumvü (Northeast Herald publisher), Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and contractor Vibeilietuo Kets assisted in the paper's establishment.
The printing was operated through letter press until 2003 when they began to produce the paper through computer and offset.
Kire recalled how newspapers had been severely affected owing to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. However, the likes of Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, had assisted in publication of the daily, he said.
Kire informed that over 6,000 issues have been published spanning 25 years, which was "possible because of the constant support of the esteemed readers."
While celebrating the 25th anniversary of the vernacular daily, Kire assured to rededicate themselves to serving the public.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, lauded Mhalezolie Kire for shouldering the responsibility in continuing to publish the vernacular daily for many years.
Liezietsu said immense blessings have been endowed to the Angami community particularly in the form of common Tenyidie, which is one of the oldest, most beautiful and the best languages.
He further called for the need to help in promoting the language by supporting the publication of Capi.
Liezietsu said that whatever news and stories are being published in English newspapers, the same are getting published in the local vernacular daily Capi too.
Mentioning about Capi being the only existing vernacular daily published in Tenyidie in the state, he informed that barely 2500 copies of the are being only delivered daily which is the consequence of the lack of readership and support system behind the paper.
At the same time, he also lamented that it was a discomfiture to see Capi Daily establishment bearing the brunt of managing themselves alone without being bolstered up . He therefore, called upon all concerned to encourage the paper which is at its 25-year landmark.
Later, Liezietsu also officially released a book written by Mhalezolie Kire entitled "Thungu."
Extending greetings to the editor and staff of Capi on the occasion, Kohima Press Club president, Alice Yhoshü said the Tenyidie vernacular has been reflecting views and catering to the local sentiments on issues confronting the community and the state for the past two and a half decades.
She said the paper has sustained itself through the years, overcoming all kinds of constraints, be it financial, rogue elements, advertisement and newsprint.
"It is an accomplished feat to have reached thus far and a significant moment for the entire team of the newspaper," Yhoshü added.
Ruokuolhoulie Kire, convener of Kechükerhü Houdo, exhorted the gathering to promote Tenyidie by supporting the vernacular Capi, while he also read out the congratulatory letter of the former chief minister of Nagaland, Thenucho.
Songs were also presented by Southern Angami Cultural Society; Keneisedenuo and friends; CYE, CRC, Kohima village and Methaneilie Jutakhrie. Samples of Capi Daily issues published from 1997-2022 including profile and pictures of the editor and staff were also put on display on the occasion.