Manipur University on Thursday launched the Media Archive and Research Centre (MARC), a dedicated facility aimed at preserving, documenting, and promoting the rich and diverse audiovisual culture of Manipur and the broader Northeast India region.
The centre was formally inaugurated at the Seminar Hall of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism. It is envisioned as a vital platform for audiovisual cultural expression and a repository of materials of historical and social significance, spanning traditional practices to contemporary narratives.
Prof. N. Lokendra Singh, Vice Chancellor of Manipur University, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Dr. Memcha Loitongbam, Dean of Social Sciences, attended as Guest of Honour, while Sunzu Bachaspati Mayum, Secretary of MSFDS, was the Special Guest. Dr. Nongmaithem Rohinkanta Singh, Head of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, presided over the function.
MARC is built on four core pillars — Identity, Form, Research, and Inclusion. The centre seeks to safeguard linguistic and social identities while highlighting technical and artistic achievements in media. It will actively acquire and preserve audiovisual works and related documentation, focusing on the multifaceted lived experiences of the people of the region.
Beyond mere storage, MARC aims to serve as a primary academic resource for interdisciplinary research in fields such as history, sociology, and anthropology. A major objective is to bridge historical gaps in representation by amplifying the voices of indigenous communities and underrepresented groups from Northeast India.
A key driving force behind the initiative is Dr. Johnson Rajkumar, Guest Faculty in the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, who has been appointed as the expert and certified archivist of MARC.
His specialized knowledge in film preservation and archival practices is expected to significantly shape the centre’s collection strategies, conservation standards, and research direction.
The establishment of MARC is being seen as a landmark step towards systematic documentation and academic engagement with the region’s vibrant media and cultural legacy.
Naorem Mohen is the Editor of Signpost News. Explore his views and opinion on X: @laimacha.