impact of religious journals on the hmar tribe in manipur

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Mangalore University

Impact of

Religious Journals on the

Hmar Tribe in Manipur

By.

Robert L. Sungte

Department of

Mass Communication and Journalism


Mangalagangothri- 574 199

2005-2007


To my Aunt

(L) Mrs. Lalchawimawi

(1948-2006)


PREFACE TO THE e-EDITION

The main purpose of the electronic edition is to make the study findings

available free of cost to all those interested in the field of Hmar religious journals.

The e-edition also aims to generate more discussion on Hmar vernacular press. Many of the materials, except for the study findings, made available in this study maybe lacking due to time constraint and

lack of deeper insight. As a result the work is open to debate and suggestions from

readers for more information on the subject.

The present work is a reproduction of the copy submitted to Mangalore University by the author for obtaining his

Master degree in Mass Communication and Journalism. The work was accepted by the

Department of Mass Communication and Journalism on 21st April 2007.

No part of the material maybe printed in any book format or reproduced in any form without prior permission from the author.

Robert L. Sungte

October 1st, 2007

Bangalore

Mail Your Suggestions To:

[email protected]


DECLARATION I hereby declared that this dissertation/research entitled “A Study of the Impact of

Religious Journals on the Hmar Tribe in Manipur” was undertaken by me during

the year 2006-07 under the guidance of Dr. Waheeda Sultana, Reader, Department

of Mass Communication and Journalism, Mangalore University, Karnataka.

I further declared that this dissertation/research topic has not been previously

submitted or undertaken by others for any degree from this university or any other.

Sd/-

ROBERT L. SUNGTE

Certified that this research/study have been carried out under my guidance and

supervisor.

Place: Mangalagangothri

Date: 21.04.2007

Sd/- DR. WAHEEDA SULTANA

Reader

Department of Mass Communication& Journalism


Accepted in fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of

Master of Communication and Journalism.

Sd/-

Place: Mangalagangothri PROF. G.P. SHIVRAM

Date: 21.04.2007 (CHAIRMAN)

Board of Examiners


Acknowledgement

Asking somebody for their help is not a piece of cake for me and getting help is equally a

hard thing. But there are those who come forward with just a mention of a few words on

what needs to be done. To this category falls Alfred L.S. Hmar, Editor of Sawrtui Monthly

(Manipur). If it were not for his timely assistance the present study could never have

been completed.

Memories fade but the memory of enormous encouragement: both emotional and

financial support given to me by my aunt, (L) Mrs Lalchawimawi is as fresh as ever. It

was she who made it possible for me to go to places as far as Mangalore University and

thus rightly deserved credit for this work. And to my parents, Mr Laldarmawi and Mrs

Lalthienghlim Sungte, I confer a countless ‘thank you’ for being there always. I also owe

special thanks to my wife Lilyparmawi for the emotional support and many more.

I thank Pu Lura and all the respondents for assisting me with the collection of survey

questionnaire. Special thanks to my former roommate Shain Kumar, Department of

Statistics, Mangalore University for the tips on how to use the statistical software.

My gratitude also goes to all the leaders of various churches and editors of various Hmar

journals who provided me words of encouragement and above all, for their help in

compilation of a brief historical facts on some of the journals under this study.

I also wish to acknowledge the pleasure of being with and within the academic

atmosphere created by Dr. G.P Shivram, Chairman, Department of MCJ, Mangalore

University, and his colleagues Prof. K.V. Nagaraj, Dr. D.S Poornananda and Mr. M.P

Umeshchandra. The academic atmosphere during 2005-07 has enabled me to re-

define myself much more.

It would not have been right for me to mention in the beginning the person who was

always around up to the last word of this study, with lots of advice and patience. I would

like to close by acknowledging the fruitful guidance of Dr. Waheeda Sultana, Reader

in MCJ, who was instrumental in initiating and refinement of the study.


Contents

Chapter 1Chapter 1Chapter 1Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION : 7- 23

Chapter 2Chapter 2Chapter 2Chapter 2 REASERACH DESIGN : 24- 32

Chapter 3Chapter 3Chapter 3Chapter 3 DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION : 33- 99

Chapter 4Chapter 4Chapter 4Chapter 4 CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS : 100- 106

REFERENCE : 107

AnnexureAnnexureAnnexureAnnexure QUESTIONAIRE : 108- 113


T

CHAPTER- I

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

he process of communication is as old as the existence of man. In every

society there are certain modes and means of transmitting knowledge and

information. It may be in the form of mere verbal intrapersonal means to a more

composite medium as we now called the ‘Press’. Modern society has adopted the

'Press' as a means to communicate not only ideas but also feelings. The press as we

know of today has evolved over the years and is now associated with newspapers,

magazines, journals, etc. In other words all types of publication are now referred to

as the Press.

1.1 The Press in Manipur: An outline

Vernacular Journalism was the name employed by the British for newspapers

published in the native Indian languages. The number of journals in the Indian

languages began to grow in the early part of the nineteenth century all over the

country. Manipur was no exception. It became the first state of Northeast India to

have a daily newspaper with the publication of Dainik Manipur Patrika in 1932.

This newspaper was brought out by Gokulchandra and was known for its anti-

British sentiments. As a result of its political stand it had to be closed down after 5

years of publication.

Prior to Dainik Manipur Patrika was Meitei Chanu, a journal brought out by social

reformist, Hijam Irabot Singh in 1926. This journal is regarded to be the first

published journal in Manipur. However, after 5-6 issues it stopped publication due

to financial constraint. Other papers like Manipur Matam (1937) edited by

Rajkumar Shitaljit Singh, Manipur Paojel (1939), etc., followed suit. They were put

under strict observation by the colonial administration and before they could make

their presence felt many were closed down.


As the joyous bells of Independent India rang across the country, Manipur press

witnessed renewed zeal. Numerous newspapers and journals came up in celebration

of their new found freedom. However, most of them did not last even for a month.

Awareness about the power of the press among the people was abysmal which

resulted in low readership. This was coupled with the lack of infrastructure and

professionally trained journalists. The newspapers from pre-independent period to

1972 (when Manipur attain statehood) would be best classified as ‘come and go

press’.

The movement for statehood evoked passion and this passion was taken as an

important ingredient by the press to make people read more. By the time (1972)

when Manipur was granted a status of a full fledged state there were already six

regular newspapers. And this interest in journalism was given a boost when political

parties began to take keen interest in the medium. K. Sanatomba in his book,

Journalism in Manipur observed that of the newspapers now in circulation in

Manipur, “at least 50% are mouthpiece of political group”. As the growth continued

Manipur registered 27 dailies and 13 weekly papers circulating in all corners of the

state by 1982.

The history of the press in Manipur is not just a history of the Meitei lon (Manipuri

language) alone. The 29 tribes which inhabit the hill districts had their own share of

contribution. One of the first well known newspapers in the hills was Shan (1991), a

Hmar daily newspaper edited by H.A Lalrohlu until his ‘brutal death’ in 1999.

There are many others which followed thereafter, but most of these are not

registered at the Registrar Newspaper of India. Tracing them has become a

Herculean task.

The mid- 90s’ saw the emergence of new and improved press with the publication

of an English paper, Imphal Free Press (1996), in the Offset printing system. Others

lost no time in following the trend. Prior to this most of the newspapers, both in

vernacular and English were only 2 pages printed in poor quality demi-sized paper.


Today, there is intense competition and pressure among newspapers not only within

themselves but from militants and politicians. Journalists are sandwich between

militants who want their side of the story to be published “as it is” and the

government which wanted them to “comply with the law.” Despite all these the

press is growing and this is proved by the growing number of dailies and magazine

both in the hill and valley districts. All the tribes have at least one or more

newspapers or magazine to feed information to their respective group. As a result,

Manipur now has over 55 newspapers, most of which are small in nature yet

meeting the need of their target group. Religious and cultural journals constitute a

major chunk of the press in Manipur.

1.2 Some of the popular newspapers in Manipur:

English Dailies: The Imphal Free Press, Sangai Express, Manipur Mail, Manipur

News, The Freedom Manipur etc.

Manipuri Dailies (Meitei): Khollao, Ngaisi, Matam, Janata, Poknapham, Paojel,

Matam Yaoel, Prajatrantra, etc.

Tribal Dialects/ Language dailies: Lamka Post (Paite), Hmasawna Thar (Hmar),

Aja (Tangkhul Naga), Thuthang (Kuki), etc.

Journals/ Magazines: Ritu, Wakhal, Sawrtui, Chollha, Lenlai, Athouba, Kanglei

Khol, Matamngi Echel, Langtai, Sanathong, Kristien, Thuhriltu, Hettohsah,

Thiemjil Meivah, etc.,.

1.3 The Hmar tribe: A Profile

The Hmars belong to the vastly spread Chin-Kuki-Mizo group of people populating

three geographically linked contiguous countries viz., India, Burma (Myanmar) and

Bangladesh. Thought geographically dwelling in the same surroundings they are

politically divided by state boundaries of present day Mizoram, Manipur, Assam,

Tripura and Meghalaya. Linguistically, Hmar dialect also called Hmar, is classified

under the Tibeto-Burman of the Sino-Tibetan family of languages. Under the

provision of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, the Hmar tribesmen are

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recognised as “Scheduled Tribe”. Their main occupation is cultivation of rice and

various crops under shifting cultivation in the hilly terrain of South West Manipur

and adjoining areas in Mizoram.

The social life of the Hmars is marked by a closely knitted community

belongingness which put emphasis on community responsibility to help the needy.

A sense of co-operation is expected from members to meet these social obligations

and responsibilities. In their pre-Christian era the Hmars practised animism. But

after their first formal contact with rest of the world in 1910; when a Welsh

Christian missionary, Watkin R. Roberts, brought Christianity to the Hmar

heartland at Senvon village (also the largest village in Manipur), all spheres of their

lives changed forever.

Describing the impact of Christianity on the Hmar tribesmen, President of Bibles

for the World, the Reverend Rochunga Pudaite in his book, The Education of The

Hmar People, writes that the new religion transformed their lives from “fierce head-

hunters to heart hunters”. Reverend Pudaite’s assertion is, however, not accepted by

noted Hmar litterateur Pu L. Keivom who held that the Hmars were no doubt head-

hunters but not to the extent of what Rev. Pudaite depicts them. The debate

continues even today.

The extent of the impact maybe academically debatable but a simple assertion one

can make is that Christianity did have an impact on all spheres of the Hmar way of

life— from birth to death — and became a pivot for which the Hmar society

revolves around. As Christianity began to spread its wings over the Hmar heartland,

education came along with it, with missionaries opening schools for the people.

Education was then meant to “serve the Lord and not to get government jobs”. The

missionaries believed that by educating a few tribesmen they would be able to make

use of their service in the propagation of Christianity among their own people.

The schools that came up in the Hmar areas used Duhlian (Lushai) dialect and its

script called Lushai. The Lushai dialect was Latinised by James Herbert Lorraine, a

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Welsh missionary stationed at Aizawl (then Lushai Hills), in 1894. But the desire

for using Hmar dialect in the schools arose.

The ‘Father of Hmar Literature’, Dr. Thanglung, in 1921 had prepared Chanchintha

Johan (The Gospel of John) — the first printed book in Hmar. Dr. Thanglung who

happens to be the first matriculate among the Hmars, as a high school teacher, also

prepared the first curriculum book in 1928— Inchuk Phutbu— which was published

in 1945 as Buhmasa by the Hmar Literature Society. Since 1946, along with this

book, a few newly prepared books were being used in the schools under Hmar

areas.

Hmar dialect has grown and today it has been recognised as a language in three

states of India viz., Manipur, Mizoram and Assam. It is taught as a Modern Indian

Language (MIL) at the school and university level.

1.4: Hmars and their press

The Hmars had their own share or at least some experiments with the press.

Christianity had become the driving force for every aspect of their lives and even in

the publication field the story was the same. Pamphlets and journals became a

common forum for propagating and strengthening the church and its activities. As

Churachandpur District of Manipur and adjoining areas served as a meeting point

for the tribe it simultaneously became the centre of information as well. This

resulted in the press, in this part of Manipur, to serve as a linkage to their brethren

living in other states.

The first recorded Hmar newspaper, the Hmasawnna, began its publication in 1941.

Prior to this there were some religious publications. Most of them were pamphlets

brought out by the Christian missionaries. From then on, there were numerable

efforts on the part of the community leaders and entrepreneurs to bring out journals

of various kinds.

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The newspapers were crude and by standard had many drawbacks to be called

newspapers. They were not regular and the people involved had no basic training in

the art of journalism. But then this was the time of “information revolution”. Much

could not be expected from a tribal press even when newspapers in big cities like

Calcutta were not so refined and well equipped by then. The remarkable feature of

the Hmar newspapers during the initial stage was that it was typed written-

cyclostyled and some were published within the villages.

The 1990s saw the emergence of a new breed of Hmar journalism. This new interest

in journalism was ushered by Pu H. A. Lalrohlu, who brought out a tabloid-size

daily newspaper called Shan in 1991. A Diploma holder in Journalism, Pu Lalrohlu

turned Shan into a household name not only among the Hmars readers but among

other tribes that inhabits in Churachandpur district. However, the glorious years of

Shan came to an abrupt end with the “brutal killing” of Pu Lalrohlu in 1999 by one

faction of Hmar militants. Shan continued publication for some time but was finally

closed down.

Despite this event, interest in publication continued and many journals some

monthlies, weeklies and dailies were brought out. However, financial constrain

remains the biggest check on them. One after another they were forced to put off

their publications. It is important to note that these papers receive no governmental

support. It was by sheer interest and the spirit of service to the community that they

were published. This can be proved by the names of some journals which are mostly

canonised to the place of Hmar origin or their cultural history. Some of the

magazine and newspapers like Sinlung Weekly, Shan, Rounglevaisuo, Sawrtui, etc

are terms which are all closely associated with Hmar history and culture.

The Hmasawna Thar is the only running daily newspaper in Hmar dialect now in

Manipur. From 2, October 1984 to 1, January 2007 Hmasawna Thar was brought

out in a legal-sized format with the help of a “crude typewriter and a cyclostyle”. Its

editor Pu Lalmalsawm Sellate candidly remarked and admitted: Though Hmasawna

Thar is brought out in the crudest format and sometimes my readers cannot make

out the typeface, it continues to serve readers. Pu Sellate having seen his reader’s

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plight and the need to keep up with technology now published his newspaper in an

offset press starting from 1st January 2007.

Even though the offset press was introduced in the late 90s’ in the district it

remained out of reach for the small tribal press. This clearly shows the difficult

situation in which the Hmar press worked, with no signs of government assistance

even to this day.

Another important general news magazine, Sawrtui Monthly was started in 2003. It

became the only monthly magazine of the Hmars to complete six years of

continuous publication. Sawrtui Monthly has become a household name among the

Hmars scattered all over the country. Started by Tv. Alfred L.S. Hmar, when he was

still a college student, Sawrtui Monthly has been hailed as a distinct magazine. After

completing his Master Degree (Political Science) from Manipur University in 2006

Tv. Hmar is examining various option of bringing more surprises in the field of

Hmar journalism. Recently, several general interest monthlies like Manmasi Digest

(2006), Hmathlir (2006), etc, were also brought out to augment the Hmar press.

The Hmars are the most literate among the tribal groups in Manipur at 79.8% (2001

Census). Literacy rate between male and female stood at 84.3% and 75.2%

respectively. Their spectacular growth in the field of education within a short span

of 97 years is indeed an achievement the tribe can boast about. The increase in

reading habits and thirst for information is therefore natural. But with a population

of just 42,933 (Manipur only, 2001 Census) the financial viability of bringing out

and running a full fledged press is not an easy task for those in the field.

Passion and language issue may have served as a motivating factor for many people

to bring out community journals and magazines in the like of Inchuklai Nun (1952,

started again in 2006 after on-off publication), Sikhawvar (1952, the first Hmar

Magazine now not in print), Hringnun (2005) etc., but they could not survive for

long.

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The overall scenario of the newspapers and magazines of the Hmars is that they are

by nature socio-cultural and religious. The newspapers and magazines that focused

on current affairs and events did not survive for long. Some of these include

Sinlung, Churachandpur Times, Ruonglevaisuo, Famfar, Hringnun, etc. However,

their religious counterparts continued to fill the gap by bringing out journals at

regular intervals with religious touch to every aspect of the Hmar way of life.

1.5: Religious Journals of the Hmars

Numerous books and journals have been published since the publication of the first

printed book in Hmar –Independent Kohran Hlabu- a hymnal published in 1923. As

mentioned earlier, the religious journal served to fill the gap where general

newspapers and magazines failed to do. This was possible because of the financial

support the church had from various mission like the North East India General

Mission (NEIGM) and Indo-Burma Pioneer Mission (IBPM), and later by the

respective churches. In the 1960s’ and 70s’ Tlangchar Tuihnar was brought out by

the Independent Church under the support of these missions.

Things began to take a different turn with division in the Hmar church in 1929.

Differences propped up among the church leaders over the functioning of their

ministry and this resulted in the division of the Hmars even to this day.

The 1929 church-split brewed in ground for more drastic and dramatic split in 1968

when two factions in the Independent Church of India (ICI) fought a bitter court

battle which finally resulted in the formation of the Evangelical Free Church of

India (EFCI). This event, later, served as a beginner lesson for others both within

the ICI and EFCI to break away from their respective parent churches to form

numerous church denominations.

The division in the church brings forth lots of social mistrust, but it became a

blessing in disguise as far as publication of journals was concerned. Every

denomination that had cropped up in the later years brought out their own monthly

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journals to strengthen their base membership. As a result, as many as six journals

are in circulation at present with subscription price as low as Rs. 4/- per copy.

Tracing the history of these journals can be a separate field of study altogether as

many events have unfolded for almost a century.

Some of the religious journals published today by various churches in Manipur–

which are covered under this study– are Kristien, Khawnvar, Kohran, Thuhriltu,

Dinthar and Thalai Kantu.

Kristien

(Pic. 1, Page 19)

The Independent Church, now rechristened Independent Church of India (ICI),

became the first Hmar church to bring out a regular journal called Kristien in 1958.

This was a time of when ICI was the only church that the Hmars had. Pu K.S. Luoia

of Sielmat village, a pharmacist by profession had the distinction of being its first

editor, though only for a year (1958-59). After Pu Louia, the editorial management

was changed at regular intervals with either the head of the church or distinguished

pastors becoming editors. Kristien still command a sizeable readership today with

ICI having more members than the rest.

Kristien was published at the ICI Press for many years but with the introduction of

Offset press in the district in the late 1990s’. It is now published by using the press

available in the market like any other journals.

Kristien present editor, the Reverend Zathangsing Zate, was put in-charge of the

publication since 2006. The journal is now published at Sielmat and circulated to

ICI members and others congregation members in Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya,

Assam and other parts of the country. With an annual subscription rate of Rs. 50

most of the church members are able to subscribe to Kristien.

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Khawnvar

(Pic. 2, Page 20)

The break away faction of the Independent Church of India (ICI) after forming the

Evangelical Free Church of India (EFCI) followed the tradition of publication of

religious journal; perhaps, even more on intensive scale than Kristien. They named

their journal as Khawnvar (The Lantern) and started publication in 1971. Reverend

Remlien Pudaite of Sielmat was appointed as the first editor. Until 1980 Khawnvar

was published in Manipur at Ch. Sela & Sons Press.

However, with the new EFCI Headquarters coming up in Shillong, Meghalaya, the

publication of the journal was shifted from Manipur to Shillong.

The Reverend J. Houplien Neitham, (now President of EFCI) who has been the

editor of Khawnvar since 1980 till date (except for an interregnum of 1994-96) had

work experienced in the press at Ch. Sela &Sons Press. He brought out many

interesting articles and added new items which Kristien had not done before. The

unique feature of Khawnvar is its brief, lucid and simple editorials.

Today, Khawnvar continue to inspire not only members of the EFCI congregation

residing in Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Assam, and rest of the country but is

also read by members of other denomination.

Thuhriltu

(Pic. 3, Page 21)

One of the Hmar religious journal which clearly stated its aim to “propagate

Christianity to the whole of Northeast India” is Thuhriltu (The Speaker). Published

since 1973 by the Evangelical Assembly Church (formerly NEIGM) this journal has

witnessed many ups and downs due to financial crunch in the church. Pu. L Kiemlo,

a postgraduate, served as its first editor till 1973. EAC and ICI were the only church

that had their own press for publishing their journals and other religious books.

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The Thuhriltu is known for its orthodox articles and editorials. It is also one of the

few journals that provide question and answer column for readers. With an annual

subscription rate of Rs. 40 church members can easily afford to subscribe it. The

journal is now printed at the Diamond Offset, Churachandpur since EAC sold their

outdated lead press.

The present editor, the Reverend Fimchawnthang, a veteran member of the church

and former Executive Director, EAC, stationed at Moulvaiphei village under

Churachandpur township has been editing the journal since 1992. Known for his

simple lifestyle and powerful oratory skill he has given voice to Thuhriltu. The

journal is privately circulated to subscribers in the Northeastern states of the

country.

Kohran

Kohran (The Church) is a monthly journal brought out by the Reform Presbyterian

Church (RPC). It first copy was circulated to church members in 1979 with the

belief that it will help “to spread God’s Word”.

Owned by the church the first editions of Kohran (1979-85) were brought out under

the editorship of the Reverend Ros Infimate. Changes in the editorial management

were made between various church leaders on rotation basis.

The Reverend Saithanglur Joute became a common name with the readers of

Kohran when he took charge of editing in 1995 till 2000 and again from 2004 till

date. Kohran circulation is confined to Manipur’s Churachandpur district alone at

an annual subscribe rate of Rs. 40.

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Dinthar

(Pic. 4, Page 22)

Dinthar is a monthly organ of the Nehemiah Prayer Team (NPT), a non-

denominational prayer group under the project looked after by the Independent

Church of India. Published since 1986, it has served as “encouraging instrument to

members of NPT” over the years.

The journal includes mainly prayer subjects for a given month and activities of NPT

members and leaders. Pu. H. Lallien edited Dinthar from its inception till 1988. The

present editor, the Reverend Neichawngthang, was put in charge of bringing out the

journal since 2006. This 20-odd page journal has a record subscription rate as low

as Rs. 25 annually.

Thalai Kantu

(Pic. 5 Page 23)

The only youth focused religious journal was brought out in 1983 by the

Independent Church of India. Thalai Kantu (Visitant of Youth) is a quarterly

journal priced at Rs. 10 per copy and an annual subscription of Rs. 60.

The issues that were brought out prior to the offset press era were crude typewritten,

cyclostyled and pinned together. However, today, it has become the most attractive

in terms of content and design.

Bi-lingual (Hmar and English) in nature Thalai Kantu has become quite popular

among youth who read religious journals. Its contents are more liberal and speak of

day to day life unlike many of the journal that focuses on the life after. Its main

purpose of publication was to “coordinate the youth department” of the church.

Upa Fimtanglien served as its first editor. The Reverend Zothanghrim is currently

the man in charge of editing the journal. It is circulated privately in all areas where

the Hmars reside.

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SOME RELIGIOUS JOURNALS OF THE HMARS

Pic. 1: Kristien

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Pic. 2: Khawnvar

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Pic. 3: Thuhriltu

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Pic. 4: Dinthar

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Pic. 5: Thalai Kantu

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CHAPTER-II

Research Design

Objective and Methodology

2.1: Significance of the Study

Much water has flown down the Tuiruong River, but compilation or research with

regards to the Hmar press has not been made so far. It is in the light of this

circumstance that the study is the first of its kind.

The study is expected to contribute to the brief understanding of the origin, growth,

and development of the Hmar vernacular press in Manipur as well as its impact on

the Hmar tribe. It shall serve as filler for the gap that exists in a field of the Hmar

press and their religious journals. A need was felt to conduct A study of the Impact

of Religious Journals on the Hmar Tribe in Manipur since religion is said to have

soaked up all spheres of the Hmar society.

2.2: Objectives of the Study

This study is not to trace the history of the Hmar press but it will dwell upon the

dual task of tracing the brief origin, growth and development of the Hmar press and

most of all, the objective is to look into the impact the religious journals have had

on the readers. It will also try to find out the present condition of the Hmar press.

General objective:

1. To briefly trace the origin and growth of the Hmar vernacular Press in

Manipur.

2. To examine the characteristics of the Hmar press.

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Specific objective:

1. To study the religious journals impact on the readers.

2. To study the popularity of religious journals among various section of the

tribe.

3. To study readers attitude towards the contents of religious journals.

4. To study the relationship between religious journals and daily lives of the

people.

2.3: Methodology

The study was conducted in Churarachandpur District, Manipur, where the Hmars

in Manipur reside. Survey Research technique was used to collect primary data for

the study. The study makes use of a set of structured open-ended and closed-ended

questionnaires prepared under this scheme.

The sample consists of 192 respondents covering both urban and rural areas

encompassing men and women of all age group. The questionnaire method was

selected for the collection of data from respondents. The questionnaire consists of

multiple choice, close ended as well as open ended which is divided into two

sections- ‘A’ and ‘B’.

Section ‘A’ designed to get a demographic profile of the respondent, consist

questions related to sex, age, education, occupation, monthly income and church

denomination. Section ‘B’ consists of specific questions related to study objectives,

forming independent variables.

An interview of editors of journals/ magazines (closed down and running) was also

conducted to find the challenges and problems facing the Hmar press.

Data collected by following the above methodology is then interpreted and thereby

the final result analyzed and compiled.

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2.4: Profile of Churachandpur District

Map 1: Manipur State

Map 2: Churachandpur District

Courtesy: mapsofindia.com

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Geographic Profile:

Churachandpur District, a meeting ground of many ethnic tribes lies in the

southwestern corner of Manipur. It is the largest district in Manipur with an area of

4570 sq.km. It is a hilly district with a very small percentage of the area being plain.

A large portion of the area is under jhum cultivation.

There is no primary forest in the district. However, the secondary forest which

includes mixed bamboo forest, covers an area of 118,092 hectares. The road

network covers an area of 3581 hactares located in and around the district

headquarters. The beauty of the landscape is supplemented by the moderate climate

throughout the year.

The winter extending from November to February is cold, particularly in the hills

but days are bright and sunny. The monsoon stretches from June to September with

heavy showers almost throughout the period. The spring and summer months are

pleasant despite high humidity.

However, the low temperatures (ranging from 300-35

0C) prevents sultriness that is

common in eastern India. The climate imparts the people with considerable stamina

and hardiness through the lack of rains during non-monsoon months and the

consequent decline in water flow in the major rivers during that period make the

state a mono-crop economy.

Demographic Profile:

According to the provisional data of Census 2001, the total population of the district

is 2,23,866. Of the total population, the scheduled tribes population stand at

741,141.The literacy rate in the district is quite high, the average percentage being

64.38 (72.6% in male and 56.4% in female).

Unlike most parts of the state and the country, the sex ratio is in favour of female:

1034 per 1000 male. With the improvement of the reach of medical facilities, the

death rate and the infant mortality rate have gone down considerably.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -28-

Socio-economic Profile:

The district is inhabited by several tribes, mainly belonging to the Kuki-Chin-Mizo

group. Each tribe has a distinct social order as well as community laws. The system

of hereditary chiefship as well as community ownership of village land is prevalent

in the district.

In case of hereditary chiefship the chief is all-powerful as he controls not only the

economy of the village through his ownership of the land but exercises social

control over the households in the village. However, village councils are now

growing more powerful.

An overwhelming majority of the tribal population has converted to Christianity.

Christianity has not materially changed the social order but was the critical faith in

bringing to an end the head-hunting wars and savagery that characterized early

tribal societies.

Education rapidly spread through English medium schools. In the last hundred years

the society has undergone radical change from the past.

The ethnic tribal societies are patriarchal, but the women enjoy equal status in the

society unlike their counterparts in other parts of the country. They play a

significant role in agriculture and animal husbandry, besides being actively involved

in weaving.

2.5: Sample Size

The number of questionnaire actually prepared was 230, of which some were

distributed to respondents to fill up themselves and others directly taken by the

researcher after input from respondents. Of the 230 questionnaires 192 were

collected back.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -29-

Distribution of respondents

1. Gender Number Percentage

Male 105 54.69%

Female 87 45.31%

Total 192 100%

2. Age

Below 25 years 63 32.81%

26- 40 years 79 41.15%

Above 40 years 50 26.04%

Total 192 100%

3. Education

Below HSLC 33 17.19%

Undergraduate 66 34.38%

Graduate 62 32.29%

Post-graduate 31 16.15%

Total 192 100%

4. Occupation

Student 48 25.00%

Housewives 17 8.85%

Mission Worker 30 15.63%

Government Service 24 12.50%

Private/Business 33 17.19%

Farmer 36 18.75%

Others(Teacher, IT) 4 2.08%

Total 192 100%

5. Monthly Income

Below Rs.5000 126 65.63%

Rs. 5001- 10,000 52 27.08%

Rs. 10,001 0r more 14 7.29%

Total 192 100%

6. Church denomination

Assembly of God 23 11.98%

Evangelical Assembly Church 44 22.92%

Evangelical Free Church of India 47 24.48%

Independent Church of India 58 30.21%

Reform Presbyterian Church 10 5.21%

Others (Wesleyan Methodist Church, Salvation Army) 10 5.21%

Total 192 100%

[Note: Below HSLC here means Below High School Leaving Certificate

or Below Class X for all Tables]

(C) 2007 e-Edition -30-

2.6: Profile of respondents:

Gender

Female

45%

Male

55%

AGE

26- 40

years,

41.15%

Below 25

years,

32.81%

Above 40

years,

26.04%

Gender-wise classification shows that out of the total respondents, 54.69% (105)

are male and 45.31% (87) are female.

Age-wise distribution of the sample shows that majority of respondents, i.e.

41.15% (79) belongs to the age group 26- 40 years followed by respondents below

25 years at 32.81% (63) and Above 40 years at 26.04%( 50).

EDUCATION

17.19%

34.38% 32.29%

16.15%

0.00%

5.00%

10.00%

15.00%

20.00%

25.00%

30.00%

35.00%

40.00%

Below HSLC Undergraduate Graduate Post-graduate

Among those who respond to the questionnaire the undergraduate and graduate

makes up 34.38% (66) and 32.29% (62) respectively. To the lower end Below

HSLC and Postgraduate respondents comprised of 17.19% (33) and 16.15% (31)

each.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -31-

OCCUPATION

18.75%17.19%

12.50%15.63%

8.85%

25.00%

2.08%

0.00%5.00%

10.00%15.00%20.00%25.00%30.00%

Stu

dent

Housew

ives

Mis

sio

n W

ork

er

Govern

ment

Serv

ice

Private

/Busin

es

s

Farm

er

Oth

ers

(Teacher

, IT

)

Occupation

% of respondents

Occupational distribution shows almost equitable representation of the respondents.

Students are in majority with 25% (48) followed by Farmers with 18.75% (36).

Private/Business makes up 17.19% (33), Mission Workers comprise of 15.63% (30)

and those in government service accounts for 12.50 %( 24). Housewives comprise

of 8.85 % (17) and those in the Teaching and IT sector make up a mere 2.08 %( 4).

MONTHLY INCOME

Below

Rs.5000,

65.63%

Rs. 10,001

0r more,

7.29%

Rs. 5001-

10,000,

27.08%

Respondents were also compartmentalized on the basis of their monthly incomes. A

good number, 65.63% (126), belong to Below Rs 5000 group, while 27.08% (52)

belong to Rs.5001- Rs. 10,000 group. Only 7.29% (14) are in the Rs. 10,001 or

more groups.

The respondents were further classified on the basis of the church to which they

belong. Independent Church of India respondents make up 30.21%(58) followed

closely by Evangelical Free Church of India with 24.48% (47) and Evangelical

Assembly Church members with 22.92% (44). The rest of the questionnaires were

from Assembly of God (11.98%), Reform Presbyterian Church (5.21%), and Others

(5.21%) which includes the Salvation Army and Wesleyan Methodist Church.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -32-

2.7: Data Analysis Method:

The analysis of the data is done by using percentage analysis. The percentages were

worked out to represent the proportion of the respondents to the sample considered

in the study. The data is then reduced to respective percentage in the case of each

independent variable.

2.8: Advantages:

The advantages of using survey research technique method are:

1. Considered and well-framed set of question can be asked through questionnaires.

2. The respondent might feel free to answer the question since the response is kept

confidential.

3. If the sampling is correct, the survey results generally come reasonably accurate.

4. Answers to the survey method questionnaire can be presented in numerical form

and subject to various kinds of analysis.

5. Once information about the social characteristics of respondents is available, it

can be used to predict the behaviour of the general public.

2.9: Limitations of the study

During the course of the study the researcher encountered the common limitations

viz., constraints of time, distance, resource and others. The simple random sampling

technique was followed since this method of selection gives significantly correct

results with minimum restraints. Though much care and effort has been put into the

study during and after the collection of the data, personal bias of the respondents

cannot be completely ruled out.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -33-

T

CHAPTER III

DDDDATA ANALYSIS

AND

INTERPRETATION

his chapter deals with the analysis and interpretation of the data that were

gathered from Hmar respondent who read religious journal for “A study

of Impact of Religious Journals on the Hmar Tribe in Manipur”.

The results of this survey research are based on percentage analysis of data or

from the responses given by the respondents during the month of December 2006

and January 2007.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -34-

Time spent on reading religious journals

Table 3.1

[Note: For all table, Below HSLC means below High School Leaving Certificate or Below Class X ]

Category

Less than30 minutes

30-60

minutes

1-2

hours

Total

1. Male 71 21 13 105

67.62% 20.00% 12.38% 100.00%

2. Female 54 29 4 87

62.07% 33.33% 4.60% 100.00%

Total 125 50 17 192

GENDER

65.10% 26.04% 8.85% 100.00%

1. Below 25 years 47 12 4 63

74.60% 19.05% 6.35% 100.00%

2. 26- 40 years 54 20 5 79

68.35% 25.32% 6.33% 100.00%

3. Above 40 years 24 18 8 50

48.00% 36.00% 16.00% 100.00%

Total 125 50 17 192

AGE

65.10% 26.04% 8.85% 100.00%

1. Below HSLC 27 4 2 33

81.82% 12.12% 6.06% 100.00%

2. Undergraduate 47 16 3 66

71.21% 24.24% 4.55% 100.00%

3. Graduate 34 21 7 62

54.84% 33.87% 11.29% 100.00%

4. Post-graduate 17 9 5 31

54.84% 29.03% 16.13% 100.00%

Total 125 50 17 192

EDUCATION

65.10% 26.04% 8.85% 100.00%

1. Student 37 8 3 48

77.08% 16.67% 6.25% 100.00%

2. Housewives 9 7 1 17

52.94% 41.18% 5.88% 100.00%

3. Mission Worker 9 11 10 30

30.00% 36.67% 33.33% 100.00%

4. Government Service 13 11 0 24

54.17% 45.83% 0% 100.00%

5. Private/Business 24 7 2 33

72.73% 21.21% 6.06% 100.00%

6. Farmer 30 5 1 36

83.33% 13.89% 2.78% 100.00%

7. Others(Teacher, IT) 3 1 0 4

75.00% 25.00% 0% 100.00%

Total 125 50 17 192

OCCUPATION

65.10% 26.04% 8.85% 100.00%

1. Assembly of God 8 14 1 23

34.78% 60.87% 4.35% 100.00%

2. Evangelical Assembly Church 33 6 5 44

75.00% 13.64% 11.36% 100.00%

3. Evangelical Free Church of India 29 15 3 47

61.70% 31.91% 6.38% 100.00%

4. Independent Church of India 40 11 7 58

68.97% 18.97% 12.07% 100.00%

5. Reform Presbyterian Church 7 3 0 10

70.00% 30.00% 0% 100.00%

6. Others 8 1 1 10

80.00% 10.00% 10.00% 100.00%

Total 125 50 17 192

CHURCH DENOMINATION

65.10% 26.04% 8.85% 100.00%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -35-

Fig. 3.1

Table 3.1 and Fig 3.1 shows that majority of the people (65.10%) read religious

journals for less than 30 minutes a day in contrast to 8.85% who read for 1-2 hours.

On the other hand a good number of people (26.04%) devoted 30-60 minutes daily.

Hence, it can be inferred that majority of the people spent very little time reading

religious journals.

Gender classification shows that majority of the respondent 65.10% (both male and

female) devoted less than 30 minutes daily where as 26.04% of the respondents

found 30-60 minutes for reading religious journals. On the other hand there are only

few (8.85%) who read for 1-2 hours daily.

The Table 3.1 also show that, 67.62% of male and 62.07% of female respondents

read religious journals for less than 30 minutes a day. Females scored better

(33.33%) than their male counterpart (20%) when it comes to spending 30-60

minutes a day. Under the 1-2 hour category, male respondents appear to do most of

the long reading with 12.38% as against their female counterpart who stood at a

mere 4.60%. It can be inferred from this that men spent more time reading religious

journals.


30-60

minutes,

26.04%

1-2 hours,

8.85%

Less than 30

minutes,

65.10%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -36-

In the age group comparison, the youth i.e., below 25 years, spend minimum time

reading religious journal with 74.60% saying they read for less than 30 minutes per

day followed by respondents in the age group of 25-40 years (63.35%) and by those

above 40 years (48%). The Table clearly shows that the elders spent more time

reading religious journals.

Education-wise classification denotes that a vast majority of the group below HSLC

(Class X) spend minimum time reading religious journals. There is an

overwhelming 81.28% who read less than 30 minutes a day. This gradually

improves to a low level among Post Graduates (54.84%) who says they read for less

than 30 minutes. The respondent who spent 1-2 hours is highest among the Post

Graduates with 16.13% as compared to 6.06% to those belonging to Below HSLC

group. It can thus be noted from the Table that time spent on reading religious

journal is directly proportional to the educational background of the respondents.

Reading habit increases as educational level increased.

Occupational classification depicts that mission workers spend maximum hours

with 33.33% as compared to zero per cent of among government employees and

those in the teaching and IT sector. An overwhelming majority, (83.33%) of the

respondents who read religious journals for less than 30 minutes are the farmers.

Only 13.89% of them read for 30-60 minutes and a mere 2.78% read it for 1-2 hours

a day.

Denominational classification reveals that maximum hours (1-2hours) is spent by

respondents of the Independent Church of India (12.07%) followed by Evangelical

Assembly Church respondents (11.36%). On the other hand there are no

respondents among Reform Presbyterian Church who read for 1-2 hours. The Table

also shows that majority (80%) of the total respondent who read for less than 30

minutes belong to Others (Salvation Army, Methodists, and Pentecostals). The most

moderate readers (60.87%), who spent 30- 60 minutes, are from the Assembly of

God Church.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -37-

Periodicity of reading religious journals

Table 3.2

Category

Regularly

Occasionally

Rarely

Total

1. Male 38 52 15 105

36.19% 49.52% 14.29% 100.00%

2. Female 29 48 10 87

33.33% 55.17% 11.49% 100.00%

Total 67 100 25 192

GE

ND

ER

34.90% 52.08% 13.02% 100.00%

1. Below 25 years 12 42 9 63

19.05% 66.67% 14.29% 100.00%

2. 26- 40 years 29 38 12 79

36.71% 48.10% 15.19% 100.00%

3. Above 40 years 26 20 4 50

52.00% 40.00% 8.00% 100.00%

Total 67 100 25 192

AG

E

34.90% 52.08% 13.02% 100.00%

1. Below HSLC/ Below Class X 4 23 6 33

12.12% 69.70% 18.18% 100.00%


31.82% 54.55% 13.64% 100.00%

3. Graduate 27 31 4 62

43.55% 50.00% 6.45% 100.00%


48.39% 32.26% 19.35% 100.00%

Total 67 100 25 192

ED

UC

AT

ION

34.90% 52.08% 13.02% 100.00%

1. Student 9 29 10 48

18.75% 60.42% 20.83% 100.00%


35.29% 58.82% 5.88% 100.00%


83.33% 16.67% 0% 100.00%


45.83% 50.00% 4.17% 100.00%


36.36% 42.42% 21.21% 100.00%

6. Farmer 4 27 5 36

11.11% 75.00% 13.89% 100.00%


0% 75.00% 25.00% 100.00%

Total 67 100 25 192

OC

CU

PA

TIO

N

34.90% 52.08% 13.02% 100.00%


39.13% 43.48% 17.39% 100.00%


36.36% 50.00% 13.64% 100.00%


34.04% 53.19% 12.77% 100.00%


29.31% 58.62% 12.07% 100.00%


60.00% 40.00% 0% 100.00%

6. Others 3 5 2 10

30.00% 50.00% 20.00% 100.00%

Total 67 100 25 192

CH

UR

CH

DE

NO

MIN

AT

ION

34.90% 52.08% 13.02% 100.00%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -38-


Occasionally

52.08%

Regularly,

34.90%

Rarely,

13.02%

Fig. 3.2

Table 3.2 shows that a vast majority of the total respondents are occasional readers.

Gender-wise classification shows that male and female go hand in hand with

regards to regularity, occasional and rarely. Men have slight edge in the regular

section with 36.19% while female stood at 33.33%. Females tend to be occasional

readers (55.17%) than their male counterpart (49.52%)

Age-wise categorization shows that those Above 40 years are more regular (52%)

than those below 25 years (19.05%). Below 25 years leads the occasional reader

section with 66.67% followed by 26-40 years with 48.10%. The Table 3.2 showed

that the reading habit of the respondents began to increase with age.

Occupational classification shows that Mission Workers are the most regular reader

(83.33%) as against the lowest among teachers and IT people (0%). However, they

share the top slot with farmers in the occasional readership group (75% each).

In denomination-wise, Reform Presbyterian Church respondents are the most

regular readers (60%) while Independent Church of India (ICI) members stood

lowest (29.31%). All the respondents irrespective of the churches to which they

belong are occasional readers. ICI has the maximum occasional readers (58.62%)

followed closely by other church members.

Table 3.2 and Fig 3.2 shows that majority of the Hmars read religious journals

occasionally. However, there are also a good number of those who read it

regularly.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -39-

Subscription of Religious journals

Table 3.3

Category

Yes

No

Total

1. Male 85 20 105

80.95% 19.05% 100.00%

2. Female 70 17 87

80.46% 19.54% 100.00%

Total 155 37 192

GENDER

80.73% 19.27% 100.00%

1. Below 25 years 40 23 63

63.49% 36.51% 100.00%

2. 26- 40 years 67 12 79

84.81% 15.19% 100.00%

3. Above 40 years 48 2 50

96.00% 4.00% 100.00%

Total 155 37 192

AGE

80.73% 19.27% 100.00%

1. Student 29 19 48

60.42% 39.58% 100.00%

2. Housewives 15 2 17

88.24% 11.76% 100.00%

3. Mission Worker 27 3 30

90.00% 10.00% 100.00%

4. Government Service 24 0 24

100.00% 0% 100.00%

5. Private/Business 30 3 33

90.91% 9.09% 100.00%

6. Farmer 27 9 36

75.00% 25.00% 100.00%

7. Others(Teacher, IT) 3 1 4

75.00% 25.00% 100.00%

Total 155 37 192

OCCUPATION

80.73% 19.27% 100.00%

1. Below Rs.5000 93 33 126

73.81% 26.19% 100.00%

2. Rs. 5001- 10,000 48 4 52

92.31% 7.69% 100.00%

3. Rs. 10,001 0r more 14 0 14

100.00% 0% 100.00%

Total 155 37 192

MONTHLYINCOME

80.73% 19.27% 100.00%

1. Assembly of God 20 3 23

86.96% 13.04% 100.00%

2. Evangelical Assembly Church 32 12 44

72.73% 27.27% 100.00%

3. Evangelical Free Church of India

38 9 47

80.85% 19.15% 100.00%

4. Independent Church of India 47 11 58

81.03% 18.97% 100.00%

5. Reform Presbyterian Church 10 0 10

100.00% 0% 100.00%

6. Others 8 2 10

80.00% 20.00% 100.00%

Total 155 37 192

CHURCH DENOMINATION

80.73% 19.27% 100.00%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -40-

Subscribe to religious journal

No, 19.27%

Yes, 80.73%

Fig.3.3

Table 3.3 and Fig 3.3 depicts a large majority of the respondents (80.73%)

subscribe to religious journals as compared to only 19.27% who do not subscribe.

Gender-wise classification shows that gender is not a criterion for subscription of

religious journals as there were identical number of male (80.95%) and female

(80.46%) who subscribe to these journals.

Age-wise grouping shows a huge per cent (96%) of the respondent from above 40

years subscribe to religious journals. Those Below 25 years are least to subscribe.

Despite the difference in age it is clear that majority of the respondents in all age

group subscribe religious journals.

Occupational classification shows that there are good numbers of subscribers from

all profession. The highest subscribers are the government employees (100%)

followed by private/business (90.91%), mission workers (90%), housewives

(88.24%) etc. Students tops the list in the non-subscription section (39.58%)

followed by farmers (25%) and those in the teaching and IT field (25%).

The monthly income distribution table shows that that subscription of religious

journal is directly proportional to the monthly income of the respondents.

Subscription rate increased as income increases from Below Rs. 5000 (73.81%) to

Rs.5001-10, 000 (92.31%) and finally to Rs. 10,001 or more (100%)

The denomination classification on subscription revels that the subscription average

(83.59%) in all churches is relatively high. This shows that most members of a

church are subscribers of one or more religious journals.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -41-

Do not subscribed but read religious journals Table 3.4

Category

Library

Relatives and

Friends

Neighbours

Total

1. Male 0 17 3 20

0% 85.00% 15.00% 100.00%

2. Female 0 13 4 17

0% 76.47% 23.53% 100.00%

Total 0 30 7 37

GENDER

0% 81.08% 18.92% 100.00%

1. Below Rs.5000 0 26 7 33

0% 78.79% 21.21% 100.00%

2. Rs. 5001- 10,000 0 4 0 4

0% 100.00% 0% 100.00%

3. Rs. 10,001 or more 0 0 0 0

0% 0% 0% 0%

Total 0 30 7 37

MONTHLY INCOME

0% 81.08% 18.92% 100.00%

• Percentage is calculated to the number of respondents who do not subscribe, n=37

Fig. 3.4

Table 3.4 shows that among those who do not subscribe 85% of male and 76.47%

of female read religious journals from relatives and friends. When it comes to

borrowing of journals, females (23.53%) are followed by males (15%).

Income classification denotes that of the total respondents in the income group of

Rs. 50001-10,000, 100% read religious journals from their relatives and friends.

From those below Rs. 5000, 78.79% read from their relatives and friends and

21.21% of them borrowed it from their neighbours.

Table 3.4 and Fig 3.4 shows that no respondents have read religious journals from a

library but majority (81.08%) read it from relatives and friends. Relatives here do

not include father, mother or uncles and aunties, brothers or sisters living in the

same house.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -42-

Religious journals read by respondents

Table 3.5

• Percentages are calculated to the number of respondents, N=192

• Percentages are overlapping due to multiple choices

Readership of various Hmar religious journals

Dinthar,

40.63%

Khawnvar,

61.46%

Kohran,

27.60%Kristien,

67.71%

Thalai Kantu,

40.63%

Thuhriltu,

48.44%

Fig. 3.5

Table 3.5 and Fig 3.5 shows that majority of the respondents (67.71%) have read

Kristien. The second most read journal appears to be Khawnvar (61.46%). Other

journals have moderate readers.

Kohran is the least read journal with only 27.6% of readership among the

respondents.

Category

Number

%

Dinthar 78 40.63%

Khawnvar 118 61.46%

Kohran 53 27.60%

Kristien 130 67.71%

Thalai Kantu 78 40.63% Journals

Thuhriltu 93 48.44% Total 550 286.47%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -43-

Reason for subscription of religious journals Table 3.6

*Percentage is calculated to the Number of respondents who subscribe religious journals , N=155 * Percentage is overlapping due to multiple choices

Reason for subscription of religious journals

9.67%14.83%

30.96%

65.80%

41.93%

3.87%

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

70.00%

Ch

urc

h

lea

de

rs'

pre

ssu

re

Eve

ryo

ne

bu

ys o

ne

Its p

rice

is

low

To

kn

ow

mo

re

ab

ou

t G

od

Info

rma

tio

n

on

Ch

urc

h

activity

Pe

rso

na

l

Ne

ed

an

d

be

lie

f

Reason

Percentage

Fig. 3.6

Table 3.6 and Fig 3.6 clearly shows that among those who subscribe religious

journals majority (65.80%) subscribe it because they want to know more about God.

41.93% says they subscribe journals to know more about church activities. The

table also shows that price of religious journal is a determining factor for

subscription. This is reflected as at least 30.96% of the respondents subscribe these

journals because of their low price. The 9.67% of the readers put the blame on

church leaders’ pressure. Though this is small it is a notable development. And then

14.83% of respondents simply subscribe since every member of a church buys one.

Most journals and magazine are subscribed to fulfill one's personal need and wants

but this is just the opposite in this case as only 3.87% of the total respondents who

subscribe do it to fulfill their personal need and belief!

Category

Number

%

Church leaders' pressure 15 9.67%

Everyone buys one 23 14.83%

Its price is low 48 30.96%

To know more about God 102 65.80%

Information on Church activity 65 41.93% REASON FOR

SUBSCRIPTION

Personal Need and belief 6 3.87%

Total 259 167.06%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -44-

Enjoyed reading religious journals

Table 3.7

Category

Yes

No

Total

1. Male 89 16 105

84.76% 15.24% 100.00%

2. Female 75 12 87

86.21% 13.79% 100.00%

Total 164 28 192

GENDER

85.42% 14.58% 100.00%

1. Below 25 years 53 10 63

84.13% 15.87% 100.00%

2. 26- 40 years 69 10 79

87.34% 12.66% 100.00%


84.00% 16.00% 100.00%

Total 164 28 192

AGE

85.42% 14.58% 100.00%

1. Student 40 8 48

83.33% 16.67% 100.00%


88.24% 11.76% 100.00%


96.67% 3.33% 100.00%


91.67% 8.33% 100.00%


78.79% 21.21% 100.00%

6. Farmer 29 7 36

80.56% 19.44% 100.00%


75.00% 25.00% 100.00%

Total 164 28 192

OCCUPATION

85.42% 14.58% 100.00%


95.65% 4.35% 100.00%


77.27% 22.73% 100.00%

3. Evangelical Free Church of India 40 7 47

85.11% 14.89% 100.00%


86.21% 13.79% 100.00%


90.00% 10.00% 100.00%

6. Others 9 1 10

90.00% 10.00% 100.00%

Total 164 28 192

CHURCH DENOMINATION

85.42% 14.58% 100.00%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -45-

Enjoy reading religious journals

14.58%

85.42%

Yes No

Fig. 3.7

Table 3.7 and Fig 3.7 clearly reveal that a large majority (85.42%) of the

respondents enjoy reading religious journal. Only 14.58% says they do not enjoy

reading them.

Gender-wise classification shows that an equitable male (84.76%) and female

(86.21%) respondents enjoys reading religious journals, though slightly higher

among female.

From Table 3.7 it can be safely inferred that irrespective of the gender, age,

occupation and church denomination, majority of the respondents found reading

religious journals enjoyable.

The table also shows that interest in religious journals is at its peak even when

examined from various demographics profile.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -46-

Why reading religious journal is enjoyable?

Table 3.8 * Percentage is calculated to the total Number of respondents who enjoy reading religious journals,,N= 164 * Percentage is overlapping due to multiple choice responses.

Reason on why reading religious is enjoyable

22.56%

76.82%

43.90%

0.00%

20.00%

40.00%

60.00%

80.00%

100.00%

It is interesting It is informative To know more

about God

Reason

Percentage

Fig.3.8

Table 3.8 shows that a huge percentage of (76.82%) the respondents enjoyed

reading religious journals because of its informative character.

Table 3.6 figures which found that majority of the respondents (65.80%) subscribe

religious journal to know more about God is re-enforced even here with sound

figure (43.90%) of the respondent who says they enjoy reading these journals

because they get to know more about God.

It can, therefore, be inferred from Table 3.8 and Fig 3.8 that religion is an integral

part of the Hmar society and religious journals is one means of getting closer to

God.

Number %

It is interesting 37 22.56%

It is informative 126 76.82%

To know more about God 72 43.90%

WHY READING RELIGIOUS JOURNAL IS ENJOYABLE

Total 235 143.28%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -47-

Reading preference

Table 3.9

Category

Serm

ons

Pictures

and

photos

Editorial

Question

Answer

column

World

News/

Current

Affairs

Field

Reports of

Church

Nothing in

particular

Total

1. Male 38 3 12 12 34 5 1 105

36.19% 2.86% 11.43% 11.43% 32.38% 4.76% 0.95% 100.00%

2. Female 38 3 3 3 35 4 1 87

43.68% 3.45% 3.45% 3.45% 40.23% 4.60% 1.15% 100.00%

Total 76 6 15 15 69 9 2 192

GENDER

39.58% 3.13% 7.81% 7.81% 35.94% 4.69% 1.04% 100.00%

1. Below 25 years 18 3 4 6 26 4 2 63

28.57% 4.76% 6.35% 9.52% 41.27% 6.35% 3.17% 100.00%

2. 26- 40 years 36 0 6 5 28 4 0 79

45.57% 0% 7.59% 6.33% 35.44% 5.06% 0% 100.00%

3. Above 40 years 22 3 5 4 15 1 0 50

44.00% 6.00% 10.00% 8.00% 30.00% 2.00% 0% 100.00%

Total 76 6 15 15 69 9 2 192

AGE

39.58% 3.13% 7.81% 7.81% 35.94% 4.69% 1.04% 100.00%

1. Student 13 1 1 3 25 3 2 48

27.08% 2.08% 2.08% 6.25% 52.08% 6.25% 4.17% 100.00%

2. Housewives 11 0 0 2 3 1 0 17

64.71% 0% 0% 11.76% 17.65% 5.88% 0% 100.00%

3. Mission Worker 21 0 4 1 4 0 0 30

70.00% 0% 13.33% 3.33% 13.33% 0% 0% 100.00%

4. Government Service 8 1 7 1 7 0 0 24

33.33% 4.17% 29.17% 4.17% 29.17% 0% 0% 100.00%

5. Private/Business 8 2 3 1 16 3 0 33

24.24% 6.06% 9.09% 3.03% 48.48% 9.09% 0% 100.00%

6. Farmer 15 2 0 6 11 2 0 36

41.67% 5.56% 0% 16.67% 30.56% 5.56% 0% 100.00%

7. Others(Teacher, IT) 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 4

0% 0% 0% 25.00% 75.00% 0% 0% 100.00%

Total 76 6 15 15 69 9 2 192

OCCUPATION

39.58% 3.13% 7.81% 7.81% 35.94% 4.69% 1.04% 100.00%

1. Assembly of God 7 0 1 1 14 0 0 23

30.43% 0% 4.35% 4.35% 60.87% 0% 0% 100.00%

2. Evangelical Assembly Church

16 0 3 3 18 3 1 44

36.36% 0% 6.82% 6.82% 40.91% 6.82% 2.27% 100.00%


16 3 6 3 12 6 1 47

34.04% 6.38% 12.77% 6.38% 25.53% 12.77%

2.13% 100.00%

4. Independent Church of India

30 3 3 5 17 0 0 58

51.72% 5.17% 5.17% 8.62% 29.31% 0% 0% 100.00%

5. Reform Presbyterian Church

3 0 0 2 5 0 0 10

30.00% 0% 0% 20.00% 50.00% 0% 0% 100.00%

6. Others 4 0 2 1 3 0 0 10

40.00% 0% 20.00% 10.00% 30.00% 0% 0% 100.00%

Total 76 6 15 15 69 9 2 192

CHURCH DENOMINATION

39.58% 3.13% 7.81% 7.81% 35.94% 4.69% 1.04% 100.00%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -48-

Reading preference

3.13%7.81% 7.81%

35.94%

4.69%1.04%

39.58%

0.00%5.00%

10.00%15.00%20.00%25.00%30.00%35.00%40.00%45.00%

Messages/

Sermons

Pictures/

Photos

Editorial Question

and

Answers

column

World

News/

Current

Affairs

Field

reports of

Church

activities

Nothing in

particular

Preferences

% of respondents

Fig. 3.9

Table 3.9 and Fig 3.9 clearly re-enforced that respondents subscribe to religious

journals to know more about God. In Table 3.9 majority of the respondents i.e.

39.58%, prefer reading sermons and message content.

World News/ Current Affairs is another major attraction among readers

(35.94%).This is followed by those respondents who prefer to read editorial

(7.81%) and Question-Answer Columns (7.81%) followed by 4.68% who prefer

field reports of church activities.

Only 1.04% of the respondents are attracted by pictures and photos. This maybe due

to the low quality photos of these journals.

Gender-wise classification shows that Editorial and World News are preferred by

female with 43.68% and 40.23% respectively as against male with 36.19% and

32.38%.

Age-wise classification shows that the age group 45.57% of respondents in between

26-40 years and 44% in the age group of Above 40 years preferred Sermons and

Message.

Occupation classification shows that Sermons is popular among mission workers

(70%) and housewives (64.71%) as compared to Private/Business individuals

(24.24%).

(C) 2007 e-Edition -49-

Role of religious journals in promotion of peace

Table 3.10

Category

Very

Effective

Makes no

impact

Partially

successful

Could have

done more

Total

1. Male 21 20 33 31 105

20.00% 19.05% 31.43% 29.52% 100.00%

2. Female 21 22 22 22 87

24.14% 25.29% 25.29% 25.29% 100.00%

Total 42 42 55 53 192

GENDER

21.88% 21.88% 28.65% 27.60% 100.00%

1. Below 25 years 14 16 17 16 63

22.22% 25.40% 26.98% 25.40% 100.00%

2. 26- 40 years 18 17 26 18 79

22.78% 21.52% 32.91% 22.78% 100.00%

3. Above 40 years 10 9 12 19 50

20.00% 18.00% 24.00% 38.00% 100.00%

Total 42 42 55 53 192

AGE

21.88% 21.88% 28.65% 27.60% 100.00%

1. Below HSLC 5 18 4 6 33

15.15% 54.55% 12.12% 18.18% 100.00%

2. Undergraduate 16 16 20 14 66

24.24% 24.24% 30.30% 21.21% 100.00%

3. Graduate 12 3 22 25 62

19.35% 4.84% 35.48% 40.32% 100.00%

4. Post-graduate 9 5 9 8 31

29.03% 16.13% 29.03% 25.81% 100.00%

Total 42 42 55 53 192

EDUCATION

21.88% 21.88% 28.65% 27.60% 100.00%

1. Assembly of God 5 4 5 9 23

21.74% 17.39% 21.74% 39.13% 100.00%

2. Evangelical Assembly Church 6 7 14 17 44

13.64% 15.91% 31.82% 38.64% 100.00%


12 13 15 7 47

25.53% 27.66% 31.91% 14.89% 100.00%

4. Independent Church of India 13 15 15 15 58

22.41% 25.86% 25.86% 25.86% 100.00%

5. Reform Presbyterian Church 2 2 3 3 10

20.00% 20.00% 30.00% 30.00% 100.00%

6. Others 4 1 3 2 10

40.00% 10.00% 30.00% 20.00% 100.00%

Total 42 42 55 53 192

CHURCH DENOMINATION

21.88% 21.88% 28.65% 27.60% 100.00%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -50-


Makes no

impact at all

21.88%Partially

successful

28.65%

Could have

done more

27.60%

Very effective

21.88%

Fig. 3.10

Table 3.10 and Fig 3.10 clearly show that respondents are somewhat equally

divided on the issue of the role played by religious journals in promotion of peace in

the society. Most of the respondents (28.65%) believe religious journals are

partially successful while 27.60% are of the view that religious journals could have

done much more in promotion of peace.

Fig 3.10 shows an equal number of respondents (21.88% each), which thinks

religious journals are very effective, and the other groups that think otherwise. It

can be inferred from the data that majority of respondents (78.13%) are of the

opinion that religious journal have to make more efforts towards fostering peace in

the society as against only a few respondents (21.88%) who think religious journals

had been very effective.

Education-wise classification shows that graduates expect religious journal could do

more (40.32%) as compared to that below HSLC/ Class X (18.18%). Thus it can be

inferred that higher the education level better is their perspective towards the role of

religious journals in the promotion of peace.

Denomination-wise grouping shows that there only few respondents from

Evangelical Assembly Church who believe that religious journals are very effective.

The maximum respondents who believe in the effectiveness of religious journals are

the smaller churches clubbed together under Other category (40%). It can be

inferred from this that respondents from smaller churches had more faith in the

ability of religious journals to promote peace in the Hmar society.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -51-

What readers do after reading religious journal?

Table 3.11

* Percentage is calculated to the total number of respondents, N=192 * Percentage is overlapping due to multiple answers

35.94% 35.94%

25.52%

6.25%

1.04%

0.00%

5.00%

10.00%

15.00%

20.00%

25.00%

30.00%

35.00%

40.00%

Try to practice

what is written

Feel relieved Do nothing Discuss with

family, friends and

relatives

Pray for strength

Fig. 3.11

Table 3.11 and Fig 3.11 clearly shows that an equal number of respondents, 35.94%

each, try to practice what they have read and at the same time feel relieved. A good

number of them (25.52%) do nothing. Discussion with families stood at 6.25 per

cent.

A striking feature is that only 1.04 per cent of the respondents pray after reading

religious journals.

It can be inferred, from the figures available, that majority of the respondents try to

practice what they have read. Many also feel relieved after reading. It appears that

most of the respondents stress more on trying to practice rather than pray.

Category

Number

%

1. Try to practice what is written 69 35.94%

2. Feel relieved 69 35.94%

3. Do nothing 49 25.52%

4. Discuss with family, friends and relatives 12 6.25%

5. Pray for strength 2 1.04% Total 201 104.69%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -52-

Church Attendance and Religious Journals

Table 3.12

Category

Will attend

Will not attend

Depends on mood

and belief

Can’t say

Total

1. Male 65 31 3 6 105

61.90% 29.52% 2.86% 5.71% 100.00%

2. Female 53 23 4 7 87

60.92% 26.44% 4.60% 8.05% 100.00%

Total 118 54 7 13 192

GENDER

61.46% 28.13% 3.65% 6.77% 100.00%

1. Below 25 years 40 20 2 1 63

63.49% 31.75% 3.17% 1.59% 100.00%

2. 26- 40 years 48 19 5 7 79

60.76% 24.05% 6.33% 8.86% 100.00%

3. Above 40 years 30 15 0 5 50

60.00% 30.00% 0% 10.00% 100.00%

Total 118 54 7 13 192

AGE

61.46% 28.13% 3.65% 6.77% 100.00%

1. Student 30 15 2 1 48

62.50% 31.25% 4.17% 2.08% 100.00%

2. Housewives 16 1 0 0 17

94.12% 5.88% 0% 0% 100.00%

3. Mission Worker 21 7 0 2 30

70.00% 23.33% 0% 6.67% 100.00%

4. Government Service 10 9 1 4 24

41.67% 37.50% 4.17% 16.67% 100.00%

5. Private/Business 14 10 3 6 33

42.42% 30.30% 9.09% 18.18% 100.00%

6. Farmer 25 10 1 0 36

69.44% 27.78% 2.78% 0% 100.00%

7. Others(Teacher, IT) 2 2 0 0 4

50.00% 50.00% 0% 0% 100.00%

Total 118 54 7 13 192

OCCUPATION

61.46% 28.13% 3.65% 6.77% 100.00%


73.91% 21.74% 0% 4.35% 100.00%


52.27% 31.82% 2.27% 13.64% 100.00%

3. Evangelical Free Church of India 24 17 5 1 47

51.06% 36.17% 10.64% 2.13% 100.00%


68.97% 24.14% 1.72% 5.17% 100.00%


80.00% 20.00% 0% 0% 100.00%

6. Others 6 2 0 2 10

60.00% 20.00% 0% 20.00% 100.00%

Total 118 54 7 13 192

CHURCH DENOMINATION

61.46% 28.13% 3.65% 6.77% 100.00%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -53-

Church Attendance and religious journals

Will attend,

61.45%

Can't say,

6.77%

Depends on

mood and

faith of a

person,

3.65%

Will not

attend,

28.13%

Fig. 3.12

Table 3.12 and Fig 3.12 clearly shows that majority of the respondent i.e. 61.46%

are willing to attend church if writing in religious journals suggest that they should

attend church in order to be a good Christian. Only a small percentage (26.44%)

says they will not attend.

Age-wise classification shows that among those who will attend church, majority

belong to below 25 years (63.49%), followed closely by 26-40 years (60.76%) and

above 40 years (60%). Age, therefore, is not a good criterion to determine whether a

particular age group can be easily persuaded to attend church service.

Occupational-wise categorization clearly shows that among those willing to attend

church service, housewives lead the race with 94.12%, way above the average

61.46%; followed by mission workers with 70%. Government employee are least

expected to attend church service with only 41.67% willing to attend a church

service if told to do so by journals. Among those respondents who say they will not

attend church service, Others (Teachers, IT,) make up 50%, followed by

government employees (37.50%).

Denominational classification shows that Reform Presbyterian Church (RPC)

respondents are obedient lot with 80% of the respondents willing to attend if asked

to do so. RPC is followed by the Assembly of God respondent (73.71%). Members

of the Evangelical Free Church of India are least likely to attend with 51.06% ruling

out to follow instruction from journals. It can, therefore, be inferred that RPC

members tops the list on obeying directives received from the journals whereas the

EFCI members are less likely to follow.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -54-

Authenticity of religious journals

Table 3.13

Category

Yes

No

Can’t Say

Total

1. Male 18 55 32 105

17.14% 52.38% 30.48% 100.00%

2. Female 15 37 35 87

17.24% 42.53% 40.23% 100.00%

Total 33 92 67 192

GENDER

17.19% 47.92% 34.90% 100.00%

1. Below 25 years 6 39 18 63

9.52% 61.90% 28.57% 100.00%

2. 26- 40 years 18 31 30 79

22.78% 39.24% 37.97% 100.00%

3. Above 40 years 9 22 19 50

18.00% 44.00% 38.00% 100.00%

Total 33 92 67 192

AGE

17.19% 47.92% 34.90% 100.00%

1. Below HSLC 8 18 7 33

24.24% 54.55% 21.21% 100.00%


21.21% 40.91% 37.88% 100.00%

3. Graduate 7 32 23 62

11.29% 51.61% 37.10% 100.00%


12.90% 48.39% 38.71% 100.00%

Total 33 92 67 192

EDUCATION

17.19% 47.92% 34.90% 100.00%

1. Student 17.19% 47.92% 34.90% 100.00%

4.17% 66.67% 29.17% 100.00%


41.18% 17.65% 41.18% 100.00%


26.67% 33.33% 40.00% 100.00%


4.17% 62.50% 33.33% 100.00%


15.15% 39.39% 45.45% 100.00%

6. Farmer 10 16 10 36

27.78% 44.44% 27.78% 100.00%


0% 75.00% 25.00% 100.00%

Total 33 92 67 192

OCCUPATION

17.19% 47.92% 34.90% 100.00%


26.09% 52.17% 21.74% 100.00%


15.91% 54.55% 29.55% 100.00%


4 21 22 47

8.51% 44.68% 46.81% 100.00%


15.52% 51.72% 32.76% 100.00%


60.00% 10.00% 30.00% 100.00%

6. Others 1 4 5 10

10.00% 40.00% 50.00% 100.00%

Total 33 92 67 192

CHURCH DENOMINATION

17.19% 47.92% 34.90% 100.00%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -55-

Authenticity of religious journals

Yes

17%

No

48%

Can't say

35%

Fig. 3.13

Table 3.13 and Fig 3.13 shows majority of the respondents, (42.92%) do not believe

in everything that is between the two covers of religious journals. Only a small

percentage (17.19%) says they do believe. A good number of the respondents

(40.24%) remain undecided.

Gender-wise classification shows that when it comes to believing in the contents

male (17.14%) and female (17.24%) are just fractions apart. And when it comes to

not believing it completely the male respondent are more (52.38%) than their

female counterpart (42.53%). Thus, one can infer that female tends to believe in

what is written in religious journals than the male respondents.

In the age-wise category, among those who believe in the content matter the age

group of 26-40 years are ahead with 22.78%, followed by above 40(18%) and by

(C) 2007 e-Edition -56-

those below 25 years (9.52%). From the table, one can safely deduce that elder

respondents are more easily convinced.

Education-wise classification shows that majority of the respondents (54.55%) who

are below 25 years say they do not believe in all the contents of religious journals as

compared to 24.24% who says they do believe.

The educational table clearly shows that most of the respondent in the various

educational groups do not believe in everything that is fed into the journals. Beside

this, there are a good number of respondents who can't decide, with the highest

respondents among Post Graduates.

In the occupational classification huge respondent percentage i.e., 75%, who does

not believe in all the contents of religious journals, is observed among those in the

teaching and IT field. On the other opposite are the mission workers (33.33%) who

believe in everything written in the journals.

It is however notable that majority of mission workers (40%) cannot decide on the

matter.

In the denomination classification there is more reasonable approach among various

respondents with exception of a vast majority (60%) respondents of Reform

Presbyterian Church who opt to believe everything written in the journals. On the

other side are the 54.55% of respondents from Evangelical Assembly Church who

do not believe in everything.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -57-

Youth and religious journals

Table 3.14

* Percentages are calculated to the horizontal total

Youths and religious journals

Read but do

not follow

33%

Not at all

interested in

reading

Religious

journals

27%

Can't say

3%

Interested in

reading

Religious

journals

37%

Fig. 3.14

Category

Interested

Not

Interested

Read but do not follow

Can’t say

Total

1. Male 44 29 30 2 105

41.90% 27.62% 28.57% 1.90% 100.00%

2. Female 28 22 34 3 87

32.18% 25.29% 39.08% 3.45% 100.00%

Total 72 51 64 5 192

GENDER

37.50% 26.56% 33.33% 2.60% 100.00%

1. Below 25 years 27 17 18 1 63

42.86% 26.98% 28.57% 1.59% 100.00%

2. 26- 40 years 27 25 26 1 79

34.18% 31.65% 32.91% 1.27% 100.00%

3. Above 40 years 18 9 20 3 50

36.00% 18.00% 40.00% 6.00% 100.00%

Total 72 51 64 5 192

AGE

37.50% 26.56% 33.33% 2.60% 100.00%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -58-

Table 3.14 and Fig3.14 shows that of the total respondents, 37% says youth are

interested in reading religious journals. A good percentage (33%) of them also

thinks that youth read religious journals but they do not practice. And 27% of the

respondents feel that youth are not at all interested in reading religious journals.

Gender-wise classification shows that majority (41.90%) male respondents thinks

youth are interested in reading whereas as it is 32.18% among female respondents.

A majority of female respondents (39.08%) think that the youth read but do not

follow as compared to male respondents (28.57%).

From Fig 3.14 it can be inferred that a majority, a total of 70%, agreed that youth

read religious journals as against only 27% who thinks that youth are not interested.

This clearly indicates that majority of the youth must be reading religious journal.

Age-wise classification shows that 41.90% male and 32.18% female respondents

agreed that youth are interested in reading religious journals. The same trend is

reflected among those respondents who say youth are not interested.

Age-wise grouping of total respondents among those who think that youth are

interested in reading religious journal shows that below 25 years lead with 42.86%

followed by those above 40 years with 46% and by those in 26-40 years. And

31.65% of the respondent in the age group of 26-40 years opined that youth are not

interested when compared to only 18% among those in the age group of above 40

years.

It can be inferred from this that majority of those who believe that youth are

interested in reading religious journals belong to the younger section of the

respondents.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -59-

Attitude toward Articles written by Pastors and Church Elders

Table 3.15


Category

More authentic

Like any other

Boring and traditional

Can’t say

Total

1. Male 45 41 16 3 105

42.86% 39.05% 15.24% 2.86% 100.00%

2. Female 37 36 13 1 87

42.53% 41.38% 14.94% 1.15% 100.00%

Total 82 77 29 4 192

GENDER

42.71% 40.10% 15.10% 2.08% 100.00%

1. Below 25 years 24 24 14 1 63

38.10% 38.10% 22.22% 1.59% 100.00%

2. 26- 40 years 36 30 13 0 79

45.57% 37.97% 16.46% 0% 100.00%

3. Above 40 years 22 23 2 3 50

44.00% 46.00% 4.00% 6.00% 100.00%

Total 82 77 29 4 192

AGE

42.71% 40.10% 15.10% 2.08% 100.00%

1. Student 17 18 13 0 48

35.42% 37.50% 27.08% 0% 100.00%


82.35% 11.76% 0% 5.88% 100.00%


43.33% 50.00% 0% 6.67% 100.00%


45.83% 54.17% 0% 0% 100.00%


33.33% 36.36% 30.30% 0% 100.00%

6. Farmer 16 14 5 1 36

44.44% 38.89% 13.89% 2.78% 100.00%


0% 75.00% 25.00% 0% 100.00%

Total 82 77 29 4 192

OCCUPATION

42.71% 40.10% 15.10% 2.08% 100.00%


39.13% 39.13% 17.39% 4.35% 100.00%


36.36% 43.18% 18.18% 2.27% 100.00%

3. Evangelical Free Church of India 18 20 8 1 47

38.30% 42.55% 17.02% 2.13% 100.00%


50.00% 36.21% 13.79% 0% 100.00%


60.00% 40.00% 0% 0% 100.00%

6. Others 4 4 1 1 10

40.00% 40.00% 10.00% 10.00%

100.00%

Total 82 77 29 4 192

CHURCH DENOMINATION

42.71% 40.10% 15.10% 2.08% 100.00%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -60-

Attitude toward Articles written by Pastors and

church elders

More authentic

42.71%

Can't say

2.08%Boring and

traditional

15.10%

Like any other

articles

40.10%

Fig. 3.15

Table 3.15 and Fig 3.15 reveals that respondents are divided between those who

viewed articles written by pastors and church elders as more authentic (42.71%) and

those respondents who opine that they are like any other articles (40.10%) The

remaining 17.18% is further divided among respondents who look at these articles

as boring and traditional (15.10%) and those who can't decide (2.08%).

Gender-wise classification shows that of the male respondents, 42.86% think

articles written by pastors and church elders are more authentic whereas only

15.24% of them think it is boring and traditional. Female respondents also showed

similarity with 42.53% saying it is more authentic followed by 41.38% who thinks it

is like any other articles and finally only 14.94% who thinks it is boring and

traditional.

Age-wise classification indicates that a good percentage i.e. 45.57%, of respondents

who believe that articles written by pastors and elders belong to the age group of

26-40 years as compared to 38.10% in the group below 25 years.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -61-

It is also noticeable that among those who opined that articles are boring and

traditional, the maximum are found in the age group of below 25 years, which is

22.22% as compared to only 4% among those in Above 40.

It can be inferred that the younger age group feels that some of the articles are

boring and tradition whereas the aged show more faith in it.

Occupational classification clearly indicates that among those who say that articles

by pastors and articles are more authentic housewives lead the rest with 82.35%. On

the other end are the Private and Business respondents with only 33.33%. This

shows that housewives are looking for more articles from those who are in the

profession itself.

Denominational classification shows that respondents of Reform Presbyterian

Church have more faith in those articles written by pastors and church elders (60%)

followed by Independent Church of India (50%), Others (40%), Assembly of God

(39.13%) and others. Evangelical Assembly Church has maximum members

(18.18%) who think that articles written by pastors are boring and traditional.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -62-

Recalling capacity of content matter

Table 3.16


Category

Yes

No

Total

1. Male 47 58 105

44.76% 55.24% 100.00%

2. Female 38 49 87

43.68% 56.32% 100.00%

Total 85 107 192

GENDER

44.27% 55.73% 100.00%

1. Below 25 years 27 36 63

42.86% 57.14% 100.00%

2. 26- 40 years 37 42 79

46.84% 53.16% 100.00%

3. Above 40 years 21 29 50

42.00% 58.00% 100.00%

Total 85 107 192

AGE

44.27% 55.73% 100.00%

1. Student 20 28 48

41.67% 58.33% 100.00%


82.35% 17.65% 100.00%


46.67% 53.33% 100.00%


54.17% 45.83% 100.00%


30.30% 69.70% 100.00%

6. Farmer 13 23 36

36.11% 63.89% 100.00%


25.00% 75.00% 100.00%

Total 85 107 192

OCCUPATION

44.27% 55.73% 100.00%


34.78% 65.22% 100.00%


45.45% 54.55% 100.00%


24 23 47

51.06% 48.94% 100.00%


48.28% 51.72% 100.00%


10.00% 90.00% 100.00%

6. Others 4 6 10

40.00% 60.00% 100.00%

Total 85 107 192

CHURCH DENOMINATION

44.27% 55.73% 100.00%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -63-

Recalling capacity of content matter

No

56%

Yes

44%

Fig.3.16

Table 3.16 and Fig 3.16 shows that majority of the respondents (56%) can recall the

last article they have read. On the other hand equally a good number of the

respondents (44%) could not remember the name of the article they last read.

Gender-wise classification depicts that male respondent has better recalling power

(44.76%) than females (43.68%)

In the age-wise distribution 26-40 years group has the highest recalling capability

(46.84%) followed by those below 25 years and above 40 years (42% each).

Recalling capacity reach its peak among those Above 40 years (58%)

Occupational classification established that housewives are at their best at 82.35%.

Teachers and those in IT sector least cared to remember with only 25% of the

respondents who could remember what they read last.

Denominational-wise comparison shows that the best memory are among

respondents of Evangelical Free Church of India (51.06%), followed closely by

Independent Church of India (48.28%). Reform Presbyterian Church respondents

are more likely to forget the name of the last article they have read with as many as

90% of the respondent who could not recall them.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -64-

Influence of religious journal

Table 3.17


Children, 0.52%Youths,

21.88%

Elderly ,

77.60%

Fig.3.17

Table 3.17 and Fig. 3.17 registered that a sound majority of the respondents

(77.60%) are of the opinion that religious journals have more influence on the

elderly. Though smaller in percentage, yet noticeable is that there are 21.88% who

suppose that the youth are more influenced.

Category

Elderly

Youth

Children

Total

1. Male 83 22 0 105

79.05% 20.95% 0% 100.00%

2. Female 66 20 1 87

75.86% 22.99% 1.15% 100.00%

Total 149 42 1 192

GENDER

77.60% 21.88% 0.52% 100.00%

1. Below 25 years 52 10 1 63

82.54% 15.87% 1.59% 100.00%

2. 26- 40 years 61 18 0 79

77.22% 22.78% 0% 100.00%

3. Above 40 years 36 14 0 50

72.00% 28.00% 0% 100.00%

Total 149 42 1 192

AGE

77.60% 21.88% 0.52% 100.00%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -65-

Another striking revelation is that only 0.52% of the respondents conclude that

religious journals influence children most. This data can therefore be the basis that

religious journals did not have much influence over children. Or, it could be inferred

that religious journals are of any interest to children.

Gender-wise classification shows that a huge majority of male (79.05%)

respondents think that elders are more influenced by religious journals. Only

20.95% of them say that youth are influenced and not single respondent think

children are affected in any manner. Even majority of female (75.86%) respondents

feel the same way though with 1.15% respondents who think children are somehow

influenced.

The age-wise figure shows that 82.54% of respondents from Below 25 years believe

that elders were more influenced. They are seconded by 26-40 years (77.22%) and

finally by those Above 40 years (72%).

Thus, it appears that the younger generation tends to believe that religious journals

have more influence in the lives of the elderly. It can also be articulated that as one

continue to grow older religious journal tend to play increasing role in one's life.

One may also arrived to conclude that religious journals do not attract much

attention of the youth and especially children as and when compared to the degree

of its influence over the elderly.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -66-

Power of religious journals in conversion

Table 3.18


Category

Converting

power

Strengthen earlier belief

None of these

Total

1. Male 13 87 14 114

11.40% 76.32% 12.28% 100.00%

2. Female 15 59 18 92

16.30% 64.13% 19.57% 100.00%

Total 28 146 32 206

GENDER

13.59% 70.87% 15.53% 100.00%

1. Below 25 years 11 45 11 67

16.42% 67.16% 16.42% 100.00%

2. 26- 40 years 10 61 13 84

11.90% 72.62% 15.48% 100.00%

3. Above 40 years 7 40 8 55

12.73% 72.73% 14.55% 100.00%

Total 28 146 32 206

AGE

13.59% 70.87% 15.53% 100.00%

1. Student 7 29 13 49

14.29% 59.18% 26.53% 100.00%


27.78% 61.11% 11.11% 100.00%


23.68% 60.53% 15.79% 100.00%


4.00% 92.00% 4.00% 100.00%


2.94% 79.41% 17.65% 100.00%

6. Farmer 4 32 2 38

10.53% 84.21% 5.26% 100.00%


25.00% 25.00% 50.00% 100.00%

Total 28 146 32 206

OCCUPATION

13.59% 70.87% 15.53% 100.00%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -67-

Power of religious journal in conversion

Strengthenin

g earlier

beliefs,

76.04%

Converting

power,

14.58%

None of

these,

16.67%

Fig. 3.18

Table 3.18 indicates that majority of the respondents (76.04%) believed that

religious journals are instrumental in strengthening earlier beliefs whereas 14.58%

of the respondents opined that it has converting/conversion power. A good number

of them (16.67%) however believe that religious journals neither have any

converting role nor strengthen earlier beliefs of the readers.

Gender-wise classification indicated that 76.32% of male respondents believed that

religious journal can strengthen their earlier belief. Only 11.40% says it can convert

people. Female respondents also shows similar traits with their male counterpart as

a majority of them (67.13%) thought that religious journals can strengthen previous

belief as against only 16.30% of them who consider it as something that has

conversion power. However, the overall comparison between male and female

shows that while male respondents (76.32%) believed in the power of religious

journals in strengthening earlier belief their female counterpart put more faith on its

conversion ability (16.30%).

Occupational grouping shows an exceptionally high percentage (92%) of

government employees who believe in the strengthening role of religious journals

whereas housewives leads (27.78%) among those believer in the converting power

of religious journal.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -68-

Whether religious journal writers distort Biblical facts

Table 3.19

Whether religious journal writers distort Biblical facts

Yes

28.65%

Can't say

4.17%

No

67.19%

Fig 3.19

Table 3.19 and Fig 3.19 clearly show that majority of the respondents (67.19%) do

not believe that writers distort or use biblical verses to suite their personal belief.

However, a good section among the respondents (28.64%) who held that writers of

religious journals interpret or distort certain verses to suit their beliefs or to cover up

their own misdeeds. Only a small section (4.17%) says they cannot decide.

Category

Number

%

Yes 55 28.64%

No 129 67.19%

Can't say 8 4.17%

Total 192 100%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -69-

Whether religious journals contribute to denominational clash and exclusiveness

Table 3.20

Category

Yes

No

Total

1. Male 39 66 105

37.14% 62.86% 100.00%

2. Female 32 55 87

36.78% 63.22% 100.00%

Total 71 121 192

GENDER

36.98% 63.02% 100.00%

1. Below 25 years 27 36 63

42.86% 57.14% 100.00%

2. 26- 40 years 29 50 79

36.71% 63.29% 100.00%

3. Above 40 years 15 35 50

30.00% 70.00% 100.00%

Total 71 121 192

AGE

36.98% 63.02% 100.00%

1. Below HSLC 10 23 33

30.30% 69.70% 100.00%

2. Undergraduate 29 37 66

43.94% 56.06% 100.00%

3. Graduate 20 42 62

32.26% 67.74% 100.00%

4. Post-graduate 12 19 31

38.71% 61.29% 100.00%

Total 71 121 192

EDUCATION

36.98% 63.02% 100.00%

1. Student 17 31 48

35.42% 64.58% 100.00%


5.88% 94.12% 100.00%


13.33% 86.67% 100.00%


62.50% 37.50% 100.00%


54.55% 45.45% 100.00%

6. Farmer 13 23 36

36.11% 63.89% 100.00%


75.00% 25.00% 100.00%

Total 71 121 192

OCCUPATION

36.98% 63.02% 100.00%


34.78% 65.22% 100.00%


40.91% 59.09% 100.00%


31.91% 68.09% 100.00%


39.66% 60.34% 100.00%


40.00% 60.00% 100.00%

6. Others 3 7 10

30.00% 70.00% 100.00%

Total 71 121 192

CHURCH DENOMINATION

36.98% 63.02% 100.00%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -70-

Whether Religious journals contribute to

denominational clash and exclusiveness

63.02%

(121)

36.98% ( 71)

Yes

No

Fig 3.20

Table 3.20 and Fig 3.20 shows that majority of the respondents (63.02%) do not

think that religious journals promote denominational clashes or exclusiveness. On

the other hand 36.98% of the respondents felt that religious journals contribute to

inter-denominational clash and exclusiveness.

Gender-wise arrangement denotes that both sex have almost equal percentage of

respondents who believed and disagreed that religious journals promote clash

between church denominations.

The age-wise categorization shows that below 25 years are more assertive with

42.86% of the respondent stating that religious journal creates interdenominational

clashes. As the age of the respondents increase from 26-40 years (36.71%) to above

40 years (30%) per cent of respondents decreases. It can be inferred from this that

youth (below 25 years) are more critical of religious journals when compared to the

elderly.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -71-

Educational classification indicated that irrespective of the qualification most of the

respondents do not agree that religious journals promote rivalry between churches.

However, when it comes to those who believed that religious journal creates

problem Undergraduates leads the rest with 43.94% respondents. Below HSLC are

at the bottom with 30.3%. The educational figure shows that education level of the

respondents is not an important criterion for respondents to be able to judge whether

religious journals created clashes between churches.

The occupational table shows that an overwhelming percentage (94.12%) of

housewives do not believe religious journals give rise to clash between churches.

Housewives are closely trailed by Mission Workers (86.67%). students (64.58%),

farmers (63.89%), private/business (45.45%) and finally government employee

(37.50). This series indicates that housewives are most supportive of the religious

journals when it comes to their role in maintain cordial relation with other churches.

On the other end are the government employees who are more open to scrutinizing

the ill effects religious journals have on the relationship between various churches.

Denominational representation demonstrates that the highest percentages (70%) of

respondents who do not believe that religious journals induce inter-denomination

clashes or exclusiveness are from the Reform Presbyterian Church. It can be

inferred from the Table 3.20, that irrespective of church denomination majority of

the respondent feel that religious journals creates no clashes or exclusiveness among

churches.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -72-

How religious journals create denominational exclusiveness and clash

Table 3.21

Category Number %

A.Every journal speaks only what is good in their church 65 91.54

B.Divides the Hmar people 11 15.49

Total 76 107.03

* Percentage is calculated to the number of respondents who opined that religious journals create

Inter-denomination clashes, N=71

* Percentage is overlapping due to multiple answers

How religious journals creates denominational

clash and exclusiveness

15.49%

91.54%

Every journal speaks only what is good in their church

Divides the Hmar people

Fig 3.21

Table 3.21 and Fig 3.21 clearly shows that among those respondents who think

that religious journals create clashes or exclusiveness majority of the respondents

(91.54%) opined that every journal speak of only what is good in their church

besides ignoring news of other churches. A small section of the respondents

(15.49%) contented that religious journals generate inter-denomination

exclusiveness and clash of ideas by stressing on the differences that had existed

before.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -73-

Perception on what reading religious journal can do

Table 3.22

* Percentage is overlapping due to multiple choice answers.

Category

Go to heaven

Increased divine

knowledge

Lead a good life

Better informe

d

Can’t say

Total

1. Male 4 36 68 21 2 131

3.05% 27.48% 51.91% 16.03% 1.53% 100.00%

2. Female 3 36 47 17 2 105

2.86% 34.29% 44.76% 16.19% 1.90% 100.00%

Total 7 72 115 38 4 236

GENDER

2.97% 30.51% 48.73% 16.10% 1.69% 100.00%

1. Below HSLC 3 8 27 3 0 41

7.32% 19.51% 65.85% 7.32% 0% 100.00%

2. Undergraduate 0 24 38 12 1 75

0% 32.00% 50.67% 16.00% 1.33% 100.00%

3. Graduate 3 27 34 12 3 79

3.80% 34.18% 43.04% 15.19% 3.80% 100.00%

4. Post-graduate 1 13 16 11 0 41

2.44% 31.71% 39.02% 26.83% 0% 100.00%

Total 7 72 115 38 4 236

EDUCATION

2.97% 30.51% 48.73% 16.10% 1.69% 100.00%

1. Student 1 17 20 11 3 52

1.92% 32.69% 38.46% 21.15% 5.77% 100.00%

2. Housewives 0 10 7 4 0 21

0% 47.62% 33.33% 19.05% 0% 100.00%

3. Mission Worker 4 13 27 3 0 47

8.51% 27.66% 57.45% 6.38% 0% 100.00%

4. Government Service 0 10 17 3 0 30

0% 33.33% 56.67% 10.00% 0% 100.00%

5. Private/Business 0 11 14 11 0 36

0% 30.56% 38.89% 30.56% 0% 100.00%

6. Farmer 2 10 29 5 0 46

4.35% 21.74% 63.04% 10.87% 0% 100.00%

7. Others(Teacher, IT) 0 1 1 1 1 4

0% 25.00% 25.00% 25.00% 25.00% 100.00%

Total 7 72 115 38 4 236

OCCUPATION

2.97% 30.51% 48.73% 16.10% 1.69% 100.00%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -74-

Perceptions on what reading religious journal can do

Increase your

divine

knowledge,

37.70%

Better

Informed,

19.90%

Lead a good

life, 60.21%

To go to

heaven,

3.66%

Can't say,

2.09%

Fig.3.22

Table 3.22 and Fig 3.22 depicts that majority of the respondents (60.21%) believe

they will be able to lead a good life if they read religious journals. A good number

(37.70%) of respondents believe that it will help them increase their divine

knowledge. Another 19.9% says they will be better informed. A small section

(3.66%) believes they will go to heaven if they read religious journal.

The gender-wise classification shows that 34.29% of female respondents believe

that reading religious journals will enrich their divine knowledge as compared to

27.48% of male respondents in the same category.

However, it is the male folk who rules the roost (51.91%) when it comes to

believing that reading religious will make them lead a better life as against only

44.76% of female respondents. Despite this difference, majority of male (51.91%)

and female (44.76%) falls under the purview that they will lead a good life if they

keep reading religious journals. A majority of male respondents (51.91%) believe

that it will bring them good life as compared to only 3.05% who think they will go

to heaven.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -75-

Educational classification reveals that majority i.e. 65.85%, of the respondents who

said that they will lead a good life if they read religious journal are those in below

HSLC grouping as compared to only 39.02% of postgraduates believing in the

same. This series shows that those with lower educational qualification are more

likely to believe that religious journals can help them lead a good life.

It is also observed in the Table that religious journals are more of an information

tool among the highly educated. The gradual increase in number of respondent who

feels they will be better informed is seen among respondents from those below

HSLC (7.32%) to post-graduates (26.83%).

Among those who believed that reading religious journals can get them passport to

heaven, below HSLC are the highest with 7.32%, followed by 3.8% graduates and

2.44% postgraduates.

Occupational classification shows that among those who believe that reading

religious journals can enable them to lead a good life; farmers are the highest

(63.04%). Others (Teacher and IT) occupy the lowest score with only 25% of the

total respondents. The table also shows that it is the housewives (47.62%) who seek

more divine knowledge by reading religious journals.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -76-

Need for religious journals

Table 3.23

Category

Yes, it is must

Not

necessary

Can’t say

Total

1. Male 78 3 24 105

74.29% 2.86% 22.86% 100.00%

2. Female 73 3 11 87

83.91% 3.45% 12.64% 100.00%

Total 151 6 35 192

GENDER

78.65% 3.13% 18.23% 100.00%

1. Below 25 years 47 4 12 63

74.60% 6.35% 19.05% 100.00%

2. 26- 40 years 62 0 17 79

78.48% 0% 21.52% 100.00%

3. Above 40 years 42 2 6 50

84.00% 4.00% 12.00% 100.00%

Total 151 6 35 192

AGE

78.65% 3.13% 18.23% 100.00%

1. Student 37 2 9 48

77.08% 4.17% 18.75% 100.00%


94.12% 0% 5.88% 100.00%


100.00% 0% 0% 100.00%


87.50% 0% 12.50% 100.00%


63.64% 3.03% 33.33% 100.00%

6. Farmer 23 2 11 36

63.89% 5.56% 30.56% 100.00%


75.00% 25.00% 0% 100.00%

Total 151 6 35 192

OCCUPATION

78.65% 3.13% 18.23% 100.00%


82.61% 0% 17.39% 100.00%


79.55% 4.55% 15.91% 100.00%


72.34% 4.26% 23.40% 100.00%


79.31% 1.72% 18.97% 100.00%


80.00% 0% 20.00% 100.00%

6. Others 9 1 0 10

90.00% 10.00% 0% 100.00%

Total 151 6 35 192

CHURCH DENOMINATION

78.65% 3.13% 18.23% 100.00%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -77-

Need of religious journals

Yes it is

must,

78.65%

Can't say,

18.23%

Not

necessary,

3.13%

Fig. 3.23

Table 3.23 and Fig 3.23 clearly shows that majority of the respondents (83.91%)

irrespective of sex, age, occupation, monthly income, and church denomination felt

that religious journal is a necessity and its publication must continue. Only a

handful of the respondents (3.45%) contented that religious journals are not

necessary. A good number of respondents (12.64%), more than those who say no to

religious journal, cannot decide on the issue.

Gender-wise classification shows that majority of female respondents (83.91%) are

in favour of publication of religious journals. Only a small percentage (3.45%) says

otherwise. A large number of male respondents (74.27%) also agreed that

publication of religious journals is must. Only 2.86% says it is not necessary.

The overall comparison between male and female shows that there are more female

than male; who wanted continuation of publication of religious journals.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -78-

Age-wise categorization shows that as many as 84% of respondents in the age group

of Above 40 years wanted continuation of religious journals. They are followed by

26-40 years group with 78.48% and finally by those below 25 years with 74.6%. It

can be concluded that elders are much keener to see the continuation of publication

of journals than rest of the age group.

Occupational data points out that 100% of respondents belonging to Mission

workers felt it is must to publish religious journals.

While the majority of the respondents i.e. 75 per cent, wanted publication of

religious journals those in the teaching and IT sector felt the least need with as

many as 25 per cent of them saying publication of religious journal as not

necessary.

The denomination classification shows that irrespective of the churches to which

respondents belonged, majority of them wanted to continue the publication of

religious journals. The need is felt most strongly among Others groups (which

includes Salvation Army, Pentecostals, Baptists, Methodist) with an overwhelming

90% of the respondents saying they that religious journal must be brought out.

[Note: These smaller churches did not have their own regular journal at the time of

the study]

(C) 2007 e-Edition -79-

Whether religious journal impose restriction on the society

Table 3.24

Category

Undue

restriction on society

Reasonable restriction on

society

No

restriction at all

Total

1. Male 10 57 38 105

9.52% 54.29% 36.19% 100.00%

2. Female 10 38 39 87

11.49% 43.68% 44.83% 100.00%

Total 20 95 77 192

GENDER

10.42% 49.48% 40.10% 100.00%

1. Below 25 years 8 37 18 63

12.70% 58.73% 28.57% 100.00%

2. 26- 40 years 8 39 32 79

10.13% 49.37% 40.51% 100.00%

3. Above 40 years 4 19 27 50

8.00% 38.00% 54.00% 100.00%

Total 20 95 77 192

AGE

10.42% 49.48% 40.10% 100.00%

1. Student 4 25 19 48

8.33% 52.08% 39.58% 100.00%


0% 58.82% 41.18% 100.00%


0% 56.67% 43.33% 100.00%


12.50% 58.33% 29.17% 100.00%


21.21% 36.36% 42.42% 100.00%

6. Farmer 5 14 17 36

13.89% 38.89% 47.22% 100.00%


25.00% 75.00% 0% 100.00%

Total 20 95 77 192

OCCUPATION

10.42% 49.48% 40.10% 100.00%


8.70% 65.22% 26.09% 100.00%


11.36% 40.91% 47.73% 100.00%


8.51% 53.19% 38.30% 100.00%


8.62% 48.28% 43.10% 100.00%


30.00% 50.00% 20.00% 100.00%

6. Others 1 4 5 10

10.00% 40.00% 50.00% 100.00%

Total 20 95 77 192

CHURCH DENOMINATION

10.42% 49.48% 40.10% 100.00%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -80-

Whether religious journal impose

restriction on the society

Undue

restrictions on

society ,

10.42%No restriction

at all, 40.10%

Reasonable

restriction on

society,

49.48%

Fig. 3.24

Table 3.24 and Fig 3.24 exhibit that majority of the respondents (49.48%) are of the

view that religious journals placed reasonable restriction on the society. An equally

huge percentage of respondents (40.10%) felt otherwise. On the other hand 10.42%

of the total respondents considered religious journals as a tool that put undue

restriction on the Hmar society.

Gender-wise compartmentalization indicates that a large majority of male

respondent (54.29%) said that religious journals placed reasonable restriction on

their society as against 9.52% of them who are of the opinion that religious journals

placed undue restriction upon the Hmar society. On the other hand there are a

sizeable, 36.19%, male respondents who think that religious journals placed no

restriction at all.

Overall, there are more female (11.49%) than male (9.52%) who opined that

religious journal placed undue restriction on the society.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -81-

In the age-wise category, 58.73% of the total respondents who observed that

religious journals placed reasonable restriction on the society belonged to Below 25

years. The percentage of respondents gradually decreases down to 38% in the

Above 40 year’s age group. On the other side majority (54%) of the respondents

who said that religious journals placed no restriction are those who are Above 40

years. This trickles down to 40.51% among 26-40 years and finally to 28.57%

among those Below 25 years.

It can be safely infer from Table 3.24 that as years of the respondents increases,

lesser is the both the number of respondents who will say that religious journals

placed undue restriction as well as reasonable restriction on the society. On the

other hand, as years of the respondents increases there will be more number of

respondents who will begin to think that religious journals place no restriction on

the society.

Occupational-wise categorization reveals that a good number of respondents in the

Teaching and IT sector (25%) believed that religious journals place undue

restriction on the society. However, not a single respondent are there among

Mission Workers and Housewives who think religious journal imposed undue

restriction. From the occupation figures it can be stated that irrespective of their

profession most of the respondents felt that religious journals placed reasonable

restrictions.

Denominational classification shows that a majority (30%) of the total respondents

who said that religious journals place undue restriction on society are those

belonging to the Reform Presbyterian Church as compared to relatively less

percentage (8.51%) of respondents from the Evangelical Free Church of India. A

good per cent (65.22%) of respondents of the Evangelical Assembly Church said

that religious journals impose reasonable restriction on the society.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -82-

Whether Hmar tribe’s conversion to Christianity was through religious journals

Table 3.25

Religious journals role in conversion

Can't say,

30.73%

Partially it did

strengthen the

process, 23.96%

No, 27.08%

Yes, 18.23%

Fig 3.25

Category

Yes

No

Partially strengthen the

process

Can’t say

Total

1. Male 23 26 27 29 105

21.90% 24.76% 25.71% 27.62% 100.00%

2. Female 12 26 19 30 87

13.79% 29.89% 21.84% 34.48% 100.00%

Total 35 52 46 59 192

GENDER

18.23% 27.08% 23.96% 30.73% 100.00%

1. Below 25 years 5 13 24 21 63

7.94% 20.63% 38.10% 33.33% 100.00%

2. 26- 40 years 12 32 17 18 79

15.19% 40.51% 21.52% 22.78% 100.00%

3. Above 40 years 18 7 5 20 50

36.00% 14.00% 10.00% 40.00% 100.00%

Total 35 52 46 59 192

AGE

18.23% 27.08% 23.96% 30.73% 100.00%

1. Student 3 8 21 16 48

6.25% 16.67% 43.75% 33.33% 100.00%


0% 47.06% 23.53% 29.41% 100.00%


46.67% 13.33% 16.67% 23.33% 100.00%


25.00% 20.83% 16.67% 37.50% 100.00%


18.18% 42.42% 12.12% 27.27% 100.00%

6. Farmer 6 13 6 11 36

16.67% 36.11% 16.67% 30.56% 100.00%


0% 0% 50.00% 50.00% 100.00%

Total 35 52 46 59 192

OCCUPATION

18.23% 27.08% 23.96% 30.73% 100.00%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -83-

Table 3.25 and Fig 3.25 shows that a majority of respondents i.e., 30.73%, can't say

whether religious journals were responsible for the Hmar tribe’s complete

conversion to Christianity. 23.96% of the respondents opined that religious journals

partially helped in strengthening the process of conversion. Only 18.23% of the

total respondents believed that religious journals were responsible for the

conversion process while 27.08% said that they do not think it was the religious

journals that convert the Hmars to Christianity.

Gender-wise classification shows that more male respondent (21.9%) held religious

journals responsible for the tribe conversion to Christianity than against their female

counterpart (13.79%).

The age compartmentalization indicate that those above 40 years has the maximum

number of respondents (36%) who agree to role played by religious journals in the

process of conversion. Those belonging to Below 25 years (7.94%) are least likely

to believe in the same.

In the occupational classification it appears that majority of the respondents

(46.67%) think that religious journals were responsible for Hmar tribe’s conversion

to Christianity are the Mission Workers. On the other side, Table 3.25 shows that a

vast majority (47.06%) of the respondents who do not think that religious journals

were responsible for their tribe conversion to Christianity were the housewives.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -84-

Quality of contents

Table 3.26

Category

Good enough

Lacks in quality

Needs

improvement

Total

1. Male 30 12 63 105

28.57% 11.43% 60.00% 100.00%

2. Female 27 15 45 87

31.03% 17.24% 51.72% 100.00%

Total 57 27 108 192

GENDER

29.69% 14.06% 56.25% 100.00%

1. Below 25 years 19 9 35 63

30.16% 14.29% 55.56% 100.00%

2. 26- 40 years 22 12 45 79

27.85% 15.19% 56.96% 100.00%

3. Above 40 years 16 6 28 50

32.00% 12.00% 56.00% 100.00%

Total 57 27 108 192

AGE

29.69% 14.06% 56.25% 100.00%

1. Student 8 8 32 48

16.67% 16.67% 66.67% 100.00%


35.29% 29.41% 35.29% 100.00%


30.00% 3.33% 66.67% 100.00%


12.50% 12.50% 75.00% 100.00%


24.24% 27.27% 48.48% 100.00%

6. Farmer 22 1 13 36

61.11% 2.78% 36.11% 100.00%


25.00% 0% 75.00% 100.00%

Total 57 27 108 192

OCCUPATION

29.69% 14.06% 56.25% 100.00%

1. Below Rs.5000 44 15 67 126

34.92% 11.90% 53.17% 100.00%

2. Rs. 5001- 10,000 11 9 32 52

21.15% 17.31% 61.54% 100.00%

3. Rs. 10,001 0r more 2 3 9 14

14.29% 21.43% 64.29% 100.00%

Total 57 27 108 192 MONTHLYINCOME

29.69% 14.06% 56.25% 100.00%


13.04% 26.09% 60.87% 100.00%


20.45% 18.18% 61.36% 100.00%


42.55% 8.51% 48.94% 100.00%


34.48% 10.34% 55.17% 100.00%


20.00% 20.00% 60.00% 100.00%

6. Others 3 1 6 10

30.00% 10.00% 60.00% 100.00%

Total 57 27 108 192

CHURCH DENOMINATION

29.69% 14.06% 56.25% 100.00%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -85-

Quality of contents

Needs

improvement,

56.25%

Good enough

, 29.69%

Lacks in

quality,

14.06%

Fig 3.26

Table 3.26 and Fig 3.26 clearly outlined the respondent views on the quality of

contents of the religious journals. A large majority of respondents (56.25%) felt that

the contents need improvement. Only 29.69% of the respondents are happy to agree

that the contents are good enough. Another 14.06% considers religious journals

poor in content.

In gender-wise assortment, a good majority of both male (60%) and female

(51.72%) felt the need for improvement in content quality as compared to only

28.57% and 31.03% of both male and female who think the journals are good

enough.

Age-wise classification shows that the need for improvement is reflected by a

majority of the respondents in all the age groups starting it with 26-40 years

(56.96%), Above 40 years (56%) and Below 25 years (55.56%).

(C) 2007 e-Edition -86-

Occupational stratification shows that Government employees and Others (Teacher,

IT) shared equal interest (75%) in their desire to see improvements in the contents

of the journals.

However, farmers are more contented with the quality of the contents with a

sounding majority of the respondents (61.11%) who feels that contents of religious

journals are good enough.

Monthly income classification points out that Below Rs 5000 income group

(34.92% of the respondent) are more satisfied with the contents of the journals. On

the other hand a huge majority of respondents (64%) in the Rs. 10,001 or more

category feels that content of religious journals must improve.

The occupational Table clearly shows that expectation of the respondents grow with

increase in income level.

Denomination-wise grouping depicts a uniformity of percentage of respondents

belonging to different churches who wants to see improvements in the quality of the

content matters. The respondents that expect improvements most are those from the

Evangelical Assembly Church (61.36%).

In the overall analysis Evangelical Free Church of India respondents are the most

satisfied with the content of the journals they have read with 42.55% of the total

respondents saying that content of religious are good enough. At the other opposite

end are 13.04% of the total respondents belonging to Assembly of God who wants

more improvement.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -87-

Whether members of one church read another church’s journal

Table 3.27

Category

Yes

No

Total

1. Male 78 27 105

74.29% 25.71% 100.00%

2. Female 69 18 87

79.31% 20.69% 100.00%

Total 147 45 192

GENDER

76.56% 23.44% 100.00%

1. Below 25 years 45 18 63

71.43% 28.57% 100.00%

2. 26- 40 years 60 19 79

75.95% 24.05% 100.00%


84.00% 16.00% 100.00%

Total 147 45 192

AGE

76.56% 23.44% 100.00%

1. Student 34 14 48

70.83% 29.17% 100.00%


76.47% 23.53% 100.00%


96.67% 3.33% 100.00%


100.00% 0% 100.00%


69.70% 30.30% 100.00%

6. Farmer 23 13 36

63.89% 36.11% 100.00%


25.00% 75.00% 100.00%

Total 147 45 192

OCCUPATION

76.56% 23.44% 100.00%

1. Below Rs.5000 90 36 126

71.43% 28.57% 100.00%

2. Rs. 5001- 10,000 44 8 52

84.62% 15.38% 100.00%

3. Rs. 10,001 0r more 13 1 14

92.86% 7.14% 100.00%

Total 147 45 192 MONTHLYINCOME

76.56% 23.44% 100.00%


100.00% 0% 100.00%


81.82% 18.18% 100.00%


72.34% 27.66% 100.00%


65.52% 34.48% 100.00%


60.00% 40.00% 100.00%

6. Others 10 0 10

100.00% 0% 100.00%

Total 147 45 192

CHURCH DENOMINATION

76.56% 23.44% 100.00%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -88-

Whether members of other church read religious

journals of other churches

No, 23.44%

(45)

Yes ,

76.56%

(147)

Fig. 3.27

Table 3.27 and Fig 3.27 show that a large majority of the total respondents i.e.

76.56% read religious journals belonging to other Hmar churches than their own.

On the other hand 23.44% of the respondents do not read religious journals brought

out by other churches.

Gender-wise classification shows that majority of the male (74.29%) read journals

of other churches whereas 25.71% do not read. Among the female a huge majority

(79.31%) read journals of other churches than their own as compared to only

20.69% who do not read. In the general comparison between male and female

respondents female (79.31%) read more than their male counterpart (74.29%).

Age-wise classification denotes that 84% of the total respondents who read other

churches journal are in the age group of Above 40 years. The age group table shows

that as the respondents gets older they tend to read more of other church journals

besides reading their own.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -89-

The occupational classification shows that government employees (100%) read

most of other church journals. On the other opposite are the Teachers and IT

employees (25%). Irrespective of their occupation a huge majority of respondents

read other church journals except among Teachers and IT employees.

Income-wise categorization shows that the readership of other religious journal

increases gradually from those Below Rs. 5000 (71.43%), Rs. 5001-10,000

(84.62%) and finally to 92.86% in the Above 40 age group. Thus, it can be

generalized that readership of other religious journals is also directly proportional to

the income level of the respondents.

The denomination classification shows that both the respondents of Assembly of

God and Others (Salvation Army, Methodists, and Pentecostals) attained 100%

readership of reading other church journals. On the other hand 40% of the

respondents of Reform Presbyterian Church do not read journals of other churches

followed by 34% respondents of Independent Church of India and Evangelical Free

Church of India with 27.66%.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -90-

Journals read by other members of the church

Table 3.28

* Percentage is calculated to the total number of respondents who read journals of other church, N= 143

* Percentage is overlapping due to multiple choice answers.

Readership of journal other than their own church's.

35.37%

51.70%

30.61%

48.97%

29.25%

38.77%

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

Dinthar Khawnvar Kohran Kristien Thalai

Kantu

Thuhriltu

Name of Journals

Percentage

Fig. 3.28

Table 3.28 and Fig. 3.28 indicated that among those journals read by members of

other churches Khawnvar is the most read (51.7%) followed closely by Kristien

(48.97%), Thuhriltu (38.77%) and others. Thalai Kantu is the least read by other

denomination members with only 29.25% of the total respondents having declared

that they have read it.

Category Number %

Dinthar 52 35.37%

Khawnvar 76 51.70%

Kohran 45 30.61%

Kristien 72 48.97%

Thalai Kantu 43 29.25% JO

UR

NA

LS

Thuhriltu 57 38.77%

Total 345 234.67%

(C) 2007 e-Edition -91-

T

CHAPTER- IV

((((CONCLUSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONSSUGGESTIONSSUGGESTIONSSUGGESTIONS))))

he history of man is the history of human communication. Communication

process is believed to have taken place not only from birth to death but

even after death. The belief in ‘communication processes’ after death led man to

adopt what we now called religion. Many wars and battles were fought as religion

became close and dear to kings and queens, the rich and poor alike. All great

ancient civilizations, the world over, had devoted much of their energy, time and

wealth to prepare themselves for life after death. As a result they employed

whatever tools and resources available at their disposal. It ancient times men make

use of bows, arrows and swords to expand the divine dominion. Today, modern

technology such as the press, television, radio and others has taken their place to

‘spread the good news’. Not a single religion is immune from this practice. Religion

has become so important and so powerful one cannot even think of openly speaking

against it.

The modern man is even more aggressive in his quest for communion with the

divine being. So the new tools he adopted, viz., the press here, has been used to

bridge different people on one hand and the people to god on the other side. The

modern press has made it possible for religious institution to bring out periodicals

containing texts propagating their faith besides current news and reports of their

activities.

Religious journals disseminate religious teachings, beliefs and information about

developments within a particular faith or religious institution. Religious texts have

great impact not only in the life of an individual but the whole world. Its powerful

influence has been proved with the publication of the first printed book, the

Gutenberg Bible in 1452. Just as the Holy Bible, religious journals not only inform

people but formulate their beliefs in the long run.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -92-

Findings on theFindings on theFindings on theFindings on the study of the study of the study of the study of the

Impact of Religious JournalsImpact of Religious JournalsImpact of Religious JournalsImpact of Religious Journals

onononon the the the the Hmar Hmar Hmar Hmar TTTTribe in Manipurribe in Manipurribe in Manipurribe in Manipur


A majority of the Hmar tribe read religious journals but most of them spent very

little time on a day to day basis. Only a few (8.85%) read for 1-2 hours daily. The

notion that Hmar men are not religious is proved wrong as the study shows that men

spent more time reading religious journals than their female counterpart. It appears

that elders spent more time than young readers but as education level increases they

begin to take more interest in reading religious texts.

The study shows that Mission workers by virtue of their profession spent the

maximum time. However, farmers have little time to spare with 88.33 per cent of

them saying they read it for less than 30 minutes a day. Teachers and those in the IT

sector performed even worst than the farmers when it comes to spending more time.

None of them could spare 1-2 hours a day. This shows that profession of the

individual is a great determining factor for reading religious journals.


The study denotes that majority of the readers of religious journals are occasional

readers with both male and female going almost hand in hand. Females tend to be

more occasional reader (55.17%) than their male counterpart (49.52%). However,

there are also a good number (34.9%) who read regularly. It is also seen that the

reading habit of the respondents began to increase with age. This shows that youth

are not regular reader of religious journals.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -93-

The study shows that irrespective of age, sex, occupation and church

denomination most of the Hmars read religious journal occasionally. However,

there are also a good number of them who read it regularly. The overall readership

behaviour among members of different denomination reveals that most of them

are occasional readers of religious journals.

The study shows that Mission workers by virtue of their profession are the most

regular readers whereas teachers and IT people are the most irregular readers. We

can deduce from this that people who are in secular profession are not as

enthusiastic about reading religious journals as when compared to Mission workers.

Subscription of religious journals

The study indicates that majority of the respondents (80.73%) subscribe to religious

journal as compared to only 19.27% who do not subscribe. Age-wise study shows a

huge percentage (96%) of the respondent from above 40 years subscribes to

religious journals. Those Below 25 years are least to subscribe with 63.49%.

Despite the difference in age and profession, it is clear that majority of the

respondents subscribe religious journals.

Reading religious journals comes with a price. Though most of the journals are

priced as low as Rs. 4 to Rs. 10 per copy; the subscription data reveals that

subscription of religious journal is directly proportional to the monthly income of

the respondents. Subscription rate increase as income increase from Below Rs. 5000

(73.81%) to Rs.5001-10, 000 (92.31%) and finally to Rs. 10,001 or more (100%).

The higher the income level, higher is the chance for them to have access to

religious journals.

It is clearly seen that among those who do not subscribe majority of them read it

from their friends and relatives. Females have more tendencies to borrow from their

(C) 2007 e-Edition -94-

neighbours. Surprisingly none of them have read or even borrowed from libraries.

This maybe due to lack of or no proper libraries in the district.

The subscription level among all the church denomination is pretty high (83.59%).

This shows that most church member subscribes to one or more religious journals.

Religious journals read by respondents

A majority of the respondents have read most of the religious journals. But the most

widely read journal appears to be Kristien followed by Khawnvar. Kohran is the

least read journal among the respondents.

Most journals and magazine are subscribed to fulfill one's physical need and wants

but this is just the opposite in the case of religious journals. The respondents’ desire

to have holy relationship with God is clearly visible as majority, (65.80%) among

those who subscribe religious journals, read it because they wanted to know more

about God. At the same time there are a small number (9.67%) who put the blame

on church leaders’ pressure. Though this is a small number, it is a notable

development. It indicates how somebody in the church organization is trying to

‘bring more souls’ into their organization.

Enjoyed reading religious journals

The study clearly reveals that a large majority (85.42%) of the respondents both

male and female enjoys reading religious journal. Only 14.58% says they do not

enjoy reading. It can be safely inferred from this that irrespective of the gender, age,

occupation and church denomination majority of the Hmars enjoyed reading

religious journals. It is also found that majority of them enjoyed reading religious

journals because of their over all informative character about the various facets of

religion.

The study also shows that religion is an integral part of the Hmar society and

religious journals is one means of getting closer to God. This is reflected clearly as

(C) 2007 e-Edition -95-

majority of the readers prefer reading sermons and message content. This is

followed by a good number of them who want news of the world.

Other aspects like editorials, reports on church activities, pictures etc, do not create

much enthusiasm among them. It can be safely concluded that when reading

religious journals it is the contents of ideas that counts rather than anything else.

Otherwise, this maybe due to the low quality of presentation of other items which

fail to attract attention of the readers.

Reading preference

It is also seen that sermons are popular with mission workers (70%) and housewives

(64.71%) as compared to Private/Business (24.24%).

Youth are interested in world news and current affairs. Sermon is read most by the

elder section of the society. The study also exhibits that sermons is read most by

the Mission workers followed housewives. Private/ business individuals and

students seem to take more interest in the current affairs section.


The respondents are somewhat equally divided on the issue of the role played by

religious journals in promotion of peace in the society. Approximately 28.65%

believed that religious journals are partially successful, 27.60% says religious

journals could have done much more, 21 per cent thinks it is very effective while an

equal number opined it had no impact at all as far as promotion of peace is

concerned.

It is readable from this observation that the Hmars are equally divided on what

religious journals had done in promoting peace within their society.

.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -96-

How readers feel or do after reading religious journals

The study brought to light that majority of the respondents tries to practice what

they have read. The statistics derived tells us that most of the respondents stress

more on trying to practice rather than pray. There are also a good number of them

(25.52%) who do not do anything when they have finished reading religious

journals. A small number of them (6.25%) discussed what they have read with

friends, families and relatives.

Religious journals and Church attendance

As a clear sign of considerable impact religious journals had on the society, it is

seen that, majority of the respondent i.e. 61.46%, are willing to attend church if

writing in religious journals suggest that they should attend church to be a good

Christian. Younger sections of the society are most likely to follow directions in this

regard. As far as the occupation is concerned, Housewives are the most obedient

readers with 94.12 per cent, which is way above the average 61.46 per cent.

Government employees are, however, unlikely to follow the direction. Members of

Reform Presbyterian Church are obedient lot with 80% of the respondents willing to

attend church if asked to do so. Members of the Evangelical Free Church of India

are least likely to attend with half of them saying they need not attend.

On authenticity of religious journals

It is also seen from the study that majority of the respondents, (42.92%) do not

believe in everything that is inside the two covers of religious journals. Only a small

percentage (17.19%) says they do believe. A good number of the respondents

(40.24%) were undecided. Thus, there is clear division of opinion on the

authenticity of the contents of religious journals.

Female tends to believe in what is written in religious journals than the male

respondents which is also witnessed among the elders. As far as occupation is

concern, the teachers and IT people (75%) says they do not believe in all the

(C) 2007 e-Edition -97-

contents of religious journals. On the opposite end are the mission workers

(33.33%) who believe in everything written in the journals. It is, however, notable

that majority of mission workers (40%) cannot decide on the matter. This clearly

shows that the authenticity of religious contents could not be ascertained by the

readers. As a result they agree or disagree with the contents according to their

personal likes and dislikes. For example: If a pastor whom a housewife dislikes

personally writes an article which is exceptionally authentic she is likely to rubbish

the article as not true and bias.

Youth and religious journals

Though majority of the youth read religious journals only 37 per cent of the total

respondents feel that youth are really interested in reading religious journals. A good

per cent (33%) of them also think that youth read religious journals but they do not

practice what they read. And 27 per cent of the respondents feel that youth are not at

all interested in reading religious journals. It is found that majority of those who

believe that youth are interested in reading religious journals belong to the younger

section of the respondents.

Attitude towards articles written by pastors and church elders

A clear-cut division is seen between those who think articles written by pastors and

church elders as more authentic (42.71%) and those respondents who opined that

they are like any other articles (40.10%).

It is also observed that male respondents tend to have greater faith in articles written

by pastors and church elders. Youth on the other hand feel that articles by pastors

and church elders are boring and traditional. The study also shows that housewives

are looking for more articles from those who are in the profession itself as they have

more faith in the articles written by pastors and church elders.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -98-

Readers recalling capacity of content matters

The study shows that majority of the respondents (56%) can recall the last article

they have read. On the other hand, equally a good number of the respondents (44%)

could not remember the name of the article they last read.

Male respondents have better memory in recalling the name of the last religious

content they have read. It reaches its peak among those above 40 years (58%). This

shows that elders seem to think or ponder over, more of what they have read.

The study also established that housewives have the best memory with as many as

82.35% of them remembering the title of the articles they have last read. Teachers

and those in IT sector least cared to remember with only 25% who can recall the

names of the materials they have read.

Yet, on the overall analysis, respondents with the best memory are found among

members of the Evangelical Free Church of India (51.06%), followed closely by

Independent Church of India (48.28%). Reform Presbyterian Church respondents

are more likely to forget the name of the last article they have read with as many as

90% of the respondent who could not recall them.

Degree of influence of religious journals

It is registered that religious journals have more influence on the elderly. Though

smaller in percentage, yet noticeable is that there are 21.88% who supposed that the

youth are more influenced.

Another striking revelation is that only 0.52% of the respondent concludes that

religious journals influence children the most. Irrespective of gender, age,

occupation and denomination to which a person belongs they all agreed that it is the

elderly group who have been most affected by religious journals.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -99-

Power of religious journals in conversion process

It is noticed that three-fourth of the respondents considered religious journals as

something that can strengthen earlier beliefs of the people more than converting

them to Christianity.

Whether religious writers distort Biblical facts

Interestingly, readers’ faith in religious writers is re-affirmed; but with new

challenge for them as well. Though majority of readers (67.19%) of religious

journals do not believe that writers distort or use biblical verses to suit their

personal beliefs, a good section has emerged among the respondents (28.64%) who

held that writers in religious journals interpret or distort certain verses to suit their

beliefs and cover up their misdeeds. This shows that more people are beginning to

ascertain their own beliefs and views which is definitely a matter of concern for

religious writers in particular and religious leaders in general.

Whether religious journals contribute to

Inter-denominational clash or exclusivity

Another accolade for the church is that a large majority of the respondents (63.02%)

do not think that religious journals promote denominational clash or exclusiveness.

On the other hand 36.98% of the respondents felt that religious journals contribute

to inter-denominational clash and exclusiveness.

Both sexes have almost equal percentage of respondents who believed that religious

journals promote clash between church denominations and those who think

otherwise. Youth (below 25 years) are more critical of religious journals when

compared to the elders. This is a clear reflection of the on-going debate over the

question whether a united single church for the Hmars will solve their socio-

religious problems.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -100-

It is also seen that the housewives (94.12%) are fully supportive of the journals.

They do not believe religious journals give rise to clash between churches.

Housewives are closely trailed by Mission Workers (86.67%). students (64.58%),

farmers (63.89%), private/business (45.45%) and finally government employee

(37.50). On the other end are the government employees who are more open to

scrutinising the ill effects of religious journals vis-à-vis between various churches.

The study also exonerates the current confusion created in the Hmar society over the

role of the churches. Since majority of the respondents from all churches disagree

with the theory that religious journals promote clashes one can safely conclude that

the church is not wholly responsible for the present socio-religious rivalry.

One can also conclude that uniting all churches is not a solution to the problem.

Statistics in the study shows that the Hmars are not fully prepared to come under

one umbrella as far as religion is concerned.

Perception on what religious journals can do

The study also depicts that majority of the respondents (60.21%) believe that by

reading religious journal they will be able to lead a good life. A good number

(37.70%) of them believes that reading religious journals will help them increase

their divine knowledge. Another 19.9% assumed that they will be better informed.

A small section (3.66%) believes they can go to heaven if they read religious

journal.

It is also ascertained that irrespective of sex, age, occupation and church

denomination most of them had absolute faith on the role religious journals can play

in their lives. It is also interesting to find that there are some 3.66 per cent who

believed they can go to heaven if they read religious journals. The statistics in the

study has shows that most of these belong to below Class X or those having no

access to education. It can be said that education is directly related to a person’s

divine perception.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -101-

The study shows that farmers have maximum faith in religious journals as far as

leading a good life. Housewives would seek divine knowledge from it while private

workers or business believes they will be more informed. Thus, religious journals

have to serve not only the spiritually thirsty being but others as well.

Is religious journal necessary?

Majority of the respondents irrespective of sex, age, occupation, monthly income,

and church denomination felt that religious journal is a necessity and as such its

publication must continue. Only a handful (3.45%) contends that religious journals

are not necessary. A good number of respondents (12.64%), more than those who

say no to religious journal, cannot decide on the issue.

It is also seen that elders are much keener to get religious journals published.

Statistics here shows that as many as 84% of respondents in the age group of above

40 years wanted continuation of religious journals. They are followed by 26-40

years group with 78.48% and finally by those below 25 years with 74.6%. A

distinguishing trait witnessed among Mission workers was that they

overwhelmingly wanted continuation of religious journals.

Interestingly, it is discovered that the need for religious journals was felt most by

respondents (90%) belonging to smaller churches who do not have their own

publication or journals. The smaller churches include the Salvation Army,

Pentecostals and Methodists.

Whether religious journals imposed restrictions on the society

While majority of the respondents (49.48%) thinks that religious journals placed

reasonable restriction on society an equally huge percentage of respondents

(40.10%) felt that religious journals place no restriction on the society. On the other

hand 10.42% of the total respondents consider that religious journals imposed

undue restriction on the Hmar society.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -102-

The study also revealed that there are more female than male who think that

religious journal place undue restriction on the society. This development maybe

the result of some writings that have appeared in some of the journals suggesting

guidelines of what is ‘good sense’ on dress and other ‘anti-women’ issues.

It can be safely inferred from the study that as the age of the respondents increases,

lesser the number of respondents who would say that religious journals place undue

restriction and it placed reasonable restriction on their society. On the other hand, as

age of the respondents increase there will be more number of respondents who will

begin to think that religious journals place no restriction on the society.

Whether the Hmar tribe conversion to

Christianity was through religious journals

The study indicates that the Hmars conversion to religion was not due to the

propagation through religious journals. Though, majority of them cannot decide on

the issue, a good number of them believe that religious journals helped in

strengthening the foundation of their belief. Few who believe that it was responsible

for conversion were from the male population belonging to the elder section of the

society.

It is also seen that majority of Mission workers themselves did not believe that the

Hmar tribe’s conversion was due to religious journals but it has helped them in

strengthening their ministry.

Quality of contents

The study also clearly outlines that majority of the respondents are of the view that

the contents of religious journals needs to be improved. Even among those who feel

that contents are satisfactory, a need for more improvement is felt. Considering the

price at which they are sold most must have reasoned it out the economic

constraints of bringing out journals. However, the need for improvement is clearly

(C) 2007 e-Edition -103-

reflected in all age groups especially among government employees and others

(Teacher, IT). Expectation of the respondents grows with increase in income level.

Farmers are most satisfied with the quality of the contents with a sounding majority

of the respondents (61.11%) who says content of religious journals are good

enough.

Whether members of one church read journals of another church

Perhaps the most interesting finding of the study is that an overwhelming majority

(76.56%) of the respondents read journals of other churches besides reading their

own. At a time when an atmosphere of intense competition or rivalry is projected

this result clearly shows that the people are more liberal than they appear to be as

opined by some analysts.

Irrespective of sex, age, education, and denomination it is observed that cent per

cent of government employees read religious journals of other church.

The denominational study of the readers shows that both the respondents of

Assembly of God and Others (Salvation Army, Methodists, and Pentecostals)

achieved cent per cent readership in reading other church journals. On the other

hand 40% of the respondents from Reform Presbyterian Church do not read journals

of other churches followed by 34% respondents of Independent Church of India and

Evangelical Free Church of India with 27.66%.

It can be concluded that irrespective of the Church to which they belong the

majority of the Hmar tribe are likely to read journals of other church as they have

little inhibitions. This development may have been due to similar doctrines that

most churches followed.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -104-

The most widely read religious journals

The study has shown that, Kristien is the most widely read religious journals in the

overall readership category. However, it is found that among those who read

journals of other churches, Khawnvar is the most read (51.7%) followed by Kristien

(48.97%), Thuhriltu (38.77%) and others. Thalai Kantu is the least read by other

denomination with only 29.25% of the total respondents having declared that they

have read it.

An Overview

The overall generalisation of the data derived from the study shows that religious

journals are here to stay in the Hmar society. It has molded and re-molded their

outlook towards their socio-religious and other aspect of their life. With majority of

them having read and spending considerable time on reading religious journals it is

expected that religious journals over a period of time will focus their attention to

other issues which maybe more secular in outlook.

The scope for religious journals is promising as all section of the society is reading

them for several purposes. Whether this challenge can be fulfilled by religious

journals is a big question time can only answer.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -105-

SuggestionsSuggestionsSuggestionsSuggestions

The respondents of the questionnaires have given some valuable suggestions which

are mentioned as follows:

1. Religious journals should have more pictures and photos.

2. They should strive to promote ecumenical views.

3. There is need for one common journal for all Hmar churches. This will bring

cooperation and better understanding of other churches.

4. A special section for youth and children should be incorporated in the journals.

Most of the youth and children have nothing to read in these journals. Efforts

should be made to attract readers especially the youth and children.

5. Since most farmers lived in villages and with no other newspapers around,

religious journals should have more news of the world and other current affairs.

6. Every journal should have regular features for women. There should be more of

women writers.

7. There should be more sermons.

8. Editorials should be short and simple but powerful.

9. Add regular features like Bible quiz, puzzles, crosswords, etc.

10. Reconstitute the Evangelical Editors Association.

11. There should be features and articles designed for the farming community.

12. Physical health is as important as spiritual health. It would be beneficial if

religious journals carry medical/ health tips and news.

Along with these suggestions other propositions whichAlong with these suggestions other propositions whichAlong with these suggestions other propositions whichAlong with these suggestions other propositions which the researcher feels important are mentioned the researcher feels important are mentioned the researcher feels important are mentioned the researcher feels important are mentioned as follows:as follows:as follows:as follows:

1. Make religious journals more secular by featuring items from all aspects of

life. In this way religious journals will become closer- much more- to the

people than they were before.

2. Writing style of religious content needs to be changed. Instead of telling

stories writers must try to relate the practical side of their writing. There is

no proper reporting style. A need for consistency is needed in this regard.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -106-

3. Regular team or separate department should be formed by the churches that

bring out journals. The present system under which the head of the

churches or important officials within the high level taking charge is not

desirable. They are overburdened with many other works and as a result

full concentrated efforts could not be given to bring out the best journals

they may have in mind. Religious write-ups need careful and humane touch

and on many occasion this is lacking due to heavy work load of those who

are responsible for bringing out these journals.

4. Need for professionals. The common feature of all Hmar journals is that

they are looked after by people who have no professional training. This

does not mean that they have failed, but they have faltered too much

between trail and error.

5. There is need to include stories of other churches. There are only few which

follow this. This can help the people understand each other in the long run

as it will inform them of what is happening in other churches. It may also

encourage healthy competition.

Religion is an important aspect of life on earth. History has shown us that it directs

the human behaviour. It connects man with the divine. It converts inhumane to

humane. It is therefore, essential that the tools that are employed for transmitting the

message of religion need to be handled with care and caution. It is, therefore, right

to say that religious journals needs more professional and dedicated touch even

more than the general newspapers or magazine as they affect the most sensitive part

of man- the heart and the soul.

(C) 2007 e-Edition -107-

References:

1. Frey R, Lawrence; Botan, Carl H; Friedman, Paul G. and Kreps, Gary L:

Investigating Communication- An Introduction to Research Methods ( Prentice Hall,

New Jersey,1991)

2. Krishnamurthy, Nadig: Indian Journalism (University of Mysore, Mysore, 1966)

3. Partharasarathy, Rangaswami: Journalism in India- From The Earliest Times to the

Present Day (Sterling Publishers, Fourth Revised ,New Delhi, 1997)

4. Hirsch, Paul M; Miller, Peter V.& Kline, F. Gerald: Strategies for Communication

Research (Sage Publications, London, 1977)

5. Gangte, Gin: Press in Manipur: An Overview, www.e-pao.net

6. Sinate, Rev Lalthankhum: Kohran Hring (The Partnership Publications,

Shillong,2001)

7. Independent Church of India Diamond Jubilee Souvenir: Pathien Thuoina Mak (ICI

Press, Sielmat,1985)

8. Independent Church of India Youth Silver Jubilee Souvenir: Souvenir (ICI Central

Kristien Thalai Pawl, Churachandpur 2006)

9. B. Chonzik, Paul.: “ Ethnic Divergence- Mizo or Hmar”, Hmar Arasi- Hmar Students’

Association Souvenir 2005 ( Hmar Students’ Association, Shilong, 2005)

10. Joute, Joseph: “Impact of Christianity upon the Hmars- With special reference to

cultural modernization”, Sikpuiruoi Souvenir 2005 (Sikpui Ruoi Committte,

Churachandpur, 2005)

11. Pudaite, Rochunga. The Education of The Hmar People (IBPM, Sielmat, 1963)

12. Independent Church of India (Manipur South Christian Diamond Jubilee Souvenir):

The Amazing Guidance of God ( ICI Publications: Churachandpur, 1985)

13. Keivom, L: Hmar Hla Suina (L&R Printing Press, Churachandpur, 1980)

14. Manmasi Year Book 2005, (Ed.) Timothy Z. Zote (The Manmasi Year Book Pvt. Ldt.,

Churachandpur, 2005)

15. Chatterjee, Suhas (Dr.). Mizoram Encyclopaedia, Vol. 2 (Jaico Publishing House,

Bombay,1990)

16. Dena, Lal: Hmar Folk Tales (Scholar Publishing House, Imphal, 1995)

17. Grierson, G.A.: Linguistic Survey of India, Vol. III, Part 3 (Calcutta, 1904) Reprinted

in 1967 by Motila Banarsidass

18. Census 2001, Government of India.

19. Songate, Hranglien: Hmar Chanchin : Hmar History (Mao Press, Pherzawl, 1956)

20. Panchani, C.S : Manipur-Religion, Culture and Society ( Konark Publishers Pvt Ltd.,

New Delhi, 1987)

21. Dr. Thanglung and Sela, H.L : Buhmasa (Hmar Primer), (EAC Press, Fifteen

Revised Edition, Rengkai, 1998)

(C) 2007 e-Edition -108-

Annexure

((((QUESTIONQUESTIONQUESTIONQUESTIONAAAAIRE)IRE)IRE)IRE)

(C) 2007 e-Edition -109-

DEPARTMENT OF

MASS COMMUNICATION AND JORNALISM

MANGALORE UNIVERSITY

Dear Friend,

As a part of my Post Graduate Degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from

Mangalore University, I am undertaking a dissertation/research project titled: A Study of

the Impact of Religious Journals on the Hmar Tribe in Manipur.

I request your kind cooperation to give your free and frank opinion and suggestions to the

questions that I have prepared. I assure you that the valuable information you give is only

for research purpose and your personal information will be strictly kept confidential.

Thank you,

Yours sincerely,

Robert L. Sungte

Dept of Mass Communication& Journalism


Mangalore, KARNATAKA

PART-A

1. Sex:

Male Female

2. Age:

Below 25 years

26- 40 years

Above 40 years

3. Education:

Below HSLC Undergraduate Graduate Post Graduate

4. Occupation:

Student

Housewives

Mission Worker

Government Service

Private/ Business

Any Other (Specify)........................................................................................

(C) 2007 e-Edition -110-

5. Monthly Income:

Below Rs. 5000

5001- 10000

10001 or more

6. Church Denomination:

Assembly of God

Evangelical Assembly Church

Evangelical Free Church of India

Independent Church of India

Any other..............................................................................................................

PART- B

1. How much time do you devote to reading journals everyday?

Less than 30 minutes

30- 60 minutes

1-2 hours

3 hours or more

2. How often do you read religious journals?

Regularly

Occasionally

Rarely

3. Do you subscribe/ buy religious journals?

Yes No

4. If NO, do you borrow from(only for those who do not subscribe)…

Library

Relatives and friends

Neighbours

Any other (Specify)............................................................................................

5. Write the names of Hmar religious journals you have read

a).................................................................

b)..................................................................

c)..................................................................

d)..................................................................

e) Any other.....................................................................................................................

6. Why do you buy/ subscribe religious journals? (Only for subscribers)

Church leaders’ pressure

Everyone buys one

Its price is low

To know more about god

Any other.........................................................................................................................

(C) 2007 e-Edition -111-

7. Do you enjoy reading religious journals?

No Yes

8. You enjoy reading religious journals because… (Only for those whose response is

YES)

It is interesting

It is Informative

To know more about God

Any other ( Specify) ......................................................................................................

9. What appeals you most in these (Hmar religious) journals?

Messages/ Sermons

Pictures/ Photos

Editorial

Question and Answers column

News of Christians around the World

Any other...........................................................................................................................

10. How do you rate the effectiveness of Religious journals in promoting peace within the Community?

Very effective

Makes no impact at all

Partially successful

Could have done more

11. After reading religious journal what do you do?

Try to practice what is written

Feel relieved

Do nothing

Any Others (Specify).....................................................................................................

12. If a journal suggest that you attend a church service to be good Christian you:

Will attend

Will not attend

Any other (Specify)...............................................................................

13. Do you believe everything that is written in these religious journals?

Yes

No

Can’t say

14. Do you think today’s youth are:

Interested in reading Religious journals

Not at all interested in reading Religious journals

Read but do not follow

Any other (Specify).........................................................................................................

(C) 2007 e-Edition -112-

15. Do you think articles written by pastors and elders are:

More authentic

Like any other articles

Boring and traditional

Any other (Specify).........................................................................................................

16. Can you re-call any article that you have read in any religious journal?

Yes No

17. Who in your opinion is more influenced by religious journals?

Elderly Youth Children

18. Do you think these religious journals have the following :

Converting power

Strengthening earlier beliefs

None of the above

19. Do you think religious journals are distorting Biblical facts to suit the writers own point of view?

Yes No

20. Do you think religious journals create inter denomination clash or exclusiveness within the tribe?

Yes No

21. Do you think that by reading religious journal you will:

To go to heaven

Increase your divine knowledge

Lead a good life

Any other( Specify) .................................................................................................................

22. Should religious journals be published?

Yes it is must

Not necessary

Can’t say

23. Do you feel that religious journals impose:

Undue restrictions on society

Reasonable restriction on society

No restriction at all

(C) 2007 e-Edition -113-

24. Do you think the Hmar tribe’s conversion to Christianity was due to propagation through religious journals?

Yes

No

Partially it did strengthen the process

Can’t say

25. What do you think of the Hmar religious journals in terms of content?

Good enough Lacks in quality Needs improvement

26. Do you read journals of other denomination other than your own church?

Yes No

27. Name the journals of those you have read. (Only for those who have read religious journals of other churches)

a) .........................................................................................

b) ......................................................................................... c) .........................................................................................

d) ..........................................................................................

28. Please give your suggestions or opinion about Hmar religious journals.

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THANK YOU

impact of religious journals on the hmar tribe in manipur

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