KOLKATA: The last copy of ‘Seong Pow’ was printed in March 2020. Hopes of a revival were dashed when elderly editor Kuo-Tsai Chang died in July the same year. The small chain of translators, editors and distributors lost contact with each other thereafter.
While the challenges of recruiting a competent staff are manifold, the paper has taken its first step by appointing Yang Siao Hong as the new editor, possibly the first woman in its more-than-50-year-history.
‘Seong Pow’ will run with contributions from members of the 2,000-strong Chinese community. Just like its original format, stories will be compiled from leading Chinese newspapers and English dailies, and feature birthdays, social events and obituaries. A series of ethnic cultural festival line-ups this summer is likely to feature in the comeback edition. “Despite so few Chinese people in Kolkata, we feel the paper should be maintained and protected. The legacy of this newspaper is very unique,” said Yan.
“Many friends asked me about the fate of the newspaper, saying it is a pity it shut down,” consul general Liyou said. “I believe it is a legacy of Kolkata. Losing it would have been a big loss to the city.”
While the challenges of recruiting a competent staff are manifold, the paper has taken its first step by appointing Yang Siao Hong as the new editor, possibly the first woman in its more-than-50-year-history.
‘Seong Pow’ will run with contributions from members of the 2,000-strong Chinese community. Just like its original format, stories will be compiled from leading Chinese newspapers and English dailies, and feature birthdays, social events and obituaries. A series of ethnic cultural festival line-ups this summer is likely to feature in the comeback edition. “Despite so few Chinese people in Kolkata, we feel the paper should be maintained and protected. The legacy of this newspaper is very unique,” said Yan.
“Many friends asked me about the fate of the newspaper, saying it is a pity it shut down,” consul general Liyou said. “I believe it is a legacy of Kolkata. Losing it would have been a big loss to the city.”
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