Soreishim Mahong (December 19, 1977 to October 27, 2021)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 27
Dimapur-based senior photojournalist Soreishim Mahong passed away in Dimapur on October 27. He was associated with The Morung Express and had also worked with Eastern Mirror.
Soreishim or Sorei, as he was fondly known, was a man of many talents. However, his view of the world was best expressed through his photographs. With human interest photos as his forte, Sorei lived to tell stories through his pictures.
From the photo of a sleeping street vendor to that of a rag picker having his meal, every picture had a story to tell. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced an influx of returnees to Nagaland, Sorei was among those who waited at the arrival points in the state even at odd hours to document such details of the unprecedented times.
One of the last photographs Sorei captured before his demise titled ‘Who will clean the mess?’ showing a garbage littered Supermarket area in Dimapur on September 3 put the spotlight on the menace of littering in the State and initiated a discussion on dealing with the same.
(L) In this photo taken by Soreishim Mahong on September 13, 2021, a vegetable vendor is seen sleeping in her roadside stall. Mahong had captioned it: “It's been a hard day; I should be sleeping like a log. But when I get home to you I’ll find the things that you do will make me feel alright.”
Attesting to such impactful works during his lifetime, the Nagaland Press Association (NPA) on Wednesday remembered Sorei as “a photojournalist, who could project the realities through his photos.”
Mourning his demise, the NPA stated that, “With his untimely departure we have not only lost a fine photojournalist, but also an honest and God fearing person.”
The Kohima Press Club (KPC) described Sorei as “a gentleman with a huge smile and a great sense of humor, always telling great and profound stories through his work/photography."
The Dimapur Press Club (DPC) commended Sorei for his dedication and sincerity towards his work and stated that he has left behind many valuable contributions which will be remembered by all.
“His demise is not only a loss to his family but also to the media fraternity,” the DPC stated.
The NPA, KPC and DPC conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
Remembering Sorei
Born on December 19, 1977, Sorei joined The Morung Express since its inception. He initially worked in the capacity of a Graphic Designer (full-time) from July 2005 till November 2011. After a gap, he joined The Morung Express again as a part-time photographer from 2017 to 2018 and later on as a photographer (Stringer) from 2019 till date.
“Sorei was creative and full of life. He was passionate about designing and photography. As a photographer, Sorei was a storyteller. He brought many stories to life through his images,” The Morung Express wrote in its obituary for late Sorei.
Former colleagues and friends also shared their final message for Sorei on Wednesday.
“Sorei, a former colleague at Eastern Mirror, had a big heart and stood for what he believed in,” said Graphic Designer Viketu Atubu Liegise. Recalling Sorei’s ‘ever ready to help’ attitude, Viketu prayed for his soul to rest in peace.
“Sorei was a gentleman whose kindness never ceased to follow him. Today, we mourn the loss of a fine photographer and a friend who will be profoundly missed. May your soul rest in peace,” Kanili Kiho, a journalist and colleague of Soreishim at The Morung Express said.
Along Longkumer, former Editor of The Morung Express described Sorei as an exceptionally talented person, a ‘creative artist’, showcasing his wide array of skills as a graphic designer, web master and photographer.
“In my association with him at The Morung Express and later as a freelancer, Sorei came across as someone who was always motivated to give his best in the work assigned to him. Another quality about Sorei that I came to admire was his courage to speak up for what he believed in. He was also not that type of person to give up easily in life. Although he was challenged by his failing health, he displayed a strong resolve right till the end. It is a really sad moment for us. I believe the media and artist community has lost a gifted professional and good human being,” Longkumer added.
Meanwhile, family members have informed that Sorei’s funeral service will be held on October 28 in Kuda, Dimapur at 8:00 am.
