Radiance Viewsweekly has been serving the humanity since 1963. Alhamdulillah, by the grace of Almighty, Radiance has completed 50 glorious years of publication. NUSRAT ALI, Member Governing Council Board of Islamic Publications as well as Secretary General Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, recalls the journey of Radiance since its inception – its contribution, challenges and achievements – in an exclusive interview with MOHAMMAD NAUSHAD KHAN.
How far Radiance has been able to achieve its aims and objectives?
First of all it is important to see what goals and objectives were set. The first one is to become a mouthpiece of Deen and Millat. The second objective is to counter propaganda, prejudices and hatred against Islam and the Muslim community. Third is to ensure protection of life and property of Muslims. Fourth is to protect and preserve the identity of the Muslim community. Fifth is to promote communal harmony and lastly to raise a voice for the cause of Islam and issues of Muslims across the world. I believe that Radiance, in the given circumstances and despite all constraints, has made efforts to live up to its aims and objectives. But there is always scope for improving and doing better than what has been achieved.
What difference is there when you compare Radiance of 1960s with Radiance today?
Usually, changes do take place sometime because of circumstances, and other times because of the trends in the media and fast changing technology. Under all circumstances and limitations Radiance has fulfilled its responsibility to a greater extent. During 1960s, Radiance raised issues pertaining to the Muslim community. In ’70s, some new issues cropped up and Radiance became mouthpiece of the community. So was it in ’80s and ’90s. Each and every decade had its own issues and problems and Radiance did its duty towards raising issues pertaining to Muslims as it was required to be.
There has been change in its layout. During ’60 it was in tabloid form and now it is published in magazine size. Earlier its staff members used to gather information directly from the field. The emphasis was on ground report and now on analysis. Earlier there used to be more information and now there is more analysis. There has been qualitative improvement in its content, design, layout and format. Over all, what I can say is that there has been positive change.
What according to you should be done for the overall improvement of Radiance?
There is scope for development and improvement in its layout. You can see the layout of mainstream English magazines. How beautifully their cover and inner pages are structured and designed. How the looks are made catchy, how the pages are marked on the side, how and where the box is placed, how the crux of the story is highlighted and how the news and stories are placed in order to arrest the attention of readers at the first glance.
The paper quality has improved and it can be further improved. What is required now is that it becomes the more credible and authentic voice of the community. Earlier it has been often quoted and referred to by scholars and statesmen. Many examples can be given. It has been the authentic voice of the Muslims in the past and continues to be. It is essential that Radiance plays a more effective role in raising issues and concerns of the Muslims. With the help of emerging new technology it can further improve. What is required now is that more skilled professionals should be employed and those who are working should be groomed and trained in order to enhance their dexterity and maximise their potential. The professionals working now are skilled but there is always scope for improvement.
Any important instance of Radiance which you feel people are not aware of and be shared with?
There are many such instances. Radiance once published a special issue on Muslims in India. At that point of time during ’90s someone told me that in that issue objective introduction of 50 leading Muslims and organisations was given. There was perception that Jamaat people only praise or appreciate their own people and organisation. But what was important to note is that those who were not fans of Radiance also appreciated that special issue. For example, when the issue was published, Late Maulana Syed Asad Madani invited the then Senior Sub-Editor, who at that point of time played a major role, for a cup of tea while the former used to keep a distance from Radiance. During that meet he said that Radiance had introduced Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind even more than what was known. He was so impressed that he made copies of the page for distribution among his cadres. He also said this was the generosity of the Jamaat people. Even Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, who was not that much interested in Radiance, also appreciated that issue. This is one example which can be said about its objective journalism.
Another example is that despite all problems and limitations, Radiance never compromised with its principles and then it has reached this level. For example, when one of our officials approached AU Shaikh Sahib, retired senior IAS officer living in Mumbai, for his support, he said he could provide him with loan from bank on minimum interest and that would not be a problem because he himself was on the Board of Directors of the bank. We know what people do and even shun principles during difficult times. On his offer the representative felt a little uncomfortable. Then notably, the wife of Shaikh Sahib said, “Do you expect that people from Radiance will accept loan on interest. If you want to contribute, you can simply contribute.” These were two examples where our people never compromised in their objectivity and principles under any circumstances.
Which period of Radiance can be called a golden one?
Generally, it is difficult to differentiate, usually for a movement, organisation or media group, the initial phase happens to be the golden period. In the Qur’ān, it is also said, Assabiqoon- as- sabiqoon ulaiekal muqarraboon. It was established in 1963 and up to 1975 its period was very active, noteworthy and its contribution was highly appreciated. For example, when I talked about its objectives and purpose, during this period, India witnessed large scale communal riots in various parts of the country. Its coverage of the riots was exemplary among Muslims; and even non-Muslims appreciated its coverage of the riots.
Radiance also played a vital role during the establishment of Muslim Personal Law Board in 1972. Its role in creating feasible atmosphere in favour of its consolidation is praiseworthy. We can also say Radiance was instrumental in the formation and consolidation of Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat. Let me give you one example. Recently, when it was decided to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Mushawarat, Syed Shahabuddin Sahib was asked to write its history; then he asked me to provide him with the copies of Radiance from 1963 to 1970 because he felt but for them the history of Mushawarat could not be written.
Even on issues pertaining to Muslims internationally it has played a pivotal role. During the Arab-Israel conflict in 1967 and in 1973 its coverage was said to be that of documentary value. Significantly, The Times London had at that point of time said that Radiance is the most credible and authentic medium for the Middle East issues and developments. In 1967, Colonel Usmani used to report for that region and his piece of reporting was considered to be credible, authentic, accurate and true. After that, Emergency was imposed and it had its own issues and problems. In the period after 1977, articles were critical and in accordance of that time. After that critical analyses of the issues and the policies of the government were also published.
After 1985, particularly during the peak of the Babri Masjid issue Radiance published a special issue which was said to be of documentary nature. I can also recall that when Hindus and Muslims were trying to build consensus on the issue and come out with out-of-the-court formula to resolve the dispute – at that time, Chandra Shekhar was Prime Minister – the special issue or the way Radiance covered the issue was quoted by many.
Then in 1987-88 ground reporting of riots like the one in Meerut where the report was gathered from door to door, was very much appreciated. After that various issues were covered in special issues and what was remarkable was that of special issue on Prophet Muhammad (peace be with him) in the Indian Context. It is true that the Prophet is for every context and for all places and periods but its Indian context was unique. And, then, Radiance published special issues on various social and political issues like Capitalism, Environment, Foeticide and many other issues pertaining to Muslims and the society in general. So the word golden period we can use or say in principle is for the initial phase. However each and every period has its own uniqueness and importance and what I can say is that Radiance has improved, developed and played an important role from one period to another and it continues to be. We must not be satisfied with it and keep on improving in order to make it the only genuine voice of the community.
Where you want to see Radiance after 10 years?
After 10 years, I wish that its journalistic approach should be that of ground reality and report should be covered from the ground zero and there should be in-depth reporting and information should be gathered from the spot in order to make it more relevant and appealing. Presently, articles and reports are satisfactory to a certain extent but emphasis should be more on ground reporting. And the more it covers events from the ground the more it will increase its relevance, and it can reasonably champion the cause of the community. As I have earlier said that more skilled and qualified persons are required who are experienced and aware of issues in order to add more quality and value to it. Radiance can be said to be the only magazine for Muslims. Earlier, Jamiatul Ulama wished to come up with one but could not get success; the Muslim India has stopped its publication. It is the only Muslim magazine which has been able to complete 50 years and still is in the public domain. The more it does in-depth reporting, the more it has to hire skilled and selfless professionals; the more you work hard the better it will grow after 10 years.
And what about its popularity?
As far as popularity is concerned, the problem we come across is that of circulation and marketing. There are two sides of it; one is journalistic side, which is editorial and the other is management. We can say that the editorial part is satisfactory and it has not been a problem. But that does not mean that it cannot be further improved. It can even be better but it has never been a problem. What is a matter of concern is its marketing. Its circulation part or the management side is somewhat weak and needs to be strengthened. It is true that despite all constraints it has worked hard but in spite of that we are not able to reach out to large segments of masses.
The layout, design, paper material as well as content, all has improved but still scope for development is always there and we need to strengthen our management side. Earlier its circulation was about 18,000; it can be further increased up to 50,000 or even one lakh and there is such possibility and it can even be achieved because there is no alternative to this magazine and there are people in every state who can read English. In the present getup Radiance can be made popular and its circulation could be increased.
Is there any plan to convert Radiance into a daily newspaper?
Actually, there is need of a daily newspaper but not as a substitute to Radiance. It has come up in discussion about the possibility of a separate newspaper and people used to remind us of such kind of daily newspaper. There can be no alternative to Radiance and Radiance will be there and will continue to be so because it has served its purpose. If such need arises, it will be a separate daily English newspaper but certainly not in place of Radiance.
What would you like to say to staff and readers on this festive occasion?
The staff members should work hard and keep on improving. Those working should consider it to be a fundamental duty or farz and work wholeheartedly with a missionary zeal and not only for material benefit as other professionals do while working with other magazines or newspapers. Journalism is a round-the-clock job and requires total commitment 24/7 and then only growth and development will follow. Radiance is not only a magazine but also a movement for the renaissance and social reform of the community. It becomes the responsibility of the readers to spread its message to others and help us with their valuable suggestions and contribution to upgrade its standard and to maximise its circulation. It will be a great service to mankind and the community.