The Board of Islamic Publications (B.I.P), which has been publishing Radiance Viewsweekly since its inception in 1963, organised a programme in honour of the members of Central Council of Representatives (Markazi Majlis-e-Numaindagan) Jamaat-e-Islami Hind at its new (under construction) building at Dawat Nagar, AbulFazl Enclave in the national capital on 5 April.
Speaking from the chair, Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari, Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, said how Radiance has emerged as a moderate voice of the Muslim Ummah. Turning the pages of history, he shared with the audience how during the Gulf (Iraq and Kuwait) war the magazine adopted a just view without siding with any warring party.
“In content as well as paper and printing quality Radiance has improved a lot. It is now worth presenting anywhere. Now it is our duty to help boost its circulation and make it reach out to the large segments of masses,” said the JIH leader.
“The Radiance building project is a major initiative. All of us should extend our cooperation to ensure the completion of the project in a satisfactory manner,” the Maulana added.
“The story of growth and development of Radiance is related to the saga of Indian Muslims in post-Independence India. During this period the weekly has undergone many ups and downs but its editors and managers have sailed through the difficult times in a steadfast manner,” said the magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Mr.Ejaz Ahmed Aslam.
Mr.Aslam recalled how then Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Hind MaulanaAbulLaisIslahiNadvi along with some other persons played a key role in establishing B.I.P with a view to launching a weekly for English-knowing reading public to know how Islam presents effective solution to the problems the country and her citizens have been facing.
Dr. Waquar Anwar, Secretary BIP, who compered the programme, also presented a floor-wise view of the building project of Radiance. The under construction building of the weekly is G+4 with a basement on the front side for vehicles parking. Dr. Anwar informed the audience that the weekly had its own office at Ballimaran, Delhi but the Board decided to relocate the office at the sprawling Dawat Nagar complex in New Delhi.
“So we sold the old dilapidated building of Radiance and with the revenue generated from the sale we have started constructing this new building. We hope we will be able to build the entire structure of the building with the available fund and for finishing purposes we will have to generate further funds from our well-wishers,” he said and appealed to the representatives of the Islamic Movement to extend their cooperation in this regard.
Earlier, Mr. Sikandar Azam, Editor Radiance, in his introductory remarks, welcomed the audience especially members of JIH Central Council of Representatives who had come from the various parts of the country to participate in the 4-day CCR session of JIH.
Mr. Azam also presented a bird’s-eye view of the 50 years history of Radiance. He recalled the circumstances in which the magazine was launched in July 1963 and how the magazine is being brought out with clock-like regularity (save and except some dark days of Emergency) since its inception. He took a brief stock of important events and developments of national and international importance that have found place in the magazine. He also informed the audience how the magazine is preparing for the Golden Jubilee celebrations in August this year.
Mr.IntizarNaeem, former Director of Radiance, extended vote of thanks.
Prof. K.A. Siddiq Hassan, Chairman BIP and Vice President JIH; Mr.Nusrat Ali, Secretary General JIH; Mr.AtiqurRab, Manager MarkaziMaktaba Islami Publishers and others also participated in the programme.