TOWARDS A PURPOSEFULREGIMEN
A JOURNEY OF 25 YEARS OF ISSUES & CONCERNS
ON AN UNCHARTED SEA

  Welcoming the maiden edition of ISSUES & CONCERNS there were close to a dozen prominent citizens of Mangalooru who shared their positive thoughts on the new publication and wished it good going. There were senior Professors, a former state president of People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), a chairman of a public sector undertaking besides a former Air Force officer among them. One called it “social activism in true sense “. Another said “great job “. “ Well intentioned effort” remarked the third one, when another echoed “well-meaning venture”. These encouraging vibes have surely helped the media toddler as it entered the world of letters. Fittingly, the editor writing his first editorial, remarked about what truly inspired the birth of ISSUES & CONCERNS. He said, “It was felt that there’s a vacuum in the reporting and then following it up with issues involving large section of disadvantaged population of the country not getting adequate representation in the main stream media”. Addressing this in earnest appeared to be his honest effort. Years that rolled down proved abundantly the commitment ‘towards the purposeful regimen’ that ISSUES & CONCERNS had envisioned. The Editorial Board of ISSUES & CONCERNS initially consisted of Dr. M.V. Kamath, former Chairman of Prasaar Bhaarathi, Prof. B.M.Hegde, the then Vice

  Chancellor of Manipal University, Dr Ravindranath Shanbhog, Professor and Consumer Activist and Father Henry D Souza, President of Sandesha Foundation, Mangalooru.
Issues & Concerns is a shining example of thoughtful journalism in a world that seems to be driven by sensationalism and self-interest. It is appropriate to take stock of the magazine’s incredible journey and the admirable goal that inspired its founding as it enters a new chapter as it completes 25 years of continuous publication. What began as a modest idea by Jayaram Shriyan has developed into a prominent platform calling attention to important social issues, encouraging social consciousness with courage of conviction to challenge authority. Publishing a journal of the standard of Issues & Concerns demands relentless effort, uncompromising commitment, unwavering integrity, and immense personal sacrifice. Such an undertaking has daunting economics. With very limited resources and little institutional support, it is indeed, difficult to maintain regular publication.

  On completion of 10 years of Issues & Concerns, the Bheeshma of Indian journalism Dr M.V.Kamath wrote, “For ten long years Shriyan has kept himself busy prodding our intellectuals and social workers for action by reminding them of existing problems and the absence of meaningful action. He has brought out month after month, without fail, this one-man attempt to remind us of our failure in building a structured society. He has sought to arouse our conscience at society’s obvious short comings with implicit courage and daring. These ten years have often been a lone journey for Shriyan. He appears to be an extraordinarily detached man who does his duty irrespective of results thereof. He has dipped his hand in his own pocket without the slightest hesitation and has never regretted it. That is to his eternal standing as a man who has put his country above everything else. That is where Shriyan stands head and shoulder above most of us. On the 10th anniversary of the birth of ISSUES & CONCERNS I salute Shriyan for his indomitable will and courage of conviction “.

Coming from the doyen of journalism, these are no small words for a comparatively new-comer to jounalism. From the beginning the main goal of Issues & Concerns’ has been to draw attention to issues that actually affect society’s well-being rather than chasing short-term attention or dramatic headlines. Its mainstay is well-researched articles, dedicated reporting, and a singular focus on bringing up significant societal issues.

  As Dr. N. Vinaya Hegde, Chairman of Nitte Group, rightly noted, “Shriyan’s dedication and unwavering will have been essential to the magazine’s success over the past eleven years. His unwavering commitment is a prime example of what honest, moral, and civic-minded journalism ought to be.” At the end of 12th year of its publication, when ISSUES & CONCERNS crossed its 150th edition Dr M V Kmath commented “It is to be sure, almost a one-man job, but one has just to read Shriyan’s editorial notes to realize that he is one of the best read and one of the most original commentators in the country.

  One does not have to agree with Shriyan all the time. And that is precisely why what he writes has such relevance. He prods his readers to think, one suspects, to challenge him. A journal’s responsibility is to reveal the obvious to unmask the truth. ISSUES & CONCERNS fulfills its responsibilities in ample measure.”

  Issues & Concerns’ journey has been one of perseverance in the face of adversity. Maintaining a publication that is exclusively focused on the public interest demands courage and vision in a world where print media faces numerous obstacles, including dwindling readership, budgetary limitations, and political pressures. The inaugural issue of Issues & Concerns was a tentative step, a hopeful but uncertain beginning. It was about speaking up for the voiceless and bringing neglected issues to light. As Prof. B.M. Hegde correctly pointed out, ‘the magazine is a rare journal of substance because it constantly offers daring viewpoints that ignite sparks of awareness and hope.’ The magazine has covered a wide range of topics over the years, including social, political, educational, and economic crisis and many others. Every challenge serves as evidence of the diligent work done by Shriyan to gather, examine, and present data in an objective way. The true spirit of democracy is reflected in Issues & Concerns’ constant capacity to pose pertinent queries and contest established structures. Dr. Ravishankar Rao noted that ‘having the guts to consistently confront uncomfortable realities is more important than a journal’s continued existence.’

  Shriyan’s selfless and intimate approach has been one of the most motivating parts of this journey. Unaffected by monetary compensation or fame, Shriyan dedicated not only his time but also his personal funds to support this admirable cause. His dedication stemmed solely from a desire to enlighten, educate, and create a more conscious society. As Padmabhushan Dr. M.V. Kamath noted, ‘Shriyan’s contributions are more than just journalism; they are sincere acts of social service meant to uplift underprivileged people and marginalized communities.’ According to former Supreme Court Justice K Jagannath Shetty, “ISSUES & CONCERNS is an honest and rare effort. Its editorial is bold and direct. Such efforts need to be kept alive in the larger interest of participating democracy”.

And there have been many luminaries who shared their positive thoughts on ISSUES & CONCERNS, including former Justice Michael Saldanha, of Karnataka High Court, who had on record observed “ISSUES & CONCERNS is famous for its simplicity of get-up which is more than made up for by the richness of its contents. For more than 2 decades of profound originality, the ISSUES & CONCERNS has delighted its readers. Intellectual genius of its editorial does not bend, it’s frank and outspoken yet dignified and inoffensive”.

The magazine has boldly tackled subjects that most others would avoid, from opposing communalism, casteism, and separatism to scrutinising government policies that impact the ordinary citizen. It is crucial to a democratic system because it promotes political education, demands accountability, and fosters logical thought. Shriyan had a clear vision: to make the silent majority aware of their rights and obligations. Additionally, the magazine has served as a forum for numerous academics, social workers, and intellectuals to voice their opinions and make significant contributions to public discourse. Numerous distinguished individuals have pointed out that Shriyan’s work had an impact not only locally but also nationally.

  We must acknowledge the unmatched tenacity that has propelled this journey as the magazine approaches its 25th milestone. It is not just about print surviving in the digital age, but also about honesty, integrity, and writing with a purpose. Every edition of Issues & Concerns serves as a reminder of the value of maintaining our composure in the face of difficulties and apathy. Each article’s representation of the subaltern voice serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to uphold democracy, advance justice, and increase public awareness. Clearly, Issues & Concerns is a tale of silent bravery, tenacity, and a strong faith in the transformative power of words. The existence of such a platform in our society, one that is motivated by a vision to awaken, educate, and serve rather than by market forces, is a source of pride. Let’s all keep up the support for this incredible journey and contribute to the effort to improve and educate our society.

  Issues & Concerns has been a shining example of fearless journalism for more than 24 years, a voice that never backs down from a challenge. Raising awareness, stimulating thought and acting as a mirror reflecting society’s unsaid struggles, disregarded injustices and underheard voices have always been the goals of this incredible journey.

Why someone with Jayaram Shriyan’s potential and talent would choose this route over more lucrative or well-known careers may be a mystery. His strong sense of obligation to the society holds the key to the question. Shriyan has taken on the burden of social responsibility at an age when most people withdraw into comfort and retirement. He continues to publish the journal out of pure passion and unselfish dedication, without the backing of influential people, without financial stability from outside donors and frequently at the expense of his own comfort. This journey is not merely about publishing words on paper; it is about standing tall in the face of adversity, about giving a platform to the marginalized and about kindling the flame of democratic consciousness. His journey is an ode to the spirit of authentic journalism, not one of ambition.

  This is the story of ISSUES & CONCERNS, which launched its maiden edition in November 2000. Since then for all the 25 years, without break, the periodical appeared in print to the disbelief of all who had raised eyebrows. After all this Jayaram Shriyan, the publisher of this newest member of the Fourth Estate is not a journalist, either by training or by qualifications. How long will he go with his over enthusiasm and some jingle bells in his pocket!

In the event he left nobody in doubt about his ‘never say die’ attitude of endurance and purpose.
Yes ISSUES & CONCERNS has arrived in style to the utter dismay of Cynical Minds and Doubting Thomases.
- Chaitra Padukone