Message From Prof. B M Hegde
Journalism is tricky these days, what with the money bags
controlling the world media both electronic and print. In
the bargain, truth seems to be the first casualty in
Journalism The motto of true journalism is to uphold the
truth for the common good of man, the journalistic
humanism. But, when big money is in cahoots with
politicians, common man suffers, When that happens in
journalism truth dies a natural death.
In this milieu, a bold man. Jayaram Shriyan, ventured into
that arena where even angels fear to tread, to start a new
journal, ISSUES & CONCERNS, ten years ago. I dare say
that he did succeed and very well. at that. He started off
with his own steam, in a semi urban place, Surathkal, a
suburb of Mangalore. It would take a Lion's heart to get
into this venture. God has been kind and he made a mark in
the field soon enough to be noticed by the thinking readers
who encouraged him.
Jayaram has been upholding the truth and crusading for
justice without turning his paper into yellow journal at any
point in time. Today he commands the attention of quality
readership, though the numbers sold do not impress one at
the first glance. There has been a steady rise in his
readership. If linear laws hold good, we should see this
become journalistic force to reckon with in this part of the
world. He tackles untruth and falsehood head on without
fear or favour and has been alive and healthy so far! May
his tribe increase!
The present commemorative issue is a collectors' item.
The get up and the quality of the paper and print can match
the best journal in the field. While I congratulate Jayaram
and his Issues and Concerns, I am concerned about the
financial health vis-a-vis this journal. I am sure well
meaning philanthropes with a large heart and deep
pockets, a rare combination these days, help him to stay
afloat till such time that the journal becomes self sufficient
in the very near future.
"By giving us the opinions of the uneducated, journalism
keeps us in touch with the ignorance of the community. "
Oscar Wilde.
May God bless him.
Prof. B M Hegde
Message From Edmond Fernandes
Let me first thank the Editor and team for bringing out such a unique kind of Magazine. This is a different genre of press totally. This magazine sails smoothly among the Men of intellect but I as a student of medicine, strongly feel it should make its mark among the Student Community as well. I agree not all like to read issues of national relevance but nevertheless you cannot predict some one's taste. One life can make a difference. Let wisdom prevail and today's students grow in knowledge beyond textbooks. It matters. Otherwise it is a job well done. Engaging, magnanimous, relevant and packed with insights. I cannot recommend it more highly ! !
Edmond Fernandes,
Fr. Muller Medical College & Freelance Reporter
Message From Justice K. Jagannatha Shetty
Ever since Mr. J. Shriyan met me, I am left with an
impression that there are still people like him in our
society. He is wholly committed to the upliftment of the
marginalised people and educating the public on current
issues which concern them.
I asked him what made him to take up this publication of
"ISSUES & CONCERNS". He said, to my surprise, "some
people have got passion for drinking, some for smoking,
some are addicted to drugs, but I have a passion for
writing". I paused for a while and came to the conclusion
that he has a great appetite for writing.
I was extremely impressed with his sincerity of purpose
and dedication to the cause which he holds so dear to him.
With no personal benefit, he goes on maintaining his
cherished objectives of educating the public.
His views on certain matters may not be liked by all, but he
is not deterred from expressing his honest opinion. I
admire his sincerity of purpose and courage of conviction.
On Completion Of ten years of publication Of
"ISSUES & CONCERNS", 1 wish him all the best so that
he may Continue in his assiduity and persistence for years
to come. With best wishes
Justice K. Jagannatha Shetty
Former Supreme Court Justice &
Chief Justice Allahabad High Court
Message From K. Varadaraja Prabhu
I take this opportunity to say that ISSUES & CONCERNS has already journeyed a long way to reach and touch many people with many ISSUES of CONCERNS over the last three years. The editor in particular has powerful ideas, very strong communication skills and a rich vocabulary. I strongly feel it will be good if the Editor starts writing an inspirational column for young minds since this could help develop a civic sense of responsibility in children who are going to be our future. This small effort could make a big difference to some lives by driving them TOWARDS A PURPOSEFUL REGIMEN!
K. Varadaraja Prabhu, Mangalore
Message From Kathyayini Subash
My husband and I are enjoying the ISSUES & CONCERNS and greatly admire the way the current affairs are presented without the journalistic sensationalism but in a direct and honest way. On the whole it is journalism of conscience.
Kathyayini Subash
Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
Appreciation From Padmabhushan Dr. M. V. Kamath
When J. Shriyan first informed one hundred months ago that he was planning to bring out a monthly to be called Issues & Concerns I plainly told him that he must be out of his mind. I have seen the
birth and sad death of so many journals of note that to think that anyone would wish to spend a fortune on bringing out as exotic a journal as Issues & Concerns was a case of madness. Now, eight years later, I wonder at the concern and commitment of Shriyan. There are millions of us who want to do something to make this world a better and safer place to live in. Some of us do a lot of talking, in homes and clubs or at parties. We fret and fume over calculated misdeeds, over corruption, overt or covert, over greedy politicians and their public misdemeanors but there the matter ends. May be, some write letters to editors which may or may not get published. The more distinguished among us may even manage to get an
article published in reputable journals or dailies, but in the end frustration prevails. The world goes on. Politicians come and go. Ministers make their fortunes, as do officials and bureaucrats and all talk of reforming ends up as mere chatter. Shriyan is not a
talker; he is first and foremost a doer. And he has done what he thought should be done: fight. Fight for causes that he deeply believes in. Fight with vigour; fight with purpose. And continue to fight. Issues & Concerns is now going into its ninth year and plainly said, it has been a miracle. Shriyan has not missed a single issue. He has been consistent and he has thereby rendered more service to his country than probably even he is aware of. He has faced problems pertaining to circulation with courage and sobriety. There were times when, I know, he has felt let down. Selling a literary product is not an easy job. The market is choked. Shriyan was not selling scandals; he was propagating ideas, and, more significantly, ideals. There is alas, no market for such exotic stuff. But Shriyan has persisted with a commitment that is, to say the least, touching. There is a saying in the Gita: Karmanye vaadikarasthe ma phaleshu kadachina,
meaning, 'do your duty without desiring the fruit
thereof. That, ofcourse, is more easily said than done.
It is an extraordinarily detached man that does his
duty irrespective of whether he attains the desired
results. After all, action is desire-oriented. And why
shouldn't it be? Yet, there is something profound in
what the Gita says. To put in work and expect nothing
in return is the height of detachment. Perhaps it is
even conducive to peace of mind. One suspects that
Shriyan is one of the kind who acts because acting in
the larger interests of his fellow human-beings is a
duty, which has to be rendered for its own sake. Issues
& Concerns has dealt with issues of concerns as it is
concerned with issues. He has hit hard where hard.
hitting was called for. He has not spared words
because Shriyan is not that kind who dodges truth to
make it palatable. He is not one who follows that
ancient saying: satyam bruyat, priyam bruyat, na
bruyat satyamapriya, which, roughly translated
means: Speak the truth, speak what is palatable but
never speak the truth unpalatable. To Shriyan, truth is
indivisible.
There are, one is afraid, not many like him who would
not count the cost and dare to go where few would
wish to step in. It requires courage of a rare order. One
thinks of the three Cs: Cash, Courage and
Commitment. Shriyan may have often wished he had
the first of the three in some abundance. 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. He admits that he has
not always been alone. Friends have done their bit to
assist him in his noble endeavour. He is proud to admit
it. But it has never been easy to bring out issue after
issue with a regularity that is mind-blowing. That is
where Shriyan stands head and shoulder above most
of us, surely, lesser human beings. Shriyan is not
disappointed when he could might as well be. He is
not disgruntled and he has not complained about
people's indifference. He has taken that in his stride
and continued with his mission which, briefly stated,
is to educate and inform. One can be sure that as long
as Shriyan is around, so will Issues & Concerns be,
god bless him. We live in a democracy and
democracy, alas, is permissive. That is only much too
evident in public life. But democracy also means the
right to speak out in defence of values, boldly and
regularly. Shriyan fulfils that part of democracy in
ample measure. We need men like him who are
concerned citizens. He is what is spoken of abroad in
adoring terms: a Citizen Journalist. All that one can
say is: May his tribe increase. I for one have watched
him from a distance with pride and growing
admiration. As a former editor myself, I know how
hard it is to bring out a journal-any journal. We need
writers of repute, writers who are knowledgeable.
They are not always easy to find. And many want to
get paid substantially. Despite all such demands
Shriyan has survived and is determined to move on in
years to come. One can only say: bless you.
Padmabhushan Dr. M. V. Kamath
Hon. Director Manipal Instt. of Communication
Former Chairman Prasaar Bharathi
PTI Correspondent at United Nations
Message From Ravi Mendon
I am one of those fortunate in Mumbai to
interview in Bengaluru Doordarshan which was
some time back.
I am really amazed to view the contents Of the
Interview
particularly of your pinpoint feedback to the inte
Your insight about our country's present problems such
political. socio economic. child labour, fanners suicide
truly worth watching. Hope, concerned authorities take note
ofthis and take corrective measures in the future.
Your personal effort to providing clean drinking water
biscuits to the school children are worth mentioning. Yes,
they are our future generation. From this one can make out
your sel ness service to the depri Ved and needy.
Through your magazine ISSUES AND CONCERNS your
effort to highlight the issues like civic problems and essential
services are comendable. Your readers support is always
there for this noble cause.
All the best for your magazine for many more years to come.
Ravi Mendon, Mumbai
Message From Ravish Amin
Five years ago, the tireless toil Of an inspired individual culminated in the birth Of "ISSUES & CONCERNS" a journal which came as a whiff of fresh air in a jejune journalistic environment. For five eventful years, it is heartening to note that this journal has steadfastly stuck to it's avowed objective Of ushering in a new. purposeful social order by confronting it's readers With the burning issues plaguing our society, It's thought provoking articles, incisive editorials and forthright last words have Served to jolt us from our deep reverie, all pervading passivity and inane indifference. It's features have galvanized us to tackle the malaise afflicting our society It shall only be fair, then to thank the editor who also publisher of this meaningful periodical educating. enlightening and awakening our collective conscience, thus ensuring "YEH MERA INDIA" becomes a just and better place to live in! deserves all kudos and whole hearted support from us.
Ravish Amin, Hyderabad.
Message From Shruthi Patil
I came across your magazine an year ago in my college
library and been a fan ever since. To think, I am from
Manipal and, never came across your magazine till I
reached Belgaum for my engineering degree is rather
strange. My college GIT is a subscriber of your magazine.
Your magazine always publishes the truth and facts not
favouring any political party; something the newspapers
and magazines like THE WEEK, INDIA TODAY etc
fail to do. For this reason I request you to expand your
reach through extensive advertising for people should be
made aware of what is happening. Also please support a
website for your magazine. I wanted to write to you but
could not find your site then I searched your magazine and
realized I will have to mail your gmail account.
I especially appreciate the details of the Mangalore pub
attack you published because only you tried to get to the
bottom of it, whereas every paper, news channel and
magazine further tarnished the reputation Of Mangalore
city, which is far more secure and peaceful than Delhi,
Bangalore or any other city in India. It troubled me a lot to
see our city being tarnished just to further political agendas
to win votes.
I also wish you will support the implementation of uniform
civil code and wiping out reservation in education which I
think will end the religious rifts and disruptions and class
system in our country; indirectly caused and supported by
Our vote hungry politicians.
Shruthi Patil, GIT, Belgaum
Message From Sybil Fernandes
"ISSUES & CONCERNS" is a magazine I look forward to reading every month. Your editorial captures the major events happening in our "global village" very effectively and without mincing words. In particular , the article , " Anguish of a faithful Muslim" by Nassrine Asimi in the October issue was touching. I guess in the cacophony of fundamentalism and terrorism, the voices of the sensible and sensitive people are completely drowned. I do hope your magazine will increasingly focus on the positive events happening around us, however small they may appear to be. In a bid to grab readers'/ viewers' attention, the media is increasingly feeding us a titillating diet. We hope and pray ' Issues & Concerns' will continue to march to its own sane and sensitive beat.
Sybil Fernandes
Message From Vasant Kumar Bapat
Reading Issues & Concerns was an exhilarating experience. This is the first time I have come across this magazine. Quite frankly your periodical took me decades back down memory lane to the indomitable Baburao Patel of Mother India fame. Same hard hitting, incisive editorial makes I & C exclusive of a kind. This monthly needs to be widely circulated and read. Congratulations.
Vasant Kumar Bapat, Bangalore
Message From Vishwanath Shetty
It was indeed a pleasure watching the interview on the
regional channel. As they say 'sooner or later, good
work will always surface and be noticed'. Surely someone
has passed the good word and it has reached the network.
I am so glad, I should also give complete credit to the anchor/host
for doing an excellent job of summarizing and emphasising the
Important aspects of the interview so perfectly.
It is also true, that your venture of running a news/views periodical without
support of any industry house was mad as many people called
it then, but you have also proved that a genuine interest
and dedication can overcome all such constraints and sail through
Congratulations.
Through out the interview. One thing that comes out straight.
is the moral values you have imbided in your life at an early
age, Such values set in at the young age will stay with us
Permanently and is difficult to find in today's time, You are
undoubtedly doing a great and quiet service to the society. I
am sure it gives you a satisfaction of doing something' rather
than accepting a 'laid altitude. Keep it up. This should
indeed make the readers of Issues and Concerns very happy
that. they are supporting a cause in their own way.
Secondly a 'Lion' (pun intended) that you are, your activities
demonstrate a lion's heart too. Or else running a magazine, for
over nine years on your own, draining your own resources is
something that everyone can't digest. Further, it was quite
evident from your approach, (no disrespect meant to your
respectable father) that your pursuit of education and
came more from within rather than family
support. Your hard days in Mumbai, followed by Gulf— all
remind me of values well entrenched, staying closely in touch
with the development of your mother land. As you said
rightly. money does not matter beyond a certain stage, but it's a
great virtue to decide when it's enough and then spend your
energy and resources on returning something to the society
from which you have borrowed (I am purposely using the
word, 'borrowed') a lot. It conveys a message to all, that we
need to do something for our society. You have been a true
Indian and you have conveyed the message to everyone, that,
wherever you be, keep your roots intact'.
Your passion for writing and trying to create awareness is
certainly genuine and only truthfulness and straight forward
attitude can sustain someone for this long. We wish you all the
very best in your selfless services in various fields and I am
sure you draw a genuine pleasure out of them
Let's all remember the famous quote from JFK, and translate
the same as 'Ask not What India can do for you. Ask yourself
'What you can do for your country'
Vishwanath Shetty, Mumbai
Message From Fr. Denis D'sa
"The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises
to keep. and miles to go before I sleep, miles to go before I
sleep." ROBERT FROST
These poetic lines ring true in the heart and soul
of all who have made this magazine a success, especially
Mr. Shriyan, the editor, who with his dauntless efforts,
limited human and financial resources is managing a
unique venture called "lssues & Concerns" in competitive
and commercial media world. This magazine has made a
foray into the world of the common man and helped to
express many an issue which would have gone unnoticed
and unmentioned.
I would like to convey my heartiest congratulations,
warmest felicitations, best wishes and prayers to Mr.
Shriyan and his team on completion of 8 fruitful and
meaningful years of service to the society.
"A kite rises higher against the wind and not with the
wind". Completing eight years, without losing hope,
Shriyan's undaunted struggle holds true to this adage. I
wish and pray that with all the enthusiasm and hard work
Shriyan and the magazine will reach higher like the kite. It
is truly a privilege to read a magazine that has not its credibility,
ethics and values, but has remained sincere to the basic truths.
While most of the media have become commercial, unethical and subjective, "Issues & Concerns" offers a ray of hope for people
who look for some objective, credible and pro-people news and information
It is a rare phenomenon to find a journal that covers so
many aspects ranging from politics, science and
Technology, economic concerns. International, regional
and rural topics is exceptional in its stories regarding
Weaker and forgotten sections of the society like women.
Farmers, street children and daily wage earners and is an
educated for those who are without an arena to voice
their opinions
It may seem as a foolish venture to many to take this
courageous step that Shriyan has done. indeed on the
Surface, using one's own money for no gain. and lesser
number of admirers can portray an unwise decision. But if
one thinks at a deeper level. we would be able to
understand that when Shriyan looks into the mirror
everyday - he gets the satisfaction of knowing that he has
made a difference to many people's lives. It may be small
but like the salt and the light, it makes all the difference in
the world. Like all the other magazines or media it may not
be sensorial or sensational but certainly a food for thought
and bean
I would like to make one more observation of concern.
These days most of the media are trying to divide people by
their editorials, articles, stories, They add fuel to the
already existing fire, trying to capitalize the existing
situation of violence and hatred, At the moment India is
going through a very bad phase with wounds Of division
caused by communal violence, bomb blasts, hatred,
mistrust etc. We need someone to give a healing touch,
instill confidence and trust in the people, promote
communal harmony. I am confident that "Issues &
Concerns" will do that with commitment and concern,
Mr. Shriyan needs more support all of us especially
from people who call themselves progressive thinkers,
writers etc. I call upon the readers to motivate many to have
concern for the issues of the people.
Once again I congratulate Shriyan and wish him all the
very in this venture of his.
Fr. Denis D'sa, Administrator
Fr. Muller's Group, Mangalore
Message From Prof. B.M. Hegde
"Justice is injustice and justice is the convenience of the
powerful". This was law in Greece at the time of Socrates.
He tried his best to let people know that this was wrong and
tried to show how people had been taken for a ride.
J. Shriyan. the editor this wonderful publication,
ISSUES & CONCERNS. is trying to do the same in India
where atmosphere today is identical to the one in
Greece Socrates' times The fact that the magazine
survived its first five years and is stepping into the sixth
year itself is proof that the editor has won the first leg or his
long drawn battle against all kinds of injustice.
While it is time to congratulate the editor and pat him on the back, I feel
Society must support such rare efforts to
cleanse the system or its poison. Every pillar of the
socalled "democracy" in India, the political outfits. the
bureanucracy, the media and even the judiciary is suspect.
Only right thinking people could come forward to stem the rot.
The worst crime in India is intellectual terrorism, where
opinionated people, with vested interests, try and push
their views on the gullible public, be it in the area of
governance, religion, health care, or even education.
Tolerance and debate are the best things to happen to any
free people.
J Shriyan, bold as he is, seems to be an Oasis in this hot
desert of lndian media world. May God bless him and may
all thinking Indians support him.
Prof. B.M. Hegde
