Aaghaz-e-Safar aur Jehad-e-Musalsal
The Journey Begins: A Life of Perseverance
All stories of success are built upon steadfast determination and continuous struggle. Every person has dreams, but only a few make the effort to turn those dreams into reality. Truly fortunate are those who, through hard work and perseverance, are able to see their dreams fulfilled. The entire life of Mahmood Riaz Sahib was a testament to continuous struggle, and he was fortunate enough to witness the growth and flourishing of the seeds he had planted.
Riaz Sahib was an institution in his own right, a beacon of light. Khawateen Digest was one such flame that he lit, and it went on to illuminate the paths of countless people and bring light into their lives. Through Khawateen Digest, Shuaa and Kiran, he kindled lamps that served as guiding lights along the paths of darkness.
Khawateen Digest was the first step towards a new destination—
the discovery of a new path, a new experience.
Mahmood Riaz Sahib began his career in journalism. He used to write columns for the daily newspaper Imroze. At that time, Imroze was regarded as one of the leading newspapers. He continued writing columns for Imroze for five years. During the same period, he established a publishing house, Lark Publishers. Under its banner, he published many outstanding books by renowned writers. It is said that publishing requires the age of Noah, the patience of Job, and the treasures of Qarun; nevertheless, Riaz Sahib successfully managed and developed Lark Publishers.
At that time, numerous digests were being published for men, whereas there were very few magazines specifically for women. Moreover, the few publications available for women followed old-fashioned formats and sizes and did not meet the requirements of the modern age.
While developing Khawateen Digest, he had several objectives in mind.
He wanted to create a wholesome and decent magazine for women that could be read by every member of the family, offering something of interest to everyone—from a young girl to the elderly women of the household.
He wanted the magazine to highlight the issues faced by women in practical life and guide them towards the right direction.
The male-oriented digests of that era did not suit the temperament and interests of women, and women could not adequately express their creative abilities through those publications. Riaz Sahib’s objective was to provide women with a platform where they could express and develop their creative talents.
He wanted the women of the household to become acquainted with the world outside their homes so that they could distinguish between what was good and what was harmful.
Khawateen Digest was launched with the needs and demands of the modern era in mind. A look at the names of the writers who contributed to its early issues is enough to show the direction that had been established for the publication. Among them were prominent literary figures such as Jillani Bano, Bano Qudsia, Razia Sajjad Zaheer, and Nahid Shad.
For Riaz Sahib, this was a period of intense hard work and struggle. He was writing columns for Imroze, publishing books, and dealing with the challenges of their circulation. At times, Riaz Sahib would personally proofread the books. He would also help assemble the copies himself. During the process of assembling the copies, even the fan could not be turned on. In the intense heat, streams of sweat would pour down.
Despite the difficult circumstances, he established certain principles for Khawateen Digest and remained firmly committed to them until the end of his life.
He would not allow any piece of writing to be published in the magazine if it encouraged or promoted wrongdoing. This policy was not limited to the written content; he applied the same principle to advertisements as well. He would not publish an advertisement if he had any doubt that it was intended to deceive or mislead the public.
Even today, although Riaz Sahib has departed from this world, the institution continues to follow the same policy.
Riaz Sahib’s hard work eventually bore fruit. By the grace of Allah Almighty, he succeeded in achieving his objective. The thousands of letters received by Khawateen Digest every month stand as testimony to this achievement. Readers acknowledge how Khawateen Digest guided them, nurtured them like a loving mother, and stood beside them during moments of sorrow like a compassionate and caring friend.
Khawateen Digest continued to progress rapidly. Riaz Sahib subsequently launched Kiran, followed by Shuaa. These publications, too, soon found a special place in the hearts and lives of their readers.
Achieving success in one’s purpose is a great blessing, but no one’s life remains a garden of perpetual happiness. Joy and sorrow walk side by side throughout life.
The sudden death of Babar Sahib was a devastating tragedy for Riaz Sahib. The unexpected loss of his young son shook him to the core. Yet, just as he had carried himself with dignity during times of happiness, he endured this immense grief with remarkable dignity as well. Then, a few years later, when Mahmood Khawar passed away, Riaz Sahib was completely shattered.
Today, Khawateen Digest has completed fifty years of its journey. Riaz Sahib is no longer among us, but the lamps he kindled continue to spread light across the world.
The journey that Mahmood Riaz Sahib began as a journey of continuous struggle continues to this day, carried forward through the strong and enduring traditions he established.
