For a new generation of Pakistani children who lack print publications to read and publish their original work in, a recently created children’s publication named Risala aims to replicate the “special” magazine experience of the past, according to the editors.
Risala was created as a tribute to magazines like “Naunehal” and “Taleem-o-Tarbiat,” which included vivid artwork and glossy posters that readers could hang up or keep in addition to poetry and short stories written by them.
Aimed at children aged 8 to 14, Risala magazine is a joint project of Mina Malik and Hassan Tahir Latif. It calls itself “an English language literary magazine for young people” on its Instagram page. Malik is an Oxford-trained writer and poet and the prose editor at The Aleph Review, an annual anthology of creative expression from Pakistan. Latif, a writer, editor, and photographer, is the managing editor at The Aleph Review.
The Peepul Press, a publishing company Malik and Latif co-founded, is publishing Risala as its inaugural work. The first book was released last week and may be ordered online by readers. It will also be offered for sale at a few selected bookstores and retail locations around Pakistan, and it can even be shipped to readers outside of Pakistan.
Editors Malik and Latif said in a statement to Arab News that the English-language publication “hopes to replicate that exceptional magazine experience (and exposure to talented Pakistani creatives) for a new generation of readers.
Although young people today frequently play games and access social media on their technological devices, the editors claimed that they still preferred to read books in print:
As editors of a literary publication, we were aware that young people who are serious about their creative work lack a platform to contribute to. We firmly believe in the joy of holding a printed volume! We are thrilled that Risala will contribute to the fact that reading is still a vital component of young people’s life.
“[It] is the quintessential Pakistani bird, curious and clever, just like our Risala readers,” the journal said of the little, green, and very friendly ring-necked parakeet that serves as the magazine’s emblem.
Multidisciplinary artist Rohama Malik created the cover for the first issue of Risala, which features fantastic animals from all around the world gathered around a magical doorway with endless possibilities.
The publication has an Editors’ Choices section where Mina and Latif offer book and poetry recommendations. It also includes submissions from authors who the editors claim have shared their enthusiasm and vision for a “cool” children’s magazine.
