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The current economic downturn has not left this editor concerned. After all,Din Duniya,the Urdu news magazine that was started in 1921...

Written by Dipanita Nath

January 11, 2009 03:12 AM IST

3 min read

Urdu news magazine Din Duniya has survived many economic downturns

The current economic downturn has not left this editor concerned. After all,Din Duniya,the Urdu news magazine that was started in 1921,has made it this far,despite all odds.

Its kept alive only by our sheer passion for Urdu,a dying language in modern India, says Asif Fehmi,the 50-year-old owner who doubles as publisher,editor,sub-editor and proof-reader. Dedicated to current affairs and Islamic history,the monthly magazine stopped making economic sense many years ago,he adds.

There are no advertisements and the number of readers had dropped from 60,000 in post-Independence India to 6,000 at present. This small readership number,however,gives Fehmi and his staff of 15 the greatest reason to keep fightingthe magazine caters to villages in the interiors of Bihar,Uttar Pradesh,Andhra Pradesh,Maharashtra and Jammu & Kashmir among others. It goes where few other newspapers doto readers from the lower economic bracket. We are read by harvesters,migrant labour,menial workers,small businessmen and housewives. Din Duniya provides them with their monthly dose of the most important news from across the world, says Fehmi.

A post-26/11 issue had slain ATS chief Hemant Karkare on the cover and the section on Islamic history recalls the era of Shah Jahan. We are not affiliated to any political party. The agenda is to make Muslims aware of their history and heritage, says Fehmi. He took over the reins of the paper from his father Mufti Shaukat Ali Fehmi,who had started it as a weekly in 1921,dedicated to politics and films. After Partition,the magazine stopped publishing for five years.

When we resumed in 1952,the magazine took on more historical and political characteristics, says Fehmi. There are few illustrations in the pages,and Fehmi relies on freelancers and news agencies to fill the pages.

A lawyer,who gave up his practice to run Din Duniya,Fehmi adeptly juggles figures to bring out the next issue. Priced at Rs 10,the circulation meets only a tenth of the publication costs. A few months ago,he converted a part of our office near Jama Masjid into an eight-room hotel called Din Duniya. He also takes printing orders from independent publishers to make ends meet.

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Rewards come in unexpected ways. In December,a guest arrived at the office of Din Duniya,demanding to meet the respected editor. He was taken aback when he saw me in my western suit and tie, laughs Fehmi. He expected somebody with a long beard and a skull cap. Such guests are reason enough for Fehmi to keep the magazine rolling.

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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