Ethnic weekly that shaped Indian American media publishes last print edition on March 30.
It is the end of an era. India Abroad, the iconic ethnic Indian American publication with a 50-year-long legacy announced closure of its print edition Friday. Published from the New York City, the weekly newspaper over the past five decades had become for many Indians in America their treasured connection to their roots.
Founded by Indian American publisher Gopal Raju in 1970, the oldest Indian newspaper in North America rose to great heights of popularity as it effectively filled the gap of a publication catering to the Indian diaspora in the US.
In 2001, Raju sold the publication to Rediff.com. In late 2016, Rediff.com sold its venture to 8kMiles Media Inc. On March 27, the current chairman and publisher, Suresh Ventakachari through his publisher’s note announced its decision to cease the print edition.
Ventakachari wrote: “For the thousands of readers for whom India Abroad has been an integral part of their Indian American journey, the close of the publication may be heart rending, but hardly surprising, given the reversal of fortunes of print publications in the United States and across the world.”
“Compounding all of this, was the advent of the ominous coronavirus pandemic and the devastating repercussions in its wake, which led to several advertisers, cancelling their advertisements and hence the looming outlook for future revenue generation appearing even more bleak,” he added.
During its 50 year run, India Abroad had garnered a huge popularity for its incisive coverage and an in-depth understanding of reading requirements of both the older immigrants and the new millennial generation growing up in America.
The newspaper also published over the years, excellent commentaries and opinion pieces by renowned economists, academics, social anthropologists and change makers. It also very often introduced and gave the first platform to Indian American achievers in fields ranging from politics to medicine to science and technology, academics and social policy.
These change makers then went on to scale newer heights after first being recognized by the publication.
India Abroad’s balanced approach and continued dedication during sensitive, divisive times has been exceptional.
The news of its closure, as expected brought along a volley of emotions for many Indian origin Americans. New York based Journalist and author S Mitra Kalita tweeted: “Sad news: India Abroad is shutting down. A lifeline for many of our parents when they first arrived, filled with the news of spelling bees and CEOs, holidays and matrimonial ads. It covered South Asia when no one else did and created real community.”
Los Angeles-based South Asian Network Director Shikha Bhatnagar tweeted: Sad to hear that @indiaabroad is ceasing its publication. So many of our lives (including mine, 25 years ago) were changed by its founder Mr Raju. The paper has been such an important part of the #IndianAmerican story and landscape. Truly, the end of an era.”
The Washington Leadership Program (WLP) an organization that helps build leadership from within the South Asian community also tweeted: “The WLP was originally part of @indiaabroad when the late Gopal Raju started the initiative in the mid 90’s. The paper was an institution. We are thankful it helped start our program and captured our stories. #EndOfAnEra.”
1 Comment
It is use only for the Deshi matrismonial. Third class community rag, no? good for wiping you butt but otherwise all junks news articles are there. all gujju got married there.