The tagline says “Where Pakistan Meets America” and judging from the magazine’s title*, Chowrangi, the place where this meeting happens would be a central traffic intersection where various (at least 4) major roads intersect.
The first issue of this glossy, out of NJ, is well thought-out and well executed. The editorial statement describes the goal of the magazine:
We wish to showcase the talents of the diaspora, particularly in the fields of arts and culture, and highlight its many positive manifestations. More importantly, we hope Chowrangi will become a rallying cry for progressive Pakistanis in America to come together and engage in debate and dialogue. While one of our aims is to challenge the global image of Pakistan and the Pak-American community as backward, we will not be afraid of discussing taboo subjects in a constructive manner
These are noble goals and, as a Pak-American (not sure about the progressive bit), I applaud their sentiment to engage with the American reading public. Highlighting the artists, writers and thinkers in the Pakistani diaspora to the larger media can, hopefully, give exposure to them as well as building a nation-wide community. The magazine is an initiative by Develop in Peace (DIP), a non-profit. It is available for sale at the cost of $8.
The first issue contains an essay and a book review by Bapsi Sidhwa and an interview with Sabiha Sumar. Miniature painter Shazia Sikander gets good coverage. More importantly, is the photo essay by CM’s official photographer Sheheryar Hasnain. Some of Sheheryar’s work can be seen here. The best piece, for me, was on the Urdu/Pakistani press in NY after 9/11 by Rehan Ansari which finds that the Urdu press has been slow to respond to the needs of Pakistani here and has not engaged with local communities - serving mostly as a translation tool. He does highlight The Pakistan News and Muslim Weekly as bucking the trend and giving space to women columnists.
Grab a copy if you see it.
—
*: To Chowrang is to carve into 4 pieces with a stroke of your sword
discussions