EDITORIAL | KAIROS GLOBAL | JUNE 2022

Author: Dr. Chackochan J Njavallil

50 Issues-Old

I don't know how many times I looked at pages 22-23 of the 5oth issue of Kairos Global, which came out in May 2022. Those two pages showcased all the covers of the last 49 issues and the pilot issue. It brought a torrent of memories pertaining to the magazine, over the last many years.

The several years where we were unable to do anything, despite the repetitive requests from several quarters for an English magazine; the approval to bring it out which came in 2013; the years of several futile attempts that followed; Joshy Joseph's entry to the scene and the ways in which various matters took shape; and finally the birth of the pilot issue in 2017.

Money for the new and existing magazines was always a problem but there were many other issues to be tackled. What should the name be, which category of people should the magazine focus upon, how should the approach be, what kinds of content should we have, who would the authors be, who would edit the articles – there were more questions than answers.

It was a great relief when in 2017, Ms Sharrol Jose from Chennai agreed to be the first executive editor of the magazine. No doubt, it is her tireless effort that helped set the standard. More than 30 issues were brought out under her coordination and leadership. It was a tough task for Tania Rose Josun, the current executive editor, to take over from her and build on it.

Bringing out every issue of the magazine is time consuming and tiring work. The main themes are discussed in the editorial council in detail; sub topics identified, approaches decided, and authors are suggested. It is very heartening to note that, save for exceptional situations, our request for articles or interviews are readily complied with. This issue contains an interview with the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, H.E. Bishop Paul Hinder (whose resignation on reaching the age of retirement came after the interview was completed but before this magazine went to print; an interview that has edified us all). Even arranging this interview, transcribing it, and finally getting the approval for the final transcript was something that required a lot of time, effort and patience. Lengthy stories can be said about how we actually included a particular article or experience in the magazine! Some authors require persistent follow-up, but a few are very punctual. In that sense two of our best authors are Dr Edward Edezhath and Anil Israel. Dr Edward needs only a single reminder and Anil needs none at all. 

Have you ever come across spelling/ language mistakes in the magazine (the few things that we identified, we will not disclose!)? The executive editor takes every possible step to avoid it. The designers, Mustard Tree, do a wonderful job on the design – one feature of the magazine that is often appreciated. Recently Kairos received a request from a publisher in a foreign country to help them relaunch their magazine in style.

Sure, it is a tough and difficult journey, but as the Israelites were led through the desert under a pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night, we are also progressing in our efforts to provide an excellent tool that can help share the Good News with the entire world.

Dear readers, thank you so much for joining us on this fulfilling endeavour. You can continue to support us through your prayers, and by introducing the magazine to others. You can become a Kairos promoter too, by regularly distributing a few copies. I welcome you to visit www.jykairosmedia.org to know more about Kairos and the various initiatives. If prompted to do so, you can support us financially as well.