I have been an avid reader of Outlook since its inception. It was seen as a young David taking on Goliath. It showed in its pithier writing, brighter colours and young design. Even more than that, it showed in its courage to have a point of view, and wield it. I love the fact that even 19 years on, Outlook has been able to live up to this contemporariness. The weight of its age does not show in its countenance—it remains young and modern in its approach to the situations it reports. The pseudo-secularism for which Outlook has been loved and maligned equally is another reason why I like it. I find secularism not just a political ideology, but also a social idea needed to bind this country together. Just because our political icons have let this idea down in practice is no reason for bashing a newsmagazine for trying valiantly to uphold it. The “me-space” provided in the Letters page also makes the magazine special. Today, when everyone has a Twitter handle, it is difficult to imagine how different and courageous it was two decades ago to even allow a well-defined space for negative opinions directed at oneself. Raving and ranting go on in equal measure. What more could Voltaire ask for?
Rahul Gaur, Gurgaon
Firstly, Outlook has an inherent confidence. It took rivals by the horns; the rest is a story of competition becoming a weekly fight. This game Outlook plays very well. Language is another big scoring point, which draws many readers. The format and font are the cosmetic, but the language is really the key. Outlook has also treaded the secular path and given its readers the freedom of expression both in print and online spaces. The Outlook Letters page has more brickbats than bouquets, a caring way to treat its readers.
V.N.K. Murti, pattambi, kerala
From its first scoop on Narasimha Rao’s book to the more recent issue on 100 Books That Can Change Your Life, I have loved and hated Outlook in equal measure. The magazine was and is pan-Indian. It has made other news magazines look fluff with a focus on fashion or films; food or finance. Outlook was readable without being pedagogic, pedantic or pedestrian. The magazine has an outlook, a concerned voice and is a caring watchdog. Then, some 10 years ago, the editor thought the magazine could be on autopilot. Friends of Outlook took over its pages. I have loved Outlook for its consistent support of drivel written by its close friends like Arundhati Roy, V. Gangadhar and Pankaj Mishra. The Bibliophile column was only about two or three pet publishers, the authors and events all Delhicentric, as though the rest of India could neither read nor write. I love its senseless 13th or 17th anniversary issues with not much to peg on. I love its banal arts coverage. I love the way Outlook thinks being anti-Hindu is secular. I love the last page: it brings quaint places one would rarely visit and observe. I love its complete omission of the world stage and news, Syria or Iraq, as though India’s complete in itself. I love how cursory its outlook is about south India, as if it’s one generic whole. I love that Outlook makes Delhi look like the centre of the world, with its legalised hutments and Lutyens disconnect with real Delhi. I love its sensationalism in trying to raise secular issues. But I also hate its prejudices and judgemental attitude. Love it or hate it, Outlook is alive, kicking and as real as the many layers that make India.
Ashish Khokar, Bangalore
The Vocal Chord
Fearless journalism at its best. I started reading Outlook when I was in school and have been a regular reader for years. What I admire most about Outlook is the fearless journalism the magazine stands for. While the whole country has been busy praising Modi, Outlook is one magazine which has been able to publish unbiased opinions about right-wing Hindutva and how Brand Modi has failed to live up to its electoral promises. I saw the same fearless approach of the magazine when the Congress was in power. While other media houses are always seen publishing favourable articles for ruling parties, Outlook has stayed away from the herd mentality. No wonder then that I have been a loyal reader for so many years.
Jasmeet Singh, Noida
I love Outlook for its candid views on different issues. The magazine has been very disciplined about its approach to news, in giving its readers unbiased viewpoints. But sometimes, very insipid and overlong articles irk me. Yet, I wait with a childlike eagerness for every issue of Outlook. Even with a change of guard, the magazine’s policy objectives have not been compromised. It has created a comfortable and enviable niche for itself in the media world.
L.J. Singh, Amritsar
Outlook invites readers to take part in its 20th anniversary celebrations. Send us your bouquets and, more importantly, your brickbats. E-mail your entry to editor [AT] outlookindia [DOT] com
