Farewell to a Legend: Safari Gujarati Magazine Publishes Its Final Issue
After over four decades of serving knowledge-hungry minds across Gujarat and beyond, Safari magazine has bid its readers an emotional goodbye. On May 28, 2025, the final issue—number 369—was released, bringing to an end the extraordinary journey of one of India’s most unique and intellectually enriching regional magazines.
A Vision Born in 1980
Safari was the brainchild of Nagendra Vijay, a pioneering science writer and the son of the eminent journalist and science communicator Vijaygupta Maurya. First launched on August 1, 1980, the magazine was envisioned as a Gujarati publication that would ignite curiosity and scientific thinking in readers of all ages. At a time when most regional magazines focused on politics, film, or astrology, Safari dared to be different—it chose science, history, military, nature, and general knowledge as its pillars.
Though the initial run faced challenges—including suspensions and re-launches—it was finally reintroduced in May 1992 and then continued for an unbroken stretch of 33 years. The Gujarati-speaking world had, in Safari, a consistent and reliable source of thoughtful, research-based content in its own language.
What Made Safari Special?
Safari was never a mass-market magazine chasing popularity through sensationalism or gossip. Instead, it stayed true to its mission of enlightening readers. Each issue featured an array of topics—space science, military technology, ancient civilizations, psychology, wildlife, and environmental issues. It included fun yet educational segments like puzzles, historical anecdotes, and science quizzes, making it appealing across age groups.
Its writing style was clear, concise, and engaging. Complex scientific theories were explained using analogies and real-life examples. Nagendra Vijay’s editorial voice maintained a perfect balance between scholarly depth and popular appeal. Readers often described the magazine as “addictive in the best way”—a rare compliment for a science publication.
A One-Man Army
What truly set Safari apart was the fact that it was largely run by one man—Nagendra Vijay himself. He wasn’t just the editor; he researched, wrote, edited, and oversaw the production of nearly every issue. The scale of his personal involvement in the magazine was astonishing. Many reports suggest that he even sold his house at one point to keep the magazine afloat during tough financial periods.
It wasn’t just a publication—it was his mission, his life’s work. Such dedication is increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced, profit-driven media world.
Role in Promoting Rational Thinking
At a time when fake news, pseudoscience, and superstitions are widely circulated, Safari played a crucial role in promoting rational and scientific thought. Its articles often debunked widely held myths and exposed illogical or unscientific beliefs. In doing so, it contributed to developing a scientific mindset in thousands of readers—especially young students and competitive exam aspirants.
Moreover, by writing in Gujarati, the magazine made science and global knowledge accessible to a large section of the population that may not have been comfortable reading English-language science journals.
The Digital Age Challenge
Despite its rich legacy, Safari faced mounting challenges over the past decade. The rise of free digital content, social media, and short-form entertainment significantly reduced the appetite for long-form, print-based reading. While Safari did attempt to evolve—with digital versions, Android apps, and a subscription-based website—it could not match the pace and scale of modern digital platforms.
In a heartfelt editorial in the final issue, Nagendra Vijay explained that dwindling readership and lack of support for serious, knowledge-based publications in the digital age had forced him to make the difficult decision to stop publishing. He cited financial losses and the logistical burden of continuing the magazine singlehandedly at an advanced age as contributing factors.
Public Reaction and Emotional Farewells
The announcement of Safari’s closure sent a wave of sadness across the Gujarati community. Readers took to social media to share their memories—of waiting eagerly for each new issue, of using Safari to prepare for exams, and of being inspired by its articles to pursue careers in science, engineering, or teaching.
Many readers expressed that Safari was more than just a magazine—it was a companion, a mentor, a monthly adventure into the world of knowledge. Some even remarked that it was the reason they developed the habit of reading in the first place.
A Void That’s Hard to Fill
With the closure of Safari, Gujarat—and indeed India—loses a significant pillar of regional science communication. While there are numerous YouTube channels, apps, and websites today, few offer the same credibility, depth, and editorial integrity that Safari maintained.
In an era increasingly driven by visual and bite-sized content, the magazine served as a bastion for those who preferred thoughtful, well-researched narratives. For parents, teachers, and students who relied on Safari as an educational tool, its absence will be deeply felt.
Legacy That Lives On
Though its publication has ended, Safari’s impact is far from over. Thousands of back issues remain as valuable learning resources, and the generations it influenced continue to carry forward its spirit of curiosity, critical thinking, and scientific temperament.
Its founder, Nagendra Vijay, has etched his name among the great educators and science communicators of India—not through classrooms or lecture halls, but through the quiet, consistent, and powerful voice of the written word.
The final editorial concluded with dignity and grace, asking readers to “forgive any errors” and expressing gratitude for their decades-long support. It was a humble farewell from a man who gave Gujarat one of its most precious intellectual gifts.
Conclusion: End of an Era, Beginning of Reflection
The end of Safari magazine is not just the end of a publication—it is the end of a mindset, a tradition, a golden era of print journalism in regional languages. It is also a wake-up call. As a society, we must ask ourselves: do we still value reading? Do we support content that educates rather than just entertains?
While Safari may no longer reach readers’ homes every month, it has permanently imprinted itself on the hearts and minds of those who read it. Its closure is a sad moment, but also a reminder of the profound impact that a single visionary publication can have on an entire culture.
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