Hassanali Fazal Master

Children

Masuma Master 1936–1996

Roshanali Hassanali Fazal Master 1926–1976

Hassanali was a man of great intellect and at the time of the death of his father in August 1920, the founder of The Samachar, he was then in his early teens. N Prodigious could well describe the latent talents he displayed for he immediately set himself to support and take care of his mother Satbai whose unfortunate position cannot be imagined.
Hassanali took charge of the business and The Samachar and among the steps taken by Hassanali to improve his newspaper was the permanent introduction of English columns from 13th August 1922, enlargement of the newspaper's size and the increase in the number of pages.
He was able to improve his newspaper considerably and by this time it had become the most popular and widely circulated Anglo Vernacular newspaper published in East Africa. After the late Mr P.B. Khare, who was his assistant editor, had retired, Mr Mohamadali A. Rahim acted as Assistant Editor.
From 1922 onwards, due to his keen interest in journalism, Hassanali made every attempt to improve his newspaper and, day by day, the newspaper became popular throughout East Africa and circulation began to increase.
By this time the newspaper had been established on a firm footing and therefore Hassanali did not encounter any trouble as his father Fazal had confronted during the early career of this newspaper. With the issue of 24th April 1927 The Samachar completed its 25th year.
It had been the intention of Hassanali since the completion of the 25th year to publish a Special Silver Jubilee edition of The Samachar and this edition was published in 1928.
Although this number should have been out on 1st May 1927 it was nearly one and a half years late due to reasons beyond his control. In the first place the seriousness of this work was underestimated and inthe secondplace Hassanali hadtowork almost single-handedly in collecting together all the materials that formed that edition.
Thus, single-handedly, Hassanali was able to publish the Silver Jubilee edition, some one and a half years after The Samachar completed its 25th year of existence. The edition sold well with many subscribers and Hassanali received several letters of appreciation and congratulations.
During his life time, Hassanali purchased some farm land in Mwera, Darajani where therewere many coconuts, cloves and exoticfruit trees which brought income to the family, then and in the future. The farm land in Mwera still exists today, and is now used for charitable purposes, with a Madrasah built to teach children religious and educational studies.
After working extremely hard from 1927, determined to improve his newspaper and to increase its popularity, Hassanali decided to go to Kerbala in Iraq and set out on this sacred pilgrimage together with his family and his elderly mother. Hassanali left Zanzibar with his family in 1933 and set out for Kerbala, leaving the editorship of his newspaper in the capable hands of Mr P.B. Khare, who had vast experience in journalism.
After nearly six months’ absence, Hassanali returned to Zanzibar and took over the chief editorship of the newspaper relieving Mr P.B. Khare, who then acted as Assistant Editor.
Though Hassanali thoroughly reorganised and modernised the business he had inherited from his father, ironing out the creases, he never deviated from the vision that the newspaper’s founder had mapped out for him.
Although, due to unavoidable circumstances, he had been forced to leave school at a very early age, after only completing his primary level education, he successfully mastered the English language, through experience, and his editorials carried great weight and influence throughout East Africa.
A few years after taking complete control of his newspaper, Hassanali became very popular among all sections of the community due to his genial temperament. Besides acting as Chief Editor for the English section, he also acted as Editor for the Gujarati section.
Hassanali had succeeded in his desire to increase the popularity of his newspaper, and, with preparations made well in advance, he made the decision to publish an exclusive Silver Jubilee Issue, celebrating the 25th year of the reign of His Highness, the Sultan, Sayyid Sir Khalifa bin Harub.
From August 1936, Hassanali, supported by Mr Mohamedali A. Rahim as his assistant editor, made an all-out effort to publish the Silver Jubilee edition of the official day of celebration. His efforts were rewarded and he succeeded in his ambition. The edition was circulated on Sunday 27th December 1936.
The issue contained over 130 pictures, including more than 60 of Zanzibar and Pemba views; historical photographs of His Highness, the Sultan's life; his visit to England, and views of historical places of His Highness' dominions and their staple industries.
It also contained interesting articles regarding the History of Zanzibar; twenty-five years of His Highness’ reign and other fascinating items, written by prominent people.
Hassanali received several letters of commendation and congratulations for publishing this edition. His Highness the Sultan was especially pleased to see the Silver Jubilee edition of The Samachar and he conferred upon Hassanali a Jubilee Medal for publishing such a special tribute in his honour.
Encouraged by a very positive response to the Silver Jubilee edition from the public, Hassanali decided to publish a Coronation edition to celebrate the Coronation of His Late Majesty, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth and this edition appeared on Tuesday 11th May, 1937. The edition, which was printed on art newspaper, contained illustrations depicting the life of the late King George; Her Majesty the Queen and the royal family. Some 4,000 copies weresoldin twodaysandHassanalireceivednumerousletters of congratulations as only The Samachar published a special edition on this occasion.
On the night of Monday 19th December 1937, Hassanali died suddenly due to heart-failure and, with his untimely and most tragic death, this journal was deprived of its great architect and chief editor. His sudden death evoked sincere sympathies from all quarters in Zanzibar as well as from all neighbouring territories.
Hassanali Master had envisioned vastly improving the newspaper and its tone, but unfortunately his life was cut short before all of his plans could be brought into effect.
He died, and was buried, in Zanzibar, his birthplace leaving behind three young sons aged 4, 8 and 10, one daughter aged 3, a widow and his elderly mother.

HISTORY OF THE SAMACHAR 1901-1967 By Arif Roshanali Master (FBDO)