This refers to the review article ‘A Crusader for the Community’(Radiance 16-22 June). The publisher and the compiler deserve commendation for this very valuable book. Indeed, this book is very timely and correct rebuttal to the people who level charges of communalism against Syed Shahabuddin.
The book substantiates the fact that Syed Shahabuddin had been one of the rare visionary Muslim leaders, who had all along been advocating that the problems of Muslims should be given place in the “national agenda”. He voiced the genuine grievances of Muslims and their legitimate aspirations but within the context of a secular order and with a nationalist motive. He encouraged participation, not separatism, quest for a solution within and not outside the system, cooperation and not confrontation. It was Shahabuddin who constantly invited Muslims to grab their share in governance, judiciary, etc.
M Naushad Ansari
Patna, Bihar