Book Review: ‘Role Models’ by Shehla Rashid Shora

Book Title: Role Models: Inspiring Stories of Indian Muslim Achievers
Author: Shehla Rashid Shora
Publisher: Penguin
Number of Pages: 224
ISBN: 978-0143470922
Date Published: Oct. 30, 2024
Price: INR 219

Book Review

The modern nation state of India after its emergence in mid 20th century has undergone numerous socio-political& economic upheavals. Amidst all these changes one thing has remained constant, the ability of its citizens to rise to the occasion through sheer grit and determination. And this applies to a cross-section of people cutting across religious and other identities. While one frequently hears about the marginalisation of Muslims in India & even the alleged discrimination they face under the changed political landscape of contemporary India that undoubtedly leans towards right of the centre; Shehla Rashid’s book “Role Models: Inspiring Stories of Indian Muslim Achievers” tries to break the typecasting related to Indian Muslims.

Shehla has been the elected Vice-President of JNUSU (Jawaharlal Nehru University Student Union)and is currently pursuing her literary interests. This is her debut as an author where she highlights the achievements of fourteen Indian Muslims who fit the definition of‘role models’ for Indian society in fields as diverse as space science, medicine, para-sports, foreign policy and so on. The ‘Foreword’ to this book is written by the legendry script writer Salim Khan & he lays down a very simple and clear, oft-repeated formula for success in life i.e. to focus on our craft with sincerity and not worry about the outcome. Salim Khan also writes about some interesting observations & prescriptions on society and religion and emphasizes that India right now is at the cusp of greatness, so citizens need to rise above their narrow identities to work collectively.

In the ‘Introduction’ to the book, the author mentions how Muslim achievers she approached for her book enthusiastically responded and it was surprising for her to find out that there isn’t enough literature highlighting achievements of living Indian Muslims. Perhaps the narrative of victimhood is more lucrative than that of achievements! That is why, in this book Shehla offers a counter-narrative by telling the stories of these fourteen achievers. She makes sure to ask every achiever whether they felt discriminated because of their religion. Interesting replies follow – actress Huma Qureshi references her Punjabi upbringing in Delhi and asserts that she never felt left out while celebrating festivals together be it Eid or Janmashtami; para-swimmer Shams Aalammentions that not once in his life he has been typecast because of his religion. Simultaneously he stresses upon the need to keep improving & to stay positive; Professor Faizan Mustafa recommends faith in Constitutional values as the only path worth treading as our Constitution provides a fertile ground for individual excellence. Professor Mustafa accepts the challenges faced by the community especially in terms of education & thereby advises the Muslims who are largely guided by the clergy and self-serving political leadership to break free; General Ata Hasnain advocates to stop thinking in narrow binaries of Hindus, Muslims etc. as he rightly mentions that he is a role model for all faiths and not just Muslims.

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The book has more of such gripping anecdotes and examples. The Project Director of Aditya-L1 solar exploration mission at ISRO Nigar Shaji, music composer A.R. Rehman, Tennis star Sania Mirza, immunologist Dr. Jamal Khan, Radiologist Dr. Zahir Kazi, Diplomat Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Surgeon Dr. Tariq Mansoor, Environmentalist Asif Bhamla&Policy analyst Amana Begam Ansari, all of them attest that India is a land of opportunity amidst tough competition owing to its large population. Every achiever is unanimous that there is no institutional discrimination that Indian Muslims face and that people across faiths have supported them. Their success stories attest to this fact. The author has also explained her evolution from her childhood in Jammu & Kashmir to her JNU journey where she was engaged in left-leaning activism to her current pro State stance. Amidst all these developments, she continues to perform her role as policy consultant, keeps advocating about women’s mental health and is now a published author too. Her own story together with the saga of other Muslim achievers demolishes the myth of discrimination Muslims face in India. This book is a clarion call for all Indians to abandon victimhood mentality, explore opportunities around you that this wonderful nation offers and then work on building your strength to make those opportunities work in your favour; the scope is endless.

It is a highly recommended reading that celebrates the diversity of India and inspires hope.

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