Shehla Rashid, a former student activist and now an author, recently shared her thoughts on the progress of the Muslim community in India. During an Interview, conducted with Atir Khan, the Editor-in-Chief, Awaz-The Voice was asked about some of her prior opinions and her current outlook. She indicated interest in community development, why are Muslims where they are even after 75 years of independence? She also thinks that in order not to brood on the issues it is more useful to look for outcomes in order to have a better tomorrow.
Shehla Rashid: Highlighting Role Models
In her newly released book, “Role Models,” Shehla highlights successful Muslim personalities who serve as inspiration for the younger generation. She said that she received much support for her book whose popularity has probably been sensationalised. The book suggests Muslims get out of their ‘box’ and focus on the progress of the Ummah with the emphasis on the Muslim community. They are to work on their own self-improvement or family planning rather than being influenced to join a certain political party agenda for a better future.
Shehla shared her disappointment at the lack of respect within the community for its heroes. She drew the specifics to the two different modes of grief; the one and only for Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, a national hero, as opposed to the nonchalance when Yakub Memon passed on, a man who was no saint himself. According to her, showing respect for one’s heroes is necessary if one wants to get respect from the world.
Shehla Rashid: Debunking Myths and Encouraging Security
Shehla Rashid also discussed the discrimination faced by Muslims in society, stating that while personal experiences may vary, the system itself is fair. To support this, she gave instances of people rising from meagre backgrounds and passing competitive examinations for instance the UPSC, arguing that even in such examinations there are no hindrances that may lock out any talent.
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