‘Trying a different route’: The new path and ‘positivity’ of Shehla Rashid | Interview Teaser

Activist and author Shehla Rashid believes that her new book, Role Models: Inspiring Stories of Indian Muslim Achievers, will help break stereotypes associated with the Muslim community and power the belief that they are free to chart out their destiny with an equal opportunity in India.

In a conversation with Abhinandan Sekhri, she throws light on her book, which has essays documenting the setback-to-success stories of icons such as music composer AR Rahman, tennis star Sania Mirza, ISRO scientist Nigar Shaji, and paraplegic swimmer Shams Aalam, among others. But also in one chapter after another are mentions of the Narendra Modi government.

On the question of absolving those who are in power of responsibility, and the repeated mentions of PM Modi in every chapter, the former JNUSU vice-president says, “He is the prime minister for all…what’s your problem in Muslims talking to their prime minister?...I don’t understand your discomfort.”

Considering her book’s objective to tackle stereotypes, the author is asked about who was responsible for the Jharkhand BJP’s ad which demonised Muslims and which the Election Commission eventually ordered to be taken down. “I can keep harping on the negativity. I have done that for the longest time and I have achieved nothing…Now I am trying a different route. I am trying to counter negativity with positivity…this is how Muslims are contributing to Viksit Bharat,” she says, holding the book.

The author says a leader’s job is to inspire and not to hand out jobs. Asked if these are the leaders mentioned in the book, she says she is referring to the prime minister. “This book is not about him?” says Abhinandan. “It is about a dream which has been envisioned by PM Narendra Modi,” says Shehla.

The author says change that doesn’t happen “even after 20 years of activism” is possible “if you manage to engage constructively with the system”. On what triggered this shift to a new approach after years of combative activism, she says, “The more activism we were doing, the stronger BJP was getting.”

On the question of joining BJP, she says, “Who knows? Time will tell.”

Follow and engage with us on social media:

[anandmatt]

Umar Khalid chose the wrong friends man, my heart goes for him. And mere sight of her is disappointing now.

[roshidulahmad]

She is the updated version of 'Who said Facts are facts'..Laanat

[karlkhandadia]

That statement.... You'll have to let me complete my sentence like i let you complete yours... This is how it works here. This is not republic, this is not times now, this is not aaj tak.. that speaks volumes of the standard of News Laundry.... Love and proud of you guys.

[Genzosanzosesshomaru]

I haven't achieved much in my life. But I am kinda proud of my integrity. I might get dragged through the mud but I will never lose my integrity like Shehla RaSHIT.

[lasteye]

Subscription lene ko majboor kiya jaa raha hai ab😂😂

[Jap-indian]

Biggest opportunist, female version of Meer Sadiq and mir Jaafar

[jainravinderkaur]

What a downfall ... From standing up for the oppressed to loving a dictator ... Shelha Rashid !!!

[pseudonym]

Remember people this why you don't jump into a movement or protest because some politicians said so, esp young politicians. Do it only if you are convinced of the cause based on your own research and analysis. Now this women claims to a spokesperson for Muslim community? who Elected her? The Muslim community/the poor and downtrodden/ the misrepresented have been voicing their opinion time and time again, only if these self entitled Muslim leaders would lend their ears. What she is espousing here are her opinion.
This is a career for people like her in the sense a career that grants power and popularity, and now she is using her old contacts to come to relevance once again.

[Msharma-jm]

Title should be - SHELA Trying HARD to be Relevant!

[DanishJamal-otxy]

When she was in JNU (AISA)called herself communist, now she became an opportunist.

[bikkeychhetri]

What a fall for such a sharp intellect lady

[asaramramesh]

She follows, if you can't win them join them 😂😂😂

[affanzaman]

Sorry guys from kashmir. She is a hypocrite 😂.

[subodhjanardhan]

Pls avoid such guests who want to sell their books

[roshnidevi]

This when her "friend" Umar Khalid has been in jail since 2020 without trial or bail.

[SachinSharma-xiot]

Shehla is absolutely correct 👌👍👍
She is talking facts.😊

[krishnagupta]

I have never seen such U turn in my life...

[suchith]

Had someone seen sekhri so perturbed, uncomfortable and irritated . He always maintained calmness when taking interview never raised his voice . This shows he did not digest the fact that a Muslim is prasing modi

[nehaparkar]

To be fair, he also interrupts her. He has also interrupted people like Shalini Passi during the interview to either interject with his thought at that moment or then interject with subtle condescension or derision, thus clearly interrupting her, never mind if she is speaking. At that time, he should also remember that they are not Republic, Times now or Aaj Tak. This point cannot be reminded to people basis his convenience. It should be respected on both parts, more so on his part given that he is stating and setting it so explicitly, which ironically does not seem to happen even from his part.

[sayedfaiztanvir]

She is making a joke of herself what a u-turn. Ridiculous!!