EditorBengaluru: Konark Publishers’ latest title, “Breaking Barriers: The Story of a Liberal Muslim Woman’s Passage in Indian Politics” is the inspiring story of Nafees Fazal, the first Muslim woman to become a minister in South India. The book has been co-authored by Sandhya Mendonca.
SM Krishna, former Chief Minister of Karnataka and former Union Minister launched “Breaking Barriers: The Story of a Liberal Muslim Woman’s Passage in Indian Politics” on Friday 4 November 2022 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bangalore. Margaret Alva, Prema Krishna, Jitu Virwani, Irfan Razack, and MD Nalapat were among the many dignitaries, family and friends present to support the author, a well-known, loved and respected personality.
Former CM, SM Krishna said, “Nafees Fazal from the start of her career in politics defined change, and defied conservatism and resistance to change. This was why my task was to ensure that Nafees was allowed to work in the legislature and the government, thereby leading by example.”
Former Union Minister and Governor, Margaret Alva added, “I have watched her, advised her, supported her and at times admonished her. But I have most admired her for who she is – an educated, bold, non-conventional Muslim woman, who has lived life on her terms and been willing to pay the price for it.”
A riveting and soulful read narrated in Nafees’ inimitable no-holds-barred style, the book is a captivating account of her political and personal struggles, her triumphs and achievements, and includes key incidents from her life’s journey that have shaped her.
As a child, she witnessed the abuse by her father on her helpless mother, painfully experienced an uncle’s ‘forbidden touch’ on her vulnerable self and the male chauvinism in her community that stopped her grandfather from bequeathing shares of his property to his female descendants. Signs of the author breaking free emerged when, early in her marriage, she faced the wrath of her mother-in-law who ruled the joint family roost with the proverbial iron hand… something completely unfathomable for the convent-educated and progressive Nafees.
Born to a well-to-do Muslim family, Nafees decided at 13 years to enter politics and follow in the footsteps of her idol, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. She fought against the conservative shackles of her family and community, especially against its patriarchal stronghold over women, to pursue her political dream.
After years of toil as a diligent Congress worker in Karnataka, she won the admiration and trust of senior leaders, was elected MLC and then made a minister. Her account of her work as a Medical Education minister in the government of then Chief Minister SM Krishna is as absorbing as the tales of the backdoor and behind-the-scenes politics that led to her being given the portfolio for Science and Technology, ironically considered a demotion at the time! Needless to say, Nafees characteristically rose to the challenge and went about making a remarkable difference as the Science and Technology minister.
Her key achievements as a minister include enhancing the quality of healthcare at Government Hospitals, conducting “surprise visits”, demanding increased ownership and accountability, improving the terms of employment for young doctors, and sowing the seeds of telemedicine through technology. Some key highlights during her tenure were setting up a counselling cell for destitute women at the police commissioner’s office, as well as foraying into rainwater harvesting and solar energy, back in the day when neither mental health nor eco-sustainability was mainstream issues. “Making a difference” and “breaking barriers” is what exemplify Nafees best, and this is what she has done in all the roles she took on, both in her political and personal life.
A devoted and loyal Congress worker, Nafees quit the party because she was not in agreement with the direction the party was taking under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. Though she fleetingly toyed with the idea of joining the BJP, she decided that the Congress party was her home and re-joined as a primary worker some years later.
The book also gives an insight into some key contemporary political and social events and historical milestones that have shaped India over the last few decades
A devout Muslim, Nafees prays five times a day and has also been on Hajj. She has given her frank opinion on topical issues concerning Muslims, from the triple talaq and Uniform Civil Code to the usage of the Hijab. She is unsparing in her criticism of mullah, maulvis and Muslim political leaders for their lack of vision for the overall progress of the community.
On a personal front, the author shares poignant moments from her family life which include her incredibly supportive husband, her two doting and liberal daughters, as well as her other creative “downtime” pursuits such as jewellery and fashion designing. It would be remiss not to call out that she is an avid sports enthusiast and is a big fan of Indian Cricketer MS Dhoni and Swiss Tennis superstar Roger Federer.
In the words of Prof. MD Nalapat, UNESCO Peace Chair, Manipal University, Breaking Barriers is an “Essential reading to understand Indian politics!”
Her daughter, Nooraine Fazal, Co-Founder of Inventure Academy and core committee member of B.PAC adds, “I hope this book will inspire women across the spectrum to dream and pursue their dreams while being mindful of the impact of their choices on their family and the nation. And for children to understand that their parents have the right to pursue their aspirations, and do the best that they can for their children despite their limitations.”
Dive into this positively inspirational book and take your imagination of what’s possible to new heights!
The book is available on Amazon and Flipkart
Meghana Harikumar
Ranjani Govind
Editor
