• Blood Speaks Too: The Role of Muslims in India’s Independence highlights the contributions of Muslim freedom fighters in India’s journey to independence.
• Meticulously researched and powerfully written by Syed Shahnawaz Ahmad Qadri, this book challenges the long-standing marginalisation of Muslims in the historical narratives of India’s freedom struggle.
• Through around 2,400 individual accounts and nearly 150 rare photographs, Qadri documents the bravery, sacrifice, and undying spirit of these freedom fighters, making Blood Speaks Too a unique and invaluable addition to the study of India’s independence.

Hyderabad : Unity and trust among different communities are crucial not only for peaceful co-existence but also for the growth and progress of the country, said Telangana’s Deputy Chief Minister, Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, during a book launch in Hyderabad on Thursday, December 5, 2024.

He was speaking at the launch of Blood Speaks Too: The Role of Muslims in India’s Independence by Syed Shahnawaz Ahmad Qadri. “The book not only sheds light on the critical role played by Muslim freedom fighters between 1857 and 1947 but also acts as a unifying call to recognize and honor the diverse contributions of the community to India’s independence,” said the author.

Mohammed Javeed, Member of PCC, Telangana, stated, “This book was the need of the hour, as a portion of the people in the government now allege that Muslims didn’t contribute much to India’s freedom struggle.”

Echoing his sentiments, social activist Dr. Suresh Khairnar added, “This book has come at the right time when the contribution of Muslims to India’s independence is being questioned.”

Prominent thinker Raghu Thakur stressed the importance of acknowledging unsung heroes, saying, “If someone mentions Bhagat Singh, Ashfaqulla Khan’s sacrifice should also be mentioned in the same breath. Blood Speaks Too has done this important work of highlighting the role of even the unknown heroes.”

Former MP Maulana Obaidullah Khan Azmi remarked, “Muslims sacrificed their blood and contributed to India’s independence, but today the same community members are being lynched, and their houses are being bulldozed.”

Maulana Mufti Khaleel Ahmed, Chancellor of Jamia Nizamia, emphasized the importance of connecting with history: “A community that is not attached to its past cannot move forward into the future. This book is a wonderful attempt to connect today’s and future generations with their past.”

Pervez Alam Siddiqui, who translated the book into English, underscored the book’s relevance in today’s socio-political climate. Meanwhile, Dr. Riaz, Chairman of Telangana Central Library, announced plans to make copies of Blood Speaks Too available in all 600 libraries across Telangana, ensuring widespread awareness of these untold stories.

Rizwan Raza, the National Coordinator, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mohammed Javed for organizing the event in just two days. Popular YouTuber Siraj addressed the audience in Telugu, adding a local flavor to the gathering.

The book, which offers detailed accounts and powerful narratives, seeks to bridge historical gaps and foster a deeper understanding of India’s collective struggle for freedom.

Held at Ravindra Bharathi Auditorium in Hyderabad, the book launch brought together prominent leaders, intellectuals, and community members to highlight the often-overlooked contributions of Muslims in India’s fight for independence.

Blood Speaks Too: The Role of Muslims in India’s Independence is a groundbreaking work that unveils the hidden contributions of Muslim freedom fighters in India’s journey to independence. Meticulously researched and powerfully written by Syed Shahnawaz Ahmad Qadri, this book challenges the long-standing marginalisation of Muslims in the historical narratives of India’s freedom struggle. Through around 2,400 individual accounts and nearly 150 rare photographs, Qadri documents the bravery, sacrifice, and undying spirit of these freedom fighters, making Blood Speaks Too a unique and invaluable addition to the study of India’s independence.

This English edition is an expanded version of the book’s previous Hindi and Urdu editions titled Lahu Bolta Bhi Hai: Jang-e-Azaadi-e-Hind ke Muslim Kirdaar. Blood Speaks Too features additional content that provides a broader view of the independence movement, especially focusing on freedom fighters and movements from South India. Written in an engaging, accessible style that reads more like a novel than a history book, Blood Speaks Too captivates readers with its detailed accounts of pivotal events, struggles, and the lives of those who fought for India’s freedom.

Unique Aspects of the Book

1. Comprehensive Documentation: Blood Speaks Too presents detailed stories of around 2,000 freedom fighters, including a rich array of rare photographs. These visual records bring history to life, allowing readers to connect more deeply with the individuals who sacrificed for India’s freedom.
2. Broader Geographic Scope: Unlike many historical accounts, this book includes extensive coverage of freedom movements in South India, highlighting regional struggles and contributions that are often overlooked in mainstream history.
3. Comparative Political Analysis: Qadri goes beyond individual narratives, examining the shifting resolutions and ideological stances of various political parties from 1857 to 1947. This analysis provides readers with a nuanced understanding of the political landscape of the time.
4. Critique of Historical Bias: The book addresses the systematic exclusion of Muslim contributions from India’s independence story. Qadri critiques how the prevailing narratives have often sidelined certain communities to serve specific political agendas, offering a balanced and inclusive portrayal of history.
5. Insight into Lesser-Known Heroes: While popular freedom fighters are widely recognized, Qadri’s work highlights lesser-known figures and organizations, including the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind and other Muslim scholars, who played vital roles in the struggle but have not received due acknowledgment.
6. Educational and Engaging Narrative: Written in a straightforward, engaging style, Blood Speaks Too is accessible to readers of all backgrounds. It balances depth with readability, making complex historical events easy to follow, thus appealing to both general readers and scholars alike.
7. Response to Contemporary Biases: In today’s climate of communal narratives, where Muslim contributions are often questioned or downplayed, this book serves as a corrective, aiming to educate younger generations about the true, diverse fabric of India’s freedom struggle.
8. Expanded English Edition: This edition includes additional details on significant events like the Quit India Movement and in-depth explanations of historical incidents, such as why General Dyer personally led the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. These additions enhance clarity and provide a more comprehensive perspective.
9. Historical Validation Through Rigorous Research: Qadri’s work draws from a range of historical sources, including rare books and archival records. The book serves as a well-documented response to those attempting to rewrite history by marginalising certain communities’ contributions.
10. A Call for Unity and Awareness: At its core, Blood Speaks Too is not just a historical account; it is a call for unity and mutual respect. It reminds readers that India’s independence was a collective achievement, urging them to acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices made by all communities.

Blood Speaks Too: The Role of Muslims in India’s Independence is a tribute to the unsung heroes of India’s freedom struggle and a reminder of the inclusive spirit that was foundational to the nation’s independence. By shedding light on the often-ignored contributions of Muslim freedom fighters, Qadri hopes to inspire a more comprehensive understanding of history, free from biases and distortions, and to foster a sense of pride and unity among future generations.

About the Author –Syed Shahnawaz Ahmad Qadri is a distinguished author, historian, and political activist whose life has been dedicated to the causes of social justice, historical integrity, and national service. His journey into political activism began under the guidance of Lok Bandhu Raj Narain, a prominent socialist leader, and since then, Qadri has been a relentless advocate for the marginalized and oppressed. Known for his unwavering dedication, he has led and participated in numerous protests, sit-ins, hunger strikes, and demonstrations, often at great personal risk, to bring attention to injustices impacting vulnerable communities.

Qadri’s activism has taken him to the forefront of many significant movements, from standing against police brutality in Varanasi in 1972 to rallying against communal violence in events like the Malyana-Hashimpura-Meerut riots and the police firing at Moradabad’s Eidgah. His unyielding commitment to democracy and justice has even led to his imprisonment on multiple occasions, as he stood up to authority figures and oppressive policies. In high-profile actions, such as encircling Rashtrapati Bhavan during the BHU student movement and breaking colonial laws in Shimla, Qadri’s courage and sense of duty have left an indelible mark on Indian society.

Driven by a deep-seated commitment to historical truth, Qadri transitioned into authorship to address the erasure and distortion of the contributions of Muslim freedom fighters in India’s independence movement. His book, Blood Speaks Too: The Role of Muslims in India’s Independence, is a monumental work that seeks to correct historical biases and provide future generations with an inclusive narrative of India’s struggle for freedom. Through meticulous research and dedication, Qadri aims to ensure that the sacrifices of marginalised heroes are remembered and celebrated, inspiring unity and mutual respect in a diverse nation.

Qadri’s work has garnered widespread acclaim from historians, politicians, and activists alike, who see him as a guardian of historical truth. His writing serves as a clarion call to honour the diverse contributions that shaped India’s freedom, urging readers to recognize the full scope of the nation’s shared heritage.