AMU research scholar writes a book on freedom fighter Syud Hossain

On January 1, 2022, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) released the biography on Syud Hossain titled ‘Syud Hossain: Hindustan ka Aik Danishwar Mujahid-e-Azadi’, written by research scholar Asad Faisal. The vice-chancellor of AMU, Tariq Mansoor launched the book with the author and other officials.

Syud Hossain was an Indian freedom fighter, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) alumnus, debonair statesman, scholar, writer and journalist. Hossain used both the lectern and the pen to devastating effect during the Indian independence movement.

“This biography is intended for the public eye and is an eye-opener on the virtually closed life of Syud Hossain. It has historical details and descriptions of the countries he visited and how he kept the torch of Indian nationalism flying in England and the US through writings and mesmerising oratory, detested by the British Raj,” said the vice chancellor, Mansoor during the book release function.

He also added, “I am sure that this book will soon have its English version. This book also has details of Hossain’s student life in AMU before he moved to London for higher education.”

“Journalism remained Hossain’s passion. In this biographical account, I have tried to bring in light, Hossain’s articles on Freedom Movement and Indian nationalism which featured in ‘New Statesman’, ‘Contemporary Review’, ‘Pall Mall Gazette’, ‘Asiatic Quarterly’, ‘New Age’ and ‘Foreign Affairs’ among others. His trenchant editorials against the British regime were widely read by people like Gandhi and Motilal Nehru. He acquired such fame that within two years, Motilal Nehru invited him to Allahabad to take charge of his daily, ‘Independent’ and in a span of three months, Hossain turned it into one of the most widely read newspapers in the Country despite facing the wrath of the Imperial government,” said Faisal, the author of the book.

Faisal has expressed gratitude to Bangladesh-based Syud Iqbal Ahmed, who is the nephew of Syud Hossain, for providing rare photographs and intriguing rich material on Hossain’s life and for funding the book publication.

Shafey Kidwai, professor of department of Mass Communication, pointed out that ‘Syud Hossain: Hindustan ka Aik Danishwar Mujahid-e-Azadi’ has vivid details that are important moments of Hossain’s life including how he turned bitterly against Mohammed Ali Jinnah and how he was left broken after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination.