A journalist’s job is more than just simply reporting stories. It’s about capturing moments in history, turning them into tales that last forever, and making sure no one forgets. BY Aqdas Sami
Asad, a senior journalist, does this beautifully in his first book, “Shaheen Bagh: From ‘Anti-National’ to National Saviour”. In its pages, you’ll find a powerful story about one of the toughest times the world has faced — the Covid-19 pandemic.
This book is like a light in the dark, carefully recording all the struggles and challenges of the pandemic. It brings to life the stories of people who might have been forgotten.
Set in Delhi, Asad’s book focuses on neighbourhoods like Okhla, Jamia Nagar, and Shaheen Bagh — places where people showed incredible strength and bravery, even when times were tough.
As you journey through its six chapters, you’ll uncover a rich tapestry of human emotions that tug at the heartstrings. It’s like reliving those scary moments we all went through during the pandemic. For folks like me, who reside in Okhla, and even for the author himself, this book brings back memories so vivid they’re etched into our minds forever. They’re the kind of memories that change us, deep down inside.
The book weaves together the stories of Covid victims. As you read, their tales touch your heart, revealing the difficult challenges families endure amid the storm of destruction and sorrow.
Shaheen Bagh: From ‘Anti National’ to Nation Saviour Publishing House: Zavia Publication, New Delhi
Author: Asad Pages 264 with photos. Price Rs 400
Connect with the author at WhatsApp 9911852510
But in the midst of all the sad stories of loss and hardship, the author beautifully shows us something else — something that fills us with hope. It’s the incredible kindness and bravery of the people from Shaheen Bagh.
Even when everything seemed dark and hopeless, they were like a guiding light, showing us that compassion and courage can shine through even the darkest of times.
Yet, there’s another side to the story — a troubling truth that this book bravely uncovers. The very people who stepped up as heroes during the Covid crisis were once unfairly treated and pushed to the sidelines.
Their brave acts to save lives during the second wave hardly got any attention from the media. This is in stark contrast to how Shaheen Bagh was constantly criticised and painted in a negative light during the protests that lasted around 100 days.
But as you turn the pages of this book, you’ll see a different picture emerge. It’s a picture of human strength and unity, where stories of Covid-19 victims are intertwined with tales of unsung heroes — the Corona Warriors of Shaheen Bagh. People from Shaheen Bagh and its neighborhood who risked everything to help those in need, showing us what true humanity looks like even in the toughest of times..
With its wealth of references, personal stories, and gripping narratives, Asad’s book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the massive impact the second wave of Covid-19 had on society. It’s a reminder of the incredible resilience of humanity, and how those once labeled as troublemakers emerged as heroes when Delhi needed them the most.
(The reviewer is an award-winning documentary maker and alumnus of India’s premier media institute, MCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia.)
