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Eqbal Ahmad: A Critical Outsider in a Turbulent Age

Oscar Wilde

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In the tumultuous tapestry of the 20th century, Eqbal Ahmad emerged as a visionary thinker, a fearless voice for the oppressed, and an astute critic of global power dynamics. His writings and activism left an indelible mark on the intellectual and political landscapes of the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond.

A Life of Passionate Advocacy

Born in Patna, India, in 1933, Ahmad witnessed firsthand the ravages of colonialism and the birth pangs of a new nation. His formative years were marked by a profound empathy for the marginalized and a deep commitment to social justice.

Eqbal Ahmad: Critical Outsider in a Turbulent Age

by Stuart Schaar

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	240 pages

After studying at Cambridge University, Ahmad returned to Pakistan in the early 1960s, where he became a prominent voice against military rule and the exploitation of the poor. His writings in magazines such as Outlook and Frontier ignited intellectual debate and exposed the ills of the Pakistani establishment.

Exile and Global Activism

In 1968, following a military crackdown on dissent, Ahmad was forced into exile. He spent the next two decades in the United States, where he became a professor at Harvard University and remained an influential voice in international affairs.

From his perch in academia, Ahmad continued to challenge Western foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East. He argued passionately against the Vietnam War, the Israeli occupation of Palestine, and the US-backed dictatorships in Latin America. His writings and activism earned him the admiration of activists and intellectuals worldwide.

A Critical Outsider's Perspective

Throughout his career, Ahmad maintained his status as a critical outsider. He refused to align himself with any particular political ideology, believing that all ideologies carried the potential for both liberation and oppression.

With an anthropologist's eye, Ahmad observed and analyzed global events from a unique perspective. He saw the contradictions and hypocrisies of the powerful, while also recognizing the resilience and creativity of the oppressed. His writings offer a profound critique of both Western imperialism and the shortcomings of postcolonial societies.

Unveiling the Roots of Oppression

Ahmad's analysis of global power dynamics extended beyond the realm of politics. He argued that oppression was often rooted in cultural and psychological factors, such as racism, patriarchy, and the glorification of violence.

In his book The Making of the Indian Nation, Ahmad explored the deep-seated prejudices and injustices that shaped India's postcolonial society. He also drew attention to the psychological legacies of imperialism, arguing that they perpetuated cycles of violence and oppression.

A Legacy of Hope and Resistance

Eqbal Ahmad's writings and activism continue to inspire and provoke thought. His unflinching pursuit of justice, his keen intellect, and his deep compassion for humanity leave a lasting legacy.

In Eqbal Ahmad: Critical Outsider in a Turbulent Age, a collection of his essays and speeches, we encounter a visionary thinker who defied easy categorization. His work invites us to challenge our assumptions, question our biases, and strive for a more just and compassionate world.

Praise for Eqbal Ahmad

"Eqbal Ahmad was a brilliant and courageous intellectual whose insights into the complexities of global power remain essential for understanding our world today." - Noam Chomsky

"Ahmad's writings are a powerful reminder of the importance of critical inquiry and the need for a radical transformation of our political and economic systems." - Arundhati Roy

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Eqbal Ahmad: Critical Outsider in a Turbulent Age

by Stuart Schaar

5 out of 5