Abul Kalam Azad Between Dreams and Realities

This study has been taken up to remove various myths that surround the complex nature of Azad¿s personality and undertake a research of the political role of Abul Kalam Azad in the freedom movement 1937-47 when the crucial political decisions were taken and destiny of India was decided. This study does not make any ambitious claims, but an effort has been made to reach somewhere near the truth through sustained objectivity.A concious attempts are made to avoid being charitable or apologetic in the treatment of the subject which generally tends to creep in such studies.It was only Azad who faced and countered resolutely the powerful Hindutva element within the Congress and outside as well as the wild forces of Muslim separatism all around, and that particularly during the final phase of the national struggle, in order to save the country from the evils of partition which, he believed would be a disaster for the Muslims and for India as a whole. When all had surrendered, he stood firm and strong, all alone like the ancient oak amidst the stormy winds blowing from all sides. He found his dreams of a united India shattered. Communalism had once more emerged victorious in India.