Role models are people who inspire us to dream bigger by broadening the horizons of our imagination. They
challenge us to go beyond limited possibilities by expanding our aspirational matrix. In this refreshing and unique account of the contributions of Indian Muslims to national life, Shehla Rashid brings together a formidable list of achievers, such as A.R. Rahman, Sania Mirza, Nigar Shaji, Dr Ausaf Sayeed and Huma Qureshi, among others, who have excelled in their respective fields. She postulates the idea of a ‘Muslim civil society’—a space where new ideas can germinate, allowing talent to achieve its full potential and reforms to take root. As Shehla brings their stories to life, she also offers insights into her own life, the choices she made, and the way forward for Muslims in a democratic political system.

1. Embody the Change You Want To See - A R Rahman
2. Sky is No Longer Limit for India - Nigar Shaji
3. On Grand Slams, Girl Power and Building Better India - Sania Mirza
4. Hard Work is its Own Record - Huma Qureshi
5. So, What's Your Excuse - Shams Aalam
6. Going Last Mile - Dr. Jamal A Khan
7. Let the Amrit Kaal Be Buildathon - Dr Zahir Kazi
8. Reflections of Diplomat - Dr. Ausaf Sayeed
9. Bridging Worlds: My Journey as Indian Muslim Scholar in International Relations - Dr. Sana Hashmi
10. People's General - Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain
11. Faith in Constitutional Ideas is the Only Way Out - Prof. Faizan Mustafa
12. Why Prime Minister Narendra Modi is My Role Model - Prof. Tariq Mansoor
13. For the Love of the Land - Asif Bhamla
14. Change Doesn't Stop Because Theory Says it is Impossible - Shehla Rashid
15. Perspectives on Deprivation, Victimhood Narrative, Isolationism and Radicalization - Amana Begam Ansari