Nasim Yousaf is a scholar, historian and intellectual.[2] He comes from a famous family of the Indian sub-continent and is a grandson of the pre-eminent Allama Mashriqi (world renowned scholar, mathematician and founder of the Khaksar Tehrik). He is also a nephew of globally recognized social scientist Dr. Akhtar Hameed Khan (both Allama Mashriqi and Dr. A.H. Khan were nominated for the Nobel Prize - Mashriqi for Literature for his book “Tazkirah” and Dr. Khan for Peace for his rural development and poverty alleviation projects).
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Mr. Yousaf has thus far written nine books,[3] five on the history of the Indian sub-continent and four on import and export. Both sets of books offer a unique contribution; his books on history uncover many hidden facts on the freedom of the Indian sub-continent, while his publications on trade help to increase the export of apparel, textiles, hand knotted rugs, housewares, gifts and decorative accessories from different parts of the world. In 2010, his book, “Government of British India on Allama Mashraqi and Khaksar Tehreek (Movement): A Select Chronology; A descriptive timeline of the correspondence of the Secretary of State, Viceroy of India, Provincial Governors, and high officials, intelligence reports, and other events. Focal period: 1930s and 40s”[4] was published. This publication is an unprecedented undertaking and provides a valuable contribution to the historiography of South Asia. It is a useful tool for researchers, educationalists, students, and journalists conducting research on the emergence of two independent states: Pakistan and India. His books are available in the collections of many university libraries around the world.
In addition to his books, Mr. Yousaf has also published many thought provoking articles and has presented research papers in scholarly conferences[5] in the USA. His articles have been published in globally renowned publications such as “Harvard Asia Quarterly”[5] and “World History Encyclopedia” (USA),[5] and in various newspapers in Bangladesh, Canada, Pakistan, India, Sweden, United Kingdom, and the USA.
Mr. Yousaf’s published works have changed the complexion of the current history of the Indian sub-continent and have added a new dimension to the independence episode. His research has compelled historians to re-visit the history of the region and correct the fabrication and elimination of many important facts. He continues his research today and has a number of forthcoming projects, including an important book entitled “Mahatma Gandhi & My Grandfather, Allama Mashriqi.” This upcoming title will discuss the role of Mashriqi and Gandhi in the freedom movement, their political differences, and the true driving force behind the liberation of British India in 1947.
Recognizing Mr. Yousaf’s achievements, “Marquis Who’s Who” (America's biographer since 1899) had previously published his biography in "Who’s Who in the World" (2001, 2003, 2004) and "Who’s Who in America"(2002).[6]
Slides on the activities of the Khaksar Movement were a presented at New York Conference on Asian Studies (NYCAS, 2007)[5] Video on YouTube
“India’s Partition in the Face of Opposition: An Unveiled Perspective” [5] published by “Harvard Asia Quarterly”
Allama Mashriqi’s grandson, Nasim Yousaf, has completed a massive undertaking to compile historic copies of the Khaksar Tehrik’s weekly newspaper, “Al-Islah,” into a digital format. Prior to this effort, “Al-Islah” had not seen the light of day since 1947 for political reasons. This publication is extremely important in understanding not only the history of the freedom movement of the Indian sub-continent, but also the true driving force behind the British transfer of power in 1947. By painstakingly compiling a digital version of the newspaper, Mr. Yousaf has taken an important step towards making the publication accessible to a wide audience.
“Al-Islah” was originally founded in 1934 by Allama Mashriqi (founder of the Khaksar Tehrik) and launched from Lahore. It quickly established a large following, including subscribers in British India, England, Bahrain, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia. “Al-Islah” played a key role in spreading Allama Mashriqi and the Khaksar Tehrik’s ideology and helped Mashriqi raise a well-disciplined private army of 5 million. In addition, “Al-Islah” inspired other Muslim as well as non-Muslim organizations to follow the Khaksar Tehrik and form similar organizations. The newspaper is essential to a complete understanding of the freedom movement because it describes the critical role played by the Khaksar Movement in bringing independence to the nation; without access to this publication, there would remain a large gap in the knowledge of the freedom movement. Thus, the digital compilation of “Al-Islah” is indeed momentous, as it will enable professors, students, researchers, historians and others to further study Allama Mashriqi’s role in the struggle for the freedom of British India and emergence of Pakistan and India as two separate countries.[7]
Articles on Allama Mashriqi:
Article on Hameedah Begum (daughter of Allama Mashriqi and wife of Dr. Akhtar Hameed Khan):
Miscellaneous:
Articles on Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Dr. Akhtar Hameed Khan (who pioneered Microcredit & Microsavings):