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The Peacemakers
India, the land of peace and the birthplace of icons of non-violence such as the Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi, has been riven by violence and conflict throughout its history. Communal riots, caste violence, disputes over sharing of resources, and a variety of other forms of strife continue to blight our nation.
Peace, concord, and amity elude us. However, even as horrific incidents of violence continue to plague us, there have always been those who have dared to stand up against the powerful and protect those under attack. This book profiles some of these extraordinary individuals who acted when it counted.
Rajmohan Gandhi chronicles the closing years of Mahatma Gandhi’s life as he worked to stop the violence and bloodshed in Bihar and Bengal soon after Independence.
Human rights lawyer and activist Nandita Haksar writes about the challenges in fostering peace in a conflict zone—Nagaland.
Rahul Bedi was witness to the grisly massacre of Sikhs in Delhi following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984; he recalls both the killers and saviours.
Journalist Uttam Sengupta tries to resolve the mystery of how Bihar remained peaceful after the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, when other parts of north and west India went up in flames.
Jyoti Punwani profiles some members of civil society who risked their lives to ensure peace in the midst of the communal madness in the aftermath of the demolition of the Babri Masjid.
Journalist-activist Teesta Setalvad was among the first to record both the violence and efforts at peacekeeping during the Gujarat conflagration of 2002. Her essay shows us that there were those who rose up against violence, at great personal cost.
Sunil Kumar, a long-term observer of Maoist violence in the state of Chhattisgarh, profiles the people committed to peace and justice in the restive heart of India.
Teresa Rehman's heart-warming essay chronicles the efforts of a non-government organization working towards the empowerment of women in the once conflict-ridden districts of Assam.
Ghazala Wahab recalls the halcyon years of 2005–2008 in Kashmir when peace seemed attainable and records the efforts and sacrifices of those committed to a peaceful and just future.
Shivam Mogha chronicles the divisive politics and growing insecurity in his hometown of Muzzaffarnagar before it culminated in vicious violence in 2013. He also shines a light on those who rose above the hatred.
Natasha Badhwar and Oishika Neogi show that it is possible to do what is right through their essay on the work of Dr Mohammad Anwar during the Delhi violence of 2020.
Ramani Atkuri walked part of the way with Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra. Her essay introduces us to many people who are invested in an inclusive and just India.
The stories about these peacemakers—activists, journalists, politicians, leaders, and regular citizens—offer us hope that it is possible to rise above the hatred and violence that have characterized India for much of its life as an independent nation.
Peace, concord, and amity elude us. However, even as horrific incidents of violence continue to plague us, there have always been those who have dared to stand up against the powerful and protect those under attack. This book profiles some of these extraordinary individuals who acted when it counted.
Rajmohan Gandhi chronicles the closing years of Mahatma Gandhi’s life as he worked to stop the violence and bloodshed in Bihar and Bengal soon after Independence.
Human rights lawyer and activist Nandita Haksar writes about the challenges in fostering peace in a conflict zone—Nagaland.
Rahul Bedi was witness to the grisly massacre of Sikhs in Delhi following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984; he recalls both the killers and saviours.
Journalist Uttam Sengupta tries to resolve the mystery of how Bihar remained peaceful after the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, when other parts of north and west India went up in flames.
Jyoti Punwani profiles some members of civil society who risked their lives to ensure peace in the midst of the communal madness in the aftermath of the demolition of the Babri Masjid.
Journalist-activist Teesta Setalvad was among the first to record both the violence and efforts at peacekeeping during the Gujarat conflagration of 2002. Her essay shows us that there were those who rose up against violence, at great personal cost.
Sunil Kumar, a long-term observer of Maoist violence in the state of Chhattisgarh, profiles the people committed to peace and justice in the restive heart of India.
Teresa Rehman's heart-warming essay chronicles the efforts of a non-government organization working towards the empowerment of women in the once conflict-ridden districts of Assam.
Ghazala Wahab recalls the halcyon years of 2005–2008 in Kashmir when peace seemed attainable and records the efforts and sacrifices of those committed to a peaceful and just future.
Shivam Mogha chronicles the divisive politics and growing insecurity in his hometown of Muzzaffarnagar before it culminated in vicious violence in 2013. He also shines a light on those who rose above the hatred.
Natasha Badhwar and Oishika Neogi show that it is possible to do what is right through their essay on the work of Dr Mohammad Anwar during the Delhi violence of 2020.
Ramani Atkuri walked part of the way with Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra. Her essay introduces us to many people who are invested in an inclusive and just India.
The stories about these peacemakers—activists, journalists, politicians, leaders, and regular citizens—offer us hope that it is possible to rise above the hatred and violence that have characterized India for much of its life as an independent nation.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 15, 2026
This is the second book by this author that I read. Started it sometime ago and took sometime completing it due to a little pre occupation. I liked her book “ Born a Muslim “ which I have reviewed on GoodReads in September 2021 :
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Peacemakers by Ghazala Wahab is a book published in July 2023 by Aleph Book Company and edited by Wahab herself. It’s a collection of 12 essays that profile real-life individuals and efforts aimed at fostering peace in the midst of violent and communal conflicts in India’s history and contemporary life. The book brings together voices from diverse fields — journalism, activism, law, human rights, and grassroots work — each examining moments of conflict and how ordinary people and leaders worked toward peace. The contributors include historians, journalists, activists, and thinkers, and they explore topics ranging from Partition-era peace efforts to communal riots and grassroots reconciliation, as well as civil society actions for harmony.
The book reframes the idea of peace as active engagement and courage, not merely the absence of violence. 
It highlights the human stories behind conflict resolution, demonstrating how individuals from different backgrounds promote unity and justice. 
The essays collectively suggest that peace requires empathy, resilience, and persistent effort even in times of deep division.
I have liked her writing as Ghazala Wahab is an Indian journalist and editor, known for her earlier award-winning book Born a Muslim: Some Truths About Islam in India. She has also co-authored and edited works on security, society, and national issues. It’s 4 stars from my side !
Dr. Javed Rasheed
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Peacemakers by Ghazala Wahab is a book published in July 2023 by Aleph Book Company and edited by Wahab herself. It’s a collection of 12 essays that profile real-life individuals and efforts aimed at fostering peace in the midst of violent and communal conflicts in India’s history and contemporary life. The book brings together voices from diverse fields — journalism, activism, law, human rights, and grassroots work — each examining moments of conflict and how ordinary people and leaders worked toward peace. The contributors include historians, journalists, activists, and thinkers, and they explore topics ranging from Partition-era peace efforts to communal riots and grassroots reconciliation, as well as civil society actions for harmony.
The book reframes the idea of peace as active engagement and courage, not merely the absence of violence. 
It highlights the human stories behind conflict resolution, demonstrating how individuals from different backgrounds promote unity and justice. 
The essays collectively suggest that peace requires empathy, resilience, and persistent effort even in times of deep division.
I have liked her writing as Ghazala Wahab is an Indian journalist and editor, known for her earlier award-winning book Born a Muslim: Some Truths About Islam in India. She has also co-authored and edited works on security, society, and national issues. It’s 4 stars from my side !
Dr. Javed Rasheed
August 25, 2023
"The Peacemakers," edited by Ghazala Wahab, offers a profound and insightful exploration of the ongoing struggles for peace and harmony in India. The book delves into the historical and contemporary challenges that have hindered the nation's quest for unity and non-violence, while also shining a light on individuals who have risen above the chaos to protect and promote peace.
The contributors to this anthology provide a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, each highlighting a specific period or region where violence threatened to tear apart the fabric of society. Through their narratives, they showcase the extraordinary efforts of ordinary people who stood up against injustice, often at great personal risk.
Rajmohan Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, offers a poignant account of the last years of his grandfather's life, during which he tirelessly worked to quell the violence that erupted in Bihar and Bengal following India's independence. This serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of non-violence and the unwavering commitment to peace.
Nandita Haksar, a prominent human rights lawyer and activist, shares her experiences in Nagaland, a conflict-ridden region in northeastern India. Her testimony underscores the complex challenges faced in fostering peace amidst deep-seated animosity and the demands for self-determination.
Uttam Sengupta, a seasoned journalist, delves into the puzzling question of how Bihar managed to remain relatively peaceful after the Babri Masjid demolition, despite neighboring regions being consumed by communal strife. His detective work sheds light on the efforts of unsung heroes who played vital roles in maintaining peace.
Teesta Setalvad, a renowned journalist and activist, documents the intense violence and the subsequent peacekeeping measures during the Gujarat riots in 2002. Her account underscores the indomitable spirit of those who stood up against the atrocities, despite facing grave personal consequences.
The contributors to this anthology provide a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, each highlighting a specific period or region where violence threatened to tear apart the fabric of society. Through their narratives, they showcase the extraordinary efforts of ordinary people who stood up against injustice, often at great personal risk.
Rajmohan Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, offers a poignant account of the last years of his grandfather's life, during which he tirelessly worked to quell the violence that erupted in Bihar and Bengal following India's independence. This serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of non-violence and the unwavering commitment to peace.
Nandita Haksar, a prominent human rights lawyer and activist, shares her experiences in Nagaland, a conflict-ridden region in northeastern India. Her testimony underscores the complex challenges faced in fostering peace amidst deep-seated animosity and the demands for self-determination.
Uttam Sengupta, a seasoned journalist, delves into the puzzling question of how Bihar managed to remain relatively peaceful after the Babri Masjid demolition, despite neighboring regions being consumed by communal strife. His detective work sheds light on the efforts of unsung heroes who played vital roles in maintaining peace.
Teesta Setalvad, a renowned journalist and activist, documents the intense violence and the subsequent peacekeeping measures during the Gujarat riots in 2002. Her account underscores the indomitable spirit of those who stood up against the atrocities, despite facing grave personal consequences.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews