India's distinguished writer and commentator. Rafiq Zakaria, scholar on Indian politics, was closely associated with his country's freedom struggle and had spent over 25 years in public service as a Cabinet Minister and then a deputy leader of the Congress party. He also represented India abroad, including the UN, in 1965, 1990 and 1996. A prolific writer on Indian affairs, Islam and British imperialism, Dr Zakaria authored several books including A Study of Nehru, Rise of Muslims in Indian Politics, Struggle Within Islam: Conflict between Religion and Politics, Iqbal: The Poet and the Politician, The Price of Partition, Gandhi and the Break-up of India, and Indian Muslims: Where have they gone wrong?