N.S.Vinodh, the author of A Forgotten Ambassador in Cairo said that “I discovered the neglected tomb of Syud Hossan, India’s first Ambassador to Cairo, in the Qarafa, City of The Dead, in February 2018. I was surprised that there was no recognition of his legacy in India, and I couldn’t understand why his remains were never brought back home. My local tourist guide, a poor Bedouin, couldn’t provide me with any answers.”

 

When the captivating 30-year-old Syud Hossain from Calcutta encountered Sarup Kumari Nehru later  Bijay laxmi  Pandit (Motilal Nehru’s daughter) Smiling blush fully at  him from across the dinner table at Anand Bhavan, his heart experienced a sudden surge of emotions. Hossain had been appointed editor of the Allahabad-based Independent by Motilal Nehru in 1919, which operated from the premises of Anand Bhavan where the forbidden romance between Sarup and Hossain flourished. They eloped, married in secret, and did so hastily. However, what followed next may have ultimately destroyed Hossain’s life.

Early Life and Education

Syed Hossain was an Indian journalist from Bangladesh who fought for independence and became the first Indian ambassador to Egypt under Jawaharlal Nehru.

Syed Hossain was born in Armanitola, Dhaka in 1888. His father, Nawab Syed Mohammad Azad Khan Bahadur, was the Inspector-General of Registration, Bengal. His great-great-grandfather was Mir Syed Ashraf Ali Khan. Syed Hossain’s mother was the daughter of Nawab Abdul Latif, a social reformer of Bengal. Sher-e-Bangla A. K. Fazlul Huq and Sir Hassan Suhrawardy were his brother-in-laws.

Academic Pursuits and Early Career

Syud Hossain finished his Entrance Examination in 1904 and F.A. in 1906 from the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College of Aligarh. After that, he worked in the Bengal Civil Service for a little while. But he didn’t stay in the government job for long. In 1909, Syud Hossain went to England to continue his studies.

Academic Journey and Legal Training

Studies at Cambridge University

Syed Hossain was accepted into Cambridge University to study political science, English, and history. During his time at Cambridge, he befriended Jawaharlal Nehru, who was two years ahead of him. Although Hossain was not particularly drawn to formal education, he discovered a passion for debates, essay writing, and exploring various subjects.

 Transition to Lincoln’s Inn

Instead of completing his degree at Cambridge, Hossain chose to leave and enroll at Lincoln’s Inn in London to train as a barrister. In contrast, Jawaharlal Nehru completed his Cambridge Tripos at Trinity College, earning a second-class degree, before moving to London to study at the Inner Temple to become a barrister.

Early Recognition and Friendship with Asaf Ali

 

In 1909, Asaf Ali, who would later become the first Indian ambassador to the USA and governor of Orissa, recounted his first meeting with Syed Hossain in the Common Room of Lincoln’s Inn. They quickly became close friends. Even in those early days, Hossain was recognized as a talented and influential speaker among Indian residents in England. Known for his impromptu speeches and never using notes, his eloquence was widely admired. Throughout his life, Hossain maintained this practice, and during his exile in the USA and England,

He gained renown as a brilliant orator and a leading advocate for India’s independence.Syud Hossain’s professional journey in London did not lead him to becoming a barrister, yet his remarkable accomplishments in oratory, journalism, politics, and literature at a young age were truly impressive.

His reputation quickly spread far and wide. In 1916, BG Horriman, the editor-in-chief of the Bombay Chronicle, extended an invitation for Hossain to join as his associate. Without hesitation, Hossain accepted the offer. As Asaf Ali described, many of the most impactful ‘leaders’ published in the Chronicle, highly valued by readers at the time, were penned by Syud.

Editorial Leadership and Personal Life

Founding of The Independent

In 1919, Pandit Motilal Nehru decided to establish an English daily newspaper called The Independent in Allahabad. Syed Hossain was chosen as its inaugural Editor to advance the political ideology that Nehru strongly advocated. Hossain quickly gained recognition and became a prominent supporter of the Indian cause.

Life-Altering Event: Marriage to Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit

A significant event that altered the trajectory of Hossain’s life was his marriage to Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit. This event has sometimes been misconstrued and misinterpreted, occasionally intentionally. It was even a topic of discussion in the British Parliament, as documented in Hansard, the official record of the House of Commons proceedings, on April 15, 1920 (Syud Hossain by Hashem Sufi, Director, Dhaka History Research Centre, pp. 15-16).

In her autobiography, “The Scope of Happiness — A Personal Memoirs,” Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit recounts an incident from her youth where she developed a strong attachment to Syed Hossain. This attachment blossomed while he was serving as the editor of her father’s newly established newspaper, The Independent. Coming from a family that valued Hindu-Muslim unity and had close Muslim acquaintances, she found it only natural to consider marrying outside her religion. Despite the short duration of the marriage, the feelings of romance and attachment endured throughout her life.

Residence and Romantic Involvement

Upon his arrival in Allahabad to assume his duties at The Independent, Hossain was initially housed in Anand Bhaban, the Nehrus’ residence. Shortly after, he relocated to a charming bungalow with marble floors in Katra, across from Muir Central College. Young Vijaya Luxmi, affectionately known as Nan, fell in love with the Muslim, Syud Hossain, who was described by Stanley Wolpert in his book ‘Nehru’ as a handsome, brilliant, English-educated individual hired by Motilal to edit his nationalist newspaper, The Independent. Despite their different backgrounds – Hossain being Muslim and Nan a Kashmiri Brahman – the couple believed in the importance of Hindu-Muslim unity for India’s freedom. However, to Motilal and Swarup Rani (Nan’s mother), Hossain’s religion was a significant concern, akin to Jawahar’s desire to marry a British barmaid. Despite efforts to reason with Nan, including by Jawaharlal himself, she remained unresponsive, only expressing her emotions through silence and tears.

Secret Marriage and Immediate Aftermath

The Secret Wedding Of Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit and Syed Hossain

Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit and Syed Hossain decided to marry secretly. On a crisp autumn morning in 1919, Vijaya visited Syed’s bungalow, where the marriage ceremony was held. The wedding was officiated by Maulana Rashid Fakhri, a Congress leader. Vijaya sincerely recited the Kalema and embraced the faith, after which she accepted Syed’s marriage proposal. Witnesses to the marriage included Nawab Sir Mohammad Yusuf, Syed Asghar Hussain, and H.M. Abbasi, who later became a well-known journalist and editor.

Recount of the Incident and Departure from India

Nehru’s personal secretary M.O. Mathai recounts in his memoir “My Days with Nehru,” “Following Syed Hossain’s elopement with Swarupa Nehru (later known as Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit) and subsequent return, he was urged by both allies and adversaries to depart the country.” However, the elopement did not actually take place. Despite this, the controversy surrounding their marriage led to significant pressure on Hossain, prompting him to leave the country.During the annual session of the Congress in Amritsar, Pandit Motilal Nehru was presiding. The official records of the Amritsar Congress of 1920 mention that ‘at this point, a telegram was handed to the President. After reading it, Mr. Motilal Nehru left the platform.’ This telegram reportedly informed the father that his daughter had secretly married his editor, as recounted by HM Abbasi.

Strong Opposition and Public Involvement

This incident caused a lot of commotion in Allahabad. Nan’s family, especially her brother Nehru, strongly objected to this. Many prominent citizens of Allahabad and some top congress leaders of India, both Hindus and Muslims, including the Ali brothers, became involved in their otherwise private matter. Eventually, Gandhiji intervened and advised them. He called the couple and told them ‘if it is a great love then it could be put to a test’. They were convinced to annul the marriage. They were informed that if their strong passion persists even after a cooling period, they can subsequently reconsider their reunion. This is how they were convinced to separate.

Gandhi’s Role in the Separation

Stanley Wolport writes, ‘Finally, Motilal called in Gandhi, who came to Anand Bhaban in 1920 to take Nan (Vijaya Lakshmi) with him to his Gujarati Ashram in Sabarmati, on the outskirts of Ahmedabad’..

Syud Hossain stepped down as the editor of the daily Independent, and CS Ranga Aiyar took over the position. The editorial the next day praised Syud Hossain for his unwavering commitment to the Nationalist program and his tireless efforts to serve the cause of India’s freedom. The new editor’s words reflected the sentiments of the Nehrus, who, despite disapproving of Syud’s marriage, recognized his value and dedication.

Syud returned to Bombay (Mumbai) and promptly became part of the exclusive three-person delegation to Britain and Europe, advocating for the Khilafat movement. In contrast, Nan’s life at the ashram was extremely challenging and strict. She described it as, “When I arrived, my heart dropped. The surroundings were dull and unattractive. I questioned how long I could endure living there. The lifestyle at the Ashram was incredibly austere.”

Bijaylaxmi ‘s Time at the Ashram and Marriage

It seemed like she was eager to get away from this difficult situation, which is probably what the planners were expecting. According to Stanley Wolpert, Nan’s time at the ashram was supposed to lessen her feelings for Syud. Even though she never fully stopped thinking about him, she came back home within a year ready to marry the Hindu Brahman, Ranjit Pandit, who her parents and Mahatma Gandhi had chosen for her.

Professional Achievements and Final Years

Syed Hossain’s Professional Endeavors in the United States

During his time in America, Syed Hossain not only delivered lectures on Indian politics but also on cultural topics. Dr. Hilda Wierum Boulter, a distinguished expert on South Asia in the United States, noted that Hossain served as a Professor of Oriental Civilization at the University of Southern California for a decade. Additionally, he established and managed the magazine “The New Orient” in New York City. Dr. Hossain’s extensive knowledge and expertise spanned a wide range of subjects, with a particular emphasis on political discourse, where he excelled.

Rekindled Relationship and Legacy

In 1945, Vijaya Lakshmi traveled to the United States for a year-long stay, where Syed resided. Their rekindled intimate relationship endured until Syed’s unexpected passing in 1949. Despite their unconventional and profound love, the lovers paid a significant price in their personal lives. Syed Hossain’s contributions to Indian politics, culture, and education left a lasting legacy, highlighting his unwavering commitment to India’s freedom and his intellectual prowess..

Reunion and Diplomatic Challenges

Historical Photograph

This photograph captures a unique moment at ‘Kashana’, the residence of Sir Hassan Suhrawardy in Calcutta in 1937. The individuals in the photo include Aruna Asaf Ali, Nellie Sengupta, Sarojini Naidu, and Shahbanu Begum seated from left to right, and Dr. Syed Hossain, Netaji Subhas Bose, and Sir Hassan Suhrawardy standing from left to right. The photo was taken by Annapurna Dutta, also known as ‘Photographer-Mashima’, and is sourced from the collection ‘Rare Photographs of Eastern Bengal (1880-1940)’ by Waqar Khan (2003).

Vijaya Lakshmi’s U.S. Assignment and Reunion with Syed Hossain

In 1945, Vijaya Lakshmi traveled to the United States to participate in the San Francisco Conference on the United Nations. She actively engaged in numerous meetings and events, receiving warm receptions from the Indian community, most of which were overseen or arranged by Dr. Syed Hossain, the chairman of the National Committee for India’s Freedom. This professional engagement turned into a reunion between the two former lovers. Throughout the gatherings, Hossain presented Vijaya to the crowd and remained by her side. Her year-long assignment in the United States was undeniably successful. She returned to India in January 1946, followed shortly by Dr. Syed Hossain.

Diplomatic Challenges and Controversies

The final outcome of the situation involving Syed Hossain is thoroughly described by Mac Mathai, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, and Stanley Wolpert. During a cabinet meeting of the interim government, Liaquat Ali Khan and Jawaharlal Nehru nearly came to a physical altercation. This was sparked by Nehru’s decision to appoint his sister Nan as India’s first ambassador to Moscow, a move that Liaquat saw as a clear display of nepotism. Despite Liaquat’s objections, Nehru remained adamant and even threatened to resign if Dickie (Lord Mountbatten) sided with Liaquat on the issue.Nan had longed to go to Washington, where her dear old friend and former lover, Syud Hossain, was leading the committee for India’s freedom.

Diplomatic Assignments and Final Encounter

After re-entering her solitary life two years prior, Syed Hossain moved to Delhi and settled in the grand Imperial Hotel, where a chance encounter with Vijaya Lakshmi occurred, as remembered by Mac Mathai. Following Vijaya’s departure to Moscow, Nehru appointed Hossain as India’s ambassador to Cairo. Tragically, Hossain’s life ended in misery and torment. Vijaya, upon hearing of her brother’s decision, expressed reluctance to go abroad, feeling she was being sent away for unclear reasons. Her departure for Moscow came just before the transfer of power, and Nehru’s urgency to send her away was more related to the Imperial Hotel than Moscow, as noted by Stanley Wolpert. The geographical distance between Vijaya Lakshmi and Syed Hossain, stationed in different capitals on different continents, made it difficult for them to meet frequently. Nevertheless, Vijaya managed a brief visit to Hossain in Cairo in January 1949.

Legacy and Passing

Syed Hossain served as India’s inaugural envoy to Cairo, leaving a lasting impact in Egypt and the wider Middle East within just under a year. His remarkable achievements as a diplomat in such a short period were extraordinary and unmatched. His unexpected passing on February 25, 1949, was met with widespread sorrow and mourning on a global scale.

Final Honors and Legacy

State Funeral and Tribute in Egypt

Following his demise, the Egyptian government honored Syed Hossain with a state funeral. A road near his burial site was dedicated in his name as a symbol of the high regard in which he was held by both the government and the people of Egypt.

Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru traveled to Cairo after Hossain’s passing. Along with the entire embassy personnel, he drove 15 miles to the cemetery to place a wreath on Dr. Hossain’s tomb. Syed Hossain was referred to as ‘the last of the great gentlemen’ by his close friend, Sarojini Naidu.

Contemporary Reflections and Challenges

Despite the decades since his passing, the values of liberal democracy and secular nationalism championed by Syed Hossain are fading. The country he passionately represented is now showing signs of shifting towards communalism, with increasing religious intolerance and hatred. Efforts to rediscover and uphold his secular ideals are both timely and commendable.

SOURCE:WIKIPEDIA, Simon and Schuster India

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