Nurdin M KassamRamanlal Vasantlal Desai (1892-1954), considered a prominent figure in Gujarati literature, wrote sixty-eight books, including twenty-seven novels, hundreds of short stories, plays, poems, literary criticisms, historical essays, and biographies. Initally working as a teacher, he switched to the civil service in the former princely state of Baroda, while continuing to write and publish. In 1932, Desai received the Ranjitram Suvarma Chandrak Award for his contribution to Gujarati literature. His novels often included historical events and covered a range of social and political issues. Bhārelo Agni is considered Desai's magnum opus and is an example of his skills in masterfully articulating the ideals of non-violence which Indian independence movements led by Gandhi incorporated into their struggle.

Nurdin M. Kassam (1934-) was born and raised as part of the Indian diaspora in colonial East Africa where he experienced institutionalized racism first-hand and witnessed the marginalization of colonized peoples. These experiences deeply disturbed him, and inspired him to challenge the status quo, which he felt he could best do by becoming a lawyer. Against all odds, he qualified as a lawyer, earning a Bar-at-Law from Lincoln's Inn and a Master of Law from Yale University. He taught at the University of Papua New Guinea and, in Canada, taught and practised law, specializing in mediation. He has designed and facilitated seminars on mediation internationally. He first read Bhārelo Agni at the age of seventeen and felt that its powerful message of non-violence and one humanity should be translated into English for a wider audience. He has now fulfilled his decades-long commitment to translate the book. Read More Read Less