On 11th November, which is observed as National Education Day since 2008 in India, tributes were paid to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on his 134th birth anniversary. He was recognized as a key contributor to India’s freedom struggle and the first post-independence education minister of the country.
The Birth and Early Life of Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad
Born as Muhiyuddin Ahmad in 1888 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad is remembered as a ‘Lord of Dialogues’ due to his exceptional debating skills. His diverse portfolio includes being an influential journalist, a staunch freedom fighter, and an accomplished politician, besides his significant contributions as an educationist.
Pre-Independence Contributions by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Known for advocating Hindu-Muslim unity, Azad opposed partition and worked intensively toward strengthening the bond between these two communities, which had been soured due to the Morley-Minto reforms of 1909. The reforms had introduced separate electorates for Muslims, causing resentment among Hindus. To promote Indian nationalism and revolutionary ideas based on Hindu-Muslim unity, Azad launched a weekly Urdu journal called Al-Hilal in 1912. However, it got banned in 1914 after being considered as spreading secessionist views. Despite this setback, Azad remained undeterred and initiated another weekly named Al-Balagh with similar objectives.
Azad’s Involvement in the Non-Cooperation Movement
During the period of 1920-22, Azad actively supported the Non-Cooperation Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. His affiliation with the Congress party started in 1920, and three years later, he became its president, holding this position as the youngest ever at the age of 35. As a part of Gandhi’s Salt Satyagraha in 1930, Azad was arrested for violating salt laws and spent eighteen months in Meerut jail. He resumed his role as the president of the Congress in 1940 and remained in the post until 1946.
Maulana Azad’s Role as an Educationist
Maulana Azad staunchly advocated a universal, liberal, and humanitarian educational system. He envisioned a fusion of Eastern and Western concepts of man to shape fully integrated personalities. While the Eastern concept focused on spiritual excellence and individual salvation, the Western idea emphasized worldly achievements and social progress. One of his significant achievements includes being one of the founding members of Jamia Millia Islamia University, which was established in 1920.
Post-Independence Contributions by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
After India gained independence in 1947, Maulana Azad served as its first education minister until his death in 1958. His tenure saw the establishment of major educational institutions such as the first IIT, IISc, School of Planning and Architecture, and the University Grants Commission. He also initiated the formation of Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Sahitya Academy for literature development, Sangeet Natak Academy for music and dance propagation, and Lalit Kala Academy for painting advancement.
Posthumously, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was awarded Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 1992. His life and contributions continue to serve as an inspiration, making him an indispensable figure in Indian history.
