MAULANA AZAD : THE FIRST EDUCATION MINISTER OF INDEPENDENT INDIA

MAULANA AZAD : THE FIRST EDUCATION MINISTER OF INDEPENDENT INDIA

THE BIOGRAPHY OF MAULANA 

ABUL KALAM AZAD 

Full name: Sayyid Ghulam Muhiyuddin Ahmed bin Khairuddin Al Hussaini

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (11 November 1888 – 22 February 1958) was a prominent Indian scholar, political leader, and the first Minister of Education in independent India. He was also a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and played a key role in India's struggle for independence.

Early Life and Family:

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia on 11 November 1888. His real name was Abul Kalam Ghulam Muhiyuddin. His father, Maulana Khairuddin, was a Bengali Muslim scholar who had settled in Mecca. Azad's mother, Alia, was Arab, and his ancestors had been scholars and administrators in Yemen for several generations.

Azad received his early education at home from his father and other eminent scholars. He was proficient in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu, and later also learned English. In 1898, at the age of 10, he returned to India with his family and settled in Calcutta (now Kolkata).

Political Career and Achievements:

In 1912, Azad started publishing a weekly magazine, Al-Hilal, which became a popular mouthpiece for Indian Muslims. However, the British government banned the magazine in 1914, and Azad was arrested and imprisoned for four years.

After his release, Azad became more involved in the Indian independence movement. He joined the Indian National Congress and became one of its leading members. In 1923, he became the youngest president of the Congress and held the post for two years.

In 1940, Azad played a key role in the signing of the Lahore Resolution, which called for the creation of an independent Muslim state in India. However, he opposed the idea of partition and worked hard to keep India united. After independence, he became the first Minister of Education in independent India and held the post until his death in 1958.

Azad's contribution to Indian education was immense. He established the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and laid the foundation for the University Grants Commission (UGC). He was also instrumental in the development of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the National Library of India.

Controversies and Criticisms:

Azad's political career was not without controversies. He was accused of being a pro-Muslim politician and was often criticized for his support of the Khilafat movement, which aimed to preserve the authority of the Ottoman Empire. He was also criticized for his opposition to the idea of partition and his attempts to keep India united.

Personal Life and Legacy:

Azad was married to Zulaikha Begum and had four children. He was a prolific writer and wrote several books, including "India Wins Freedom" and "Ghubar-e-Khatir" (Thoughts on the Dust).

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was a towering figure in Indian politics and a respected leader. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1992. He remains an inspiration to millions of Indians, and his contributions to the fields of education and politics continue to be remembered and celebrated. He died on 22 February 1958, in Delhi.