Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

On the 134th birth anniversary of India’s first education minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the Prime Minister of India paid heartfelt tributes. November 11th is celebrated as National Education Day each year since 2008 in honor of Maulana Azad. It’s a special day dedicated to remembering and appreciating his contributions to education in the country.

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Key Points

Born: November 11, 1888
Place of Birth: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Association: Indian National Congress
Movement: Indian Nationalist Movement
Political Ideology: Liberalism; right-winged; Egalitarian
Publications: Ghubar-e-Khatir (1942-1946); India Wins Freedom (1978);
Passed Away: February 22, 1958

Political Career

Early Revolutionary Activities:

While in Egypt, Maulana Azad connected with followers of Mustafa Kemal Pasha and met leaders of the Young Turks Movement in Turkey. This exposure broadened his political perspectives.
Upon returning to India, Azad met Hindu revolutionaries Sri Aurobindo Ghosh and Shyam Sundar Chakraborty, shaping his radical political views. He criticized Muslim politicians focused on communal issues, rejecting the separatist theories of the All India Muslim League.
Inspired by revolutionary leaders, Azad started the weekly “Al-Hilal” in 1912, criticizing British policies and addressing Indian issues. The paper gained massive popularity but was banned in 1914. Undeterred, Azad launched “Al-Balagh.”

Pre-Independence Activities:

Khilafat Movement: Azad joined the Khilafat movement in 1920, advocating for the reinstatement of the Caliph in Istanbul. He later aligned with Gandhi’s Non-cooperation movement, working closely with leaders like Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
Imprisonment: Azad was arrested in 1942, spending four years in incarceration. After release in 1946, he played a crucial role in the Constituent Assembly Elections and negotiations with the British Cabinet for independence terms.
Opposition to Partition: Azad vehemently opposed religious-based partition, especially the creation of Pakistan, which deeply hurt him.

Post-Independence Activities:

Humanitarian Efforts: Post-partition, Azad took responsibility for the security of Muslims in India. He toured violence-affected regions, established refugee camps, and ensured the supply of essential goods.
Education Minister: Appointed as India’s first Minister for Education, Azad contributed significantly to promoting education, scientific studies, and research.

Association with Indian National Congress:

Congress Involvement: Azad joined the Indian National Congress in 1920, becoming an important leader. He served in various capacities, including as the youngest President in 1923.
Secular Stance: Azad endorsed the Nehru Report in 1928, opposing separate electorates and advocating for a secular, unified nation.
Salt Satyagraha: In 1930, Azad was arrested for violating salt laws during Gandhiji’s Salt Satyagraha.

Legacy:

Azad dreamed of a unified, independent India where Hindus and Muslims coexisted peacefully, founding the Jamia Milia Islamia Institution in Delhi.
National Education Day: November 11, Azad’s birthday, is celebrated as National Education Day in India.

Death:

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad passed away on February 22, 1958, posthumously receiving India’s highest civilian honor, the ‘Bharat Ratna,‘ in 1992, for his invaluable contribution to the nation.