Independent India’s first Education Minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad is a prominent name in the country’s history of freedom struggle and educational upliftment. National Education Day is celebrated in India on 11th November to commemorate the contributions of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to education. Curious about the history of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad? We bring to you the entire account of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad contribution to education, to the Indian freedom struggle and quotes by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. You can find the life account of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad given below, including Maulana Abul Kalam Azad contribution to Indian freedom struggle as well as the Abul Kalam Azad death reason.
Who was Maulana Abul Kalam Azad?
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was a very influential freedom struggle activist in the final years of India’s quest for independence, and later, a political leader. He was not only a freedom fighter but also a learned writer, poet and journalist. Between 1923 to 1940, he also held the position of Congress’ Presidency.
Despite being a Muslim, he strongly opposes the radicalizing philosophies of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the leader of the Muslim League. The contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad in education, Indian freedom and India as a whole is truly remarkable.
History of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Given below is a brief account of the history of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
Early Life Of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia in the year 1888, on 11 November. His full name is Sayyid Ghulam Muhiyuddin Ahmed bin Khairuddin Al Hussaini. His father was an Afghan scholar living in Delhi but had left to settle in Mecca after the Indian Rebellion in 1857. In 1890, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s family resettled in Kolkata. At eleven years of age, his mother passed away and two years later, he married Zuleikha Begum.
Education Of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad didn’t go to school. He was a self-taught and home-schooled prodigy. Arabic being his first language, Azad was fluent in it, followed by other languages like Bengali, Hindi, English and Persian. He learnt Science, Mathematics, Philosophy, History and other subjects from the tutors hired by his family.
Political Career Of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Although an active personality in the freedom struggle, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad served in the Congress working committee, the General Secretary’s office and President’s office. In 1928, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad endorsed many policies and philosophies of Gandhi and Nehru in various Congress sessions.
He became the Congress president in 1939, the youngest person to achieve that position, and remained till 1946 as the supporter and advisor to Jawaharlal Nehru, the Prime Minister of independent India.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Contribution To India
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Contribution To Indian Freedom Struggle
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad travelled to Egypt, Syria, France and Turkey, where he met revolutionaries that helped shape his ideologies regarding nationalism.
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad led the Khilafat Movement inspired by Gandhiji for preserving the Ottoman Sultan’s Caliph of Islam authority.
- He supported the Non-cooperation movement during 1920-22.
- He united Swarajists and Khilafat leaders in 1924 by serving as President of the Unity conference in Delhi.
- He also participated in the Salt Satyagraha and Quit India movement for which he was jailed.
- He strongly opposed India’s partition and Gandhiji’s talks with Jinnah in Mumbai for the same.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Contribution To India After Independence
- He was elected as a member of the Lok Sabha in 1952 and 1957 as a member of the constituent assembly and thus helped in shaping India’s constitution.
- He had a vital role in laying the foundation of CSIR.
- He promoted the building of scientific research laboratories in the country.
- He served as the President of the UNESCO General Conference in Delhi, in the year 1956.
Also Read- Role Of Mahatma Gandhi In Creation of Pakistan: Birth of Pakistan
Contribution Of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad In Education
- He shaped many policies regarding the education system in post-independence India.
- He founded Jamia Millia Islamia, a higher education institute in Aligarh, with the help of M.A. Ansari and Ajmal Khan.
- Another major contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad in education was when he became the first Education minister of India from 1947 to 1958, he reformed the policies to include free and compulsory education for children till age 14.
- He made significant contributions to the setup of IIT, IISc and the School of Planning and Architecture.
- The big brain behind UGC, which is the higher education regulatory body of India, was Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
Famous Quotes by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
- Education imparted by heart can bring revolution in the society.
- Many people plant trees but few of them get fruit from it.
- Teaching by tongue can be perspired but by good deeds can stay stronger.
- Every individual has the right to an education that will enable him to develop his facilities and live a full human life.
- To succeed in your mission, you must have single-minded devotion to your goal.
- Climbing to the top demands strength, whether it is to the top of Mount Everest or to the top of your career.
Also Read- Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Death Cause And Biography Of An Inspiring National Leader
Abul Kalam Azad Death Reason
It was on February 22, 1958, when the great leader of the Indian freedom struggle left the world for his journey to the afterlife. It is said that Maulana Abul Kalam Azad died from a heart stroke in Delhi, India, at the age of 69.
Later in 1992, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, which is India’s highest civilian honour, posthumously.
Conclusion
In Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s respect, India’s Ministry of Minority Affairs had set up a foundation in his name in 1989 to help the education-deprived sections of society. There has also been the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad National Fellowship given to minority communities for pursuing higher education, usually a master’s or PhD. ‘
Such was the influence of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad in India’s education and freedom and we are forever grateful for such notable figures in shaping our country.
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