Biography of Abul Kalam Azad:
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, whose full name was Abul Kalam Ghulam Muhiyuddin Ahmed bin Khairuddin Al-Hussaini Azad, was a prominent Indian scholar, freedom fighter, and senior leader of the Indian National Congress during the Indian independence movement. He was born on November 11, 1888, in Mecca, which was a part of the Ottoman Empire at that time (now in Saudi Arabia), and he passed away on February 22, 1958, in New Delhi, India.
Early Life and Education:
Abul Kalam Azad was born into a family of scholars and theologians. He received a traditional Islamic education at home and later pursued modern education in Arabic, Persian, philosophy, mathematics, and world history. Despite his orthodox religious background, Azad was exposed to modern ideas and progressive thinking.
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| Biography of Abul Kalam Azad |
Contribution to India’s Freedom Struggle:
Azad became actively involved in the Indian freedom movement from a young age. He was deeply influenced by the ideas of nationalism, freedom, and equality. He joined the Indian National Congress and became a prominent leader advocating for India’s independence from British colonial rule.
Azad played a key role in the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) and the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934). He was a staunch supporter of Hindu-Muslim unity and worked towards bridging the gap between different communities in India.
Contribution as an Educationist:
Apart from his political activism, Azad was a renowned scholar and educationist. He emphasized the importance of education for the social, cultural, and economic development of India. Azad served as the President of the Indian National Congress and later became the first Minister of Education in independent India.
Post-Independence Role:
After India gained independence in 1947, Azad served as the first Minister of Education in the Indian government under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He played a significant role in shaping India’s education policy and promoting the establishment of institutions of higher learning.
Literary Contributions:
Azad was a prolific writer and authored several books and essays in Urdu, including his notable work “Ghubar-e-Khatir” (Dust of Thoughts), an autobiographical account of his life and experiences.
Legacy:
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad is remembered as one of the most influential leaders of the Indian freedom movement. His contributions to the nation, both as a freedom fighter and an educationist, continue to be celebrated. In his honor, India observes National Education Day on November 11th, the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, to commemorate his invaluable contributions to the field of education.