Abdul Kalam Aazad

Start writing... Abdul Kalam Azad, also known as Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, was one of the most prominent leaders of the Indian independence movement. He was a great scholar, poet, journalist, and statesman who played a significant role in shaping modern India.

Early Life and Education:

Abdul Kalam Azad was born on November 11, 1888, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. His real name was Abul Kalam Ghulam Muhiyuddin, but he was later known as Abul Kalam Azad. His father, Maulana Khairuddin, was a famous Islamic scholar and preacher, who had migrated to Mecca from India. Azad's mother, Alia Khatoon, was the daughter of a famous Arab scholar.

When Azad was just five years old, his family moved back to Calcutta, India. Azad's father started a religious school where he received his early education. Azad was a brilliant student, and he quickly mastered Arabic, Persian, and Urdu. He was also fluent in English, which he learned by reading books.A

t the age of thirteen, Azad was invited to deliver a speech at a public event. His speech was so impressive that he received a standing ovation. This incident marked the beginning of his career as a public speaker and social reformer.

In 1906, Azad's father passed away, and he took on the responsibility of supporting his family. He continued his studies while also working as a journalist and contributing to several newspapers.

Role in Indian Independence Movement:

Abdul Kalam Azad was a staunch supporter of Indian independence. He joined the Indian National Congress in 1916 and became an important leader of the party. He played a significant role in the non-cooperation movement, which was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920.

During the non-cooperation movement, Azad delivered several speeches, which inspired people to join the movement. He also wrote several articles and books, which explained the philosophy behind the movement and the need for Indian independence.

In 1923, Azad was elected as the President of the Indian National Congress. He was the youngest person to hold this position. During his tenure, he emphasized the importance of education and advocated for the establishment of more schools and universities in India.

In 1930, Azad participated in the Salt Satyagraha, which was another important movement in the Indian independence struggle. He was arrested along with other leaders, but he continued to work for the cause of Indian independence even from behind bars.

After his release from prison, Azad played an active role in the negotiations with the British government for Indian independence. He was a member of the Constituent Assembly, which drafted the Constitution of India. He also served as the first Minister of Education in independent India.

Contributions to Education:

Abdul Kalam Azad was a firm believer in the power of education. He believed that education was the key to social and economic progress. During his tenure as the Minister of Education, he introduced several reforms in the education system.

Azad established the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the University Grants Commission (UGC). He also founded the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to promote cultural exchange between India and other countries.

Azad was a prolific writer and scholar. He wrote several books and articles on a wide range of topics, including religion, philosophy, and politics. His most famous book is "India Wins Freedom," which is a memoir of his experiences during the Indian independence struggle.

Legacy:

Abdul Kalam Azad's contributions to Indian independence and education are widely recognized. He was a true visionary who worked tirelessly for the betterment of his country and his legacy includes his efforts to promote communal harmony in India. Azad was a strong advocate of Hindu-Muslim unity, and he believed that religious differences should not be a cause of division among people. He worked to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding between different communities.

Abdul's vision of education was holistic and inclusive. He believed that education should not just be about acquiring knowledge but also about developing moral values and character. He emphasized the need for education to be accessible to all, regardless of their background or social status.

Azad's contributions have been recognized both in India and internationally. In 1992, the Indian government posthumously awarded him the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India. In 1993, UNESCO declared his birthday, November 11, as World Science Day for Peace and Development, in recognition of his contributions to education and science.

Today, Azad is remembered as one of the most prominent leaders of the Indian independence movement and a great statesman. His legacy of promoting education, communal harmony, and social justice continues to inspire people in India and around the world.

Conclusion:

Abdul Kalam Azad was a true visionary who dedicated his life to the service of his country and his people. His contributions to Indian independence and education continue to shape modern India. He was a brilliant scholar, writer, and orator, who inspired people with his ideas and vision.

Azad's legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of education, communal harmony, and social justice. His ideas are as relevant today as they were during his lifetime. As India continues to face challenges and opportunities, Abdul Kalam Azad's vision and leadership continue to inspire and guide us towards a better future.