MAULANA ABUL KALAM AZAD

TAG: GS-1: EDUCATION & GS-2:MISCELLANEOUS

CONTEXT: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on his birth anniversary, recognizing his contributions to India’s freedom movement and his legacy as a beacon of knowledge and education reform.

EXPLANATION:

About Maulana Abul Kalam Azad:

  • Born in 1888 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia original name Muhiyuddin Ahmad.
  • Known as “Abul Kalam” for his eloquence and debating skills.

Role in Journalism and Nationalism:

  • Founded Urdu weekly Al-Hilal (1912) and Al-Balagh (1914) to promote Indian nationalism and Hindu-Muslim unity.
  • Both journals were banned by the British for their revolutionary content.

Political contributions:

  • Strong advocate for Hindu-Muslim unity and opposed Partition.
  • Joined the Indian National Congress in 1920 and became its youngest President in 1923.

Imprisonment:

  • Arrested in 1930 during Gandhiji’s Salt Satyagraha and detained in Meerut jail for 1.5 years.

Educationist and Reformer:

  • First Education Minister of Independent India (1947-58); emphasized universal and liberal education.
  • Played a major role in founding IITs, IISc, and UGC.

Cultural and Academic Contributions:

  • Help establish Jamia Millia Islamia University.
  • Founded Sahitya Akademi, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and Lalit Kala Akademi.
  • Initiated the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

Literary works:

  • Authored India Wins Freedom, Basic Concept of Quran, and Ghubar-e-Khatir.

Recognition:

  • Posthumously awarded Bharat Ratna in 1992.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/national-education-day-3-things-maulana-azad-9664634/

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