Maulana Azad’s Enduring Impact: From India’s Freedom Struggle to Educational Reforms

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 22 Febuary 2025 Subhead - Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was a visionary leader, freedom fighter, and the first Education Minister of India. He advocated Hindu-Muslim unity, was against partition, and established the foundation of India's education system. His legacy lives on through institutions and his contributions to knowledge, unity, and progress. Main points- 1. Azad was a child prodigy, a polyglot, and seriously involved in intellectual activities since childhood. 2. Through Al-Hilal and Al-Balagh, he resisted British occupation and advocated Hindu-Muslim harmony. 3. As Congress president and a close associate of Gandhi and Nehru, he was a central figure in India's independence. 4. As the nation's first Minister of Education, he founded IITs, UGC, and advocated for free education. 5. He is remembered for his work in institutions bearing his name and marking annual National Education Day. — February 22 is the death anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, one of the great figures of India's freedom movement and the architect of its modern education system. His life, which was a blend of intellectual excellence, unwavering patriotism, and national unity, continues to inspire generations. Early Life and Intellectual Development Born on 11 November 1888 in Mecca, then under Ottoman rule, Azad's family moved to India and settled in Calcutta (now Kolkata) when he was a child. His father, Maulana Syed Khairuddin Shah, was an Islamic scholar, and his mother came from a wealthy Arab family. His early education was at home, where he studied Arabic, Persian, Urdu, philosophy, geometry, mathematics, and Islamic theology. He was a child prodigy who mastered several languages and started writing for literary magazines at an early age. During his adolescence, Azad was already a powerful voice among intellectuals. His exposure to global ideas encouraged him to oppose orthodox religious doctrines and promote a liberal interpretation of Islam. His early work reflected his strong interest in education, social reform, and nationalism. Journalism and Political Awakening Azad began his journalism career with the launch of his Urdu weekly paper Al-Hilal in 1912, which played a key role in arousing nationalist sentiments. Through his work, he fiercely criticised British imperialism and advocated Hindu-Muslim unity. However, due to its revolutionary content, the British government banned Al-Hilal in 1914. Undeterred, Azad launched another newspaper, Al-Balagh, which suffered a similar fate in 1916 and led to his imprisonment. Azad's conviction became stronger during his time in prison. His extensive reading and reflection reinforced his belief that India's independence was inextricably linked to communal harmony. He remained a steadfast advocate for an undivided India and opposed partition. Leadership in the Freedom Struggle Maulana Azad joined the Indian National Congress and quickly gained prominence. In 1923, he was elected the youngest Congress president at the age of 35, reflecting his exceptional oratory skills and leadership qualities. Azad worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Patel and actively participated in movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Quit India Movement. Azad was a strong proponent of Hindu-Muslim solidarity and staunchly opposed the demand for Pakistan. He believed that partition would weaken India and lead to long-term communal strife. Despite his efforts, India was partitioned in 1947, a decision that deeply saddened him. Nevertheless, he chose to remain in India and worked tirelessly towards nation-building in the post-independence era. Architect of India's Education System As India's first Minister of Education from 1947 to 1958, Maulana Azad laid the foundation of the country's modern education system. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). He emphasised the importance of science and technical education while also championing free and compulsory education for children up to the age of 14. Azad was instrumental in advancing higher education and research institutions, recognising their significance in shaping India's future. His vision led to the establishment of institutions that remain pillars of India's academic and technological achievements today. Literary Contributions and Ideological Legacy Beyond politics, Azad was an accomplished writer and thinker. His autobiography, India Wins Freedom, provides a profound account of the independence struggle from his perspective. Another notable work, Ghubar-e-Khatir, is a collection of essays reflecting on philosophy, religion, and society. His literary contributions continue to be studied for their depth and intellectual richness. Azad’s speeches and writings consistently emphasised India's composite culture. He believed that religious pluralism and secularism were essential for India's progress. His message of unity remains relevant in contemporary times, as India continues to navigate complex social and religious dynamics. Honouring Azad: Tributes and Remembrance Maulana Azad's contributions are commemorated each year on his birth anniversary, 11 November, which is observed as National Education Day in India. On this day in 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute, acknowledging Azad's immense role in shaping India's education system. Similarly, on his death anniversary, national leaders reflect on his legacy, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge recently remembering him as a beacon of knowledge and national integrity. Institutions Named in His Honour Several educational institutions across India bear his name, honouring his contributions to education and national unity: · Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), New Delhi – A premier medical institution producing top healthcare professionals. · Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal – A leading engineering and technology institute. · Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), Hyderabad – Established to promote Urdu education and research. · Maulana Azad College, Kolkata – One of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in West Bengal. · Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, West Bengal – Specialising in technical and management education. These institutions stand as enduring testaments to Azad’s vision for an enlightened and educated India. Conclusion Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was more than just a freedom fighter; he was a philosopher, an educationist, and a unifier. His unwavering commitment to an inclusive and educated India laid the foundation for generations to come. As we observe his death anniversary, it is essential to revisit his ideals and continue striving towards the India he envisioned, one that thrives on knowledge, unity, and progress. References · Pant, Vijay Prakash (2010). "MAULANA ABUL KALAM AZAD: A Critical Analysis Life and Work". The Indian Journal of Political Science. 71 (4): 1311–1323. · Qaiyoom, Nishat (2012). "Maulana Azad's Journalistic Crusade Against Colonialism". Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. 73: 678–685 · Douglas, Ian Henderson (1993). Abul Kalam Azad: An Intellectual and Religious Biography. Oxford University Press · Hameed, Syeda Saiyidain (2014) Maulana Azad, Islam and the Indian National Movement. Oxford University Press · Habib, S. Irfan (2023) Maulana Azad: A Life. Aleph Book Company — Syed Amjad Hussain is an author and Independent research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is currently working on his book 'Bihar Aur Sufivad', based on the history of Sufism in Bihar. URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/maulana-azad-enduring-freedom-india/d/134712 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism