Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was one of India’s greatest freedom fighters, scholars, and reformers. He played a key role in India’s independence movement and became the first Education Minister of independent India. Azad strongly believed in Hindu-Muslim unity, secularism, and universal education. His birthday, 11 November, is celebrated as National Education Day every year in India.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Biography: Life, Education, Freedom Struggle, and Contributions to India
Early Life and Education
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was born in 1888 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, as Muhiyudin Ahmad. His family later moved to Calcutta (now Kolkata).
He received his education at home, learning Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and subjects like philosophy, history, and mathematics. By the age of twelve, he was managing a library and debating society. Azad was known for his deep understanding of Islamic studies and modern science.
Maulana Azad as a Journalist
At just 11 years old, Azad began writing poetry and articles under the pen name ‘Azad’.
In 1912, he founded the weekly paper Al-Hilal, which criticized British rule. When it was banned in 1914, he started Al-Balagh, which was also banned in 1916. His fearless journalism made him one of the leading intellectual voices of the freedom movement.
Role in India’s Freedom Movement
Maulana Azad opposed the Partition of Bengal (1905) and collaborated with revolutionaries like Aurobindo Ghosh. His travels to countries like Egypt, Turkey, and France influenced his political thinking.
He joined the Indian National Congress and supported Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22).
At the age of 35, Azad became the youngest Congress President in 1923.
He was arrested during the Salt Satyagraha (1930) and again during the Quit India Movement (1942). From 1940 to 1946, he served as Congress President, working to keep India united.
Belief in Hindu-Muslim Unity
Maulana Azad was a strong voice for communal harmony. He believed that India’s strength lay in the unity of its people. He opposed the partition of India and worked to reduce the communal violence that followed. Azad also helped set up refugee camps and provided support to affected families during the partition.
Contributions to Education
As India’s first Education Minister (1947–1958), Maulana Azad laid the foundation for India’s modern education system.
His contributions include:
- Founding Jamia Millia Islamia (1920) in Aligarh.
- Establishing University Grants Commission (UGC).
- Supporting the creation of IITs and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
- Promoting free and compulsory education up to the age of 14.
- Encouraging the blend of Eastern and Western education systems.
He also promoted cultural institutions like the Sahitya Academy, Sangeet Natak Academy, and Lalit Kala Academy.
Literary Works
Maulana Azad was a gifted writer and thinker. His famous books include:
- India Wins Freedom (his autobiography)
- Ghubar-e-Khatir
- Tazkirah
- Tarjumanul Quran
His writings reflect his deep faith in knowledge, freedom, and social unity.
Death and Legacy
Maulana Azad passed away on 22 February 1958. In 1992, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor.
To recognize his contribution to education, 11 November is celebrated as National Education Day.
The Maulana Azad Education Foundation (1989) and the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad National Fellowship continue his vision of empowering minority students through education.
Azad’s legacy lives on as a symbol of knowledge, unity, and national progress.
Exam-Oriented Notes
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was born in 1888 in Mecca; family later moved to Calcutta.
- He was the first Education Minister of independent India (1947–1958).
- Started Al-Hilal (1912) and Al-Balagh (1916) against British rule.
- Youngest Congress President (1923) at age 35.
- Co-founder of Jamia Millia Islamia and founder of UGC and IITs.
- Birthday 11 November celebrated as National Education Day.
- Awarded Bharat Ratna (1992) posthumously.
Question & Answer
Q1. When was Maulana Abul Kalam Azad born?
(a) 1885
(b) 1888
(c) 1890
(d) 1892
Answer: 1888
Q2. What was Maulana Azad’s real name?
(a) Abdul Rahman Khan
(b) Muhiyudin Ahmad
(c) Ahmed Khan Azad
(d) Maqbool Ahmad
Answer: Muhiyudin Ahmad
Q3. Which publication was started by Maulana Azad in 1912?
(a) The Pioneer
(b) Al-Hilal
(c) Harijan
(d) Al-Balagh
Answer: Al-Hilal
Q4. When did Maulana Azad become the youngest Congress President?
(a) 1923
(b) 1925
(c) 1930
(d) 1940
Answer: 1923
Q5. Maulana Azad was India’s first __________.
(a) Home Minister
(b) Education Minister
(c) Defence Minister
(d) Vice President
Answer: Education Minister
Q6. When is National Education Day celebrated in India?
(a) 5 September
(b) 11 November
(c) 26 January
(d) 15 August
Answer: 11 November
Q7. Maulana Azad was awarded the Bharat Ratna in which year?
(a) 1958
(b) 1976
(c) 1988
(d) 1992
Answer: 1992
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