Firdose Wali.

Asst Prof. Department of English.

Maulana Azad College, Ranchi.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was a prominent Indian scholar, writer, orator, translator, astronomer,
mathematician, politician, historian, philosopher, journalist and poet. He was not only a freedom
fighter but also one of the towering personalities of modern India. He was described as “The leader
of the caravan of the independence movement in India“ by Jawaharlal Nehru in his broadcast to
the nation on 22nd February 1958. He was born on November 11, 1888, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to
a Persian father, who was a renowned Muslim scholar named Maulana Khairuddin, and Arab
mother who was the daughter of a prominent Arab sheikh. His full name was Abul Kalam Ghulam
Muhiyuddin Ahmed bin Khairuddin Al-Hussaini Azad. His forefathers came to India from Herat,
Afghanistan in Babar's days. They first settled in Agra and later move to Delhi. During the 1857
mutiny against British colonial rule in India, Azad’s father Maulana Khairuddin moved the family
to Mecca, and then later returned to Calcutta with his family in 1890.
Azad grew up in a rich cultural and intellectual environment. He displayed an early interest in
literature and Islamic studies, mastering several languages, including Hindi, English, Arabic,
Bengali, Persian, and Urdu. His education was largely informal, shaped by the rich library at his
home and the intellectual discussions that took place. Maulana Azad had an extraordinary personal
drive to learn, and he learned English, politics, and world history without any help. He was a
brilliant debater, as indicated by his name, Abul Kalam, which literally means ‘Lord of Dialogue.’
He adopted the pen name ‘Azad’ which means ‘free.’
In 1912, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad started a weekly journal in Urdu called Al-Hilal to increase
the revolutionary recruits amongst the Muslims. Al-Hilal played an important role in forging
Hindu-Muslim unity. The government regarded Al-Hilal as propagator of secessionist views and
banned it in 1914. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad then started another weekly called Al-Balagh with
the same mission of propagating Indian nationalism and revolutionary ideas based on Hindu-
Muslim unity. In 1916, the government banned this paper too and expelled Maulana Abul Kalam
Azad from Calcutta and interned him at Ranchi for three and a half years. He was released after the
First World War in1920. In all these years he founded the Anjuman Islamia of Ranchi, under which
Madarsa Islamia was started by him with a syllabus prepared by himself for imparting modern
education with subjects like English, Maths, Science along with teaching of Islamiat and Quran.
For this purpose, he even sold his own press along with his wife's ornaments and supervised the
construction of school building. The present Maulana Azad College, Ranchi was designed and
constructed by himself.
Maulana Azad became associated with revolutionary movements against British colonial rule in India.
He affiliated himself deeply with Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy and ideals. He joined the Indian
National Congress in 1920 and quickly rose through the ranks due to his eloquence and
commitment to the cause of independence. Azad actively participated in the Non-Cooperation
Movement (1920-1922) and the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934).
A prominent leader, Azad served as the President of the Indian National Congress in 1923 and 1940. He
was also a key figure in the Quit India Movement of 1942, urging the British to leave India.
However, his commitment to Hindu-Muslim unity and secularism set him apart during a time
when communal tensions were rising. One of Azad's most significant contributions was his role in
the formation of the All India Congress Committee in 1923. He worked closely with Mahatma
Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, forging a bond that played a crucial role in India's struggle for
independence. He passionately advocated for education, believing it to be a tool for national
regeneration. Azad played a crucial role in the establishment of the Jamia Millia Islamia University
in New Delhi, emphasizing the importance of modern education with a blend of traditional values.
After India gained independence in 1947, Azad became the country's first Minister of Education.
He focused on laying the foundation for a robust educational system and establishing the
University Grants Commission (UGC). Azad's vision was inclusive, promoting education for all,
irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. His commitment to secularism and national integration is
evident in his efforts to bridge the gap between communities. Azad played a crucial role in the
framing of the Indian Constitution, advocating for fundamental rights and a secular state. His
efforts to include Urdu as one of the official languages of India reflect his commitment to linguistic
and cultural diversity.
Despite his immense contributions, Maulana Azad faced challenges and criticisms. Some groups
accused him of being too compromising towards the British, while others questioned his opinion
on religious matters. However, his legacy as a visionary leader committed to the ideals of freedom,
unity, and education remains undeniably significant. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad passed away on
February 22, 1958, leaving behind a lasting impact on India's political and educational landscape.
In 1992, he was posthumously awarded Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award. His life
remains a testament to the power of intellect, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the
principles of justice and equality.