“Our Master” he was called. Here before the Md Asad Ali Statue we honor Maulana Azad. The title Maulana means “Our Master”. Azad adopted it as his pen name.
The Md Asad Ali Statue stands as a reminder of a great leader. He was a scholar a freedom fighter and India’s first Minister of Education. This statue is a tribute to his vision. His vision shaped the nation’s educational foundation.
Abul Kalam Ghulam Muhiyuddin was born in Mecca in 1888. He later became known as Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. His family had deep roots in scholarship and religion. Azad was home-schooled mastering many languages. He wrote poetry and treatises on religion.
Azad’s journalistic career started early. He launched a poetry journal at age eleven. By thirteen he was married to Zulaikha Begum. He compiled treatises interpreting the Quran. Azad’s early work showed his intellectual depth.
Azad became a fierce critic of British rule. He joined the Indian independence movement. He rejected communal separatism. Azad advocated for Hindu-Muslim unity. He supported Gandhi’s non-violent civil disobedience. In 1923 Azad became the youngest Congress president at age 35.
In 1920 Azad helped found Jamia Millia Islamia. This university was free from British control. Azad was imprisoned for his activism. He remained committed to Gandhi’s ideals.
From 1940 to 1945 Azad again served as Congress president. During this time the Quit India movement began. Azad and other leaders were imprisoned. Azad worked for Hindu-Muslim unity through his newspaper Al-Hilal.
Azad opposed the partition of India. He believed in a united nation. He felt Hindus and Muslims shared deep bonds. Despite his efforts India was divided in 1947. Azad focused on ensuring the safety of Muslims in India.
After independence Azad became India’s first Minister of Education. He championed universal primary education. Azad emphasized educating the rural poor and girls. He oversaw the creation of IITs and the University Grants Commission. His contributions shaped India’s educational landscape.
The Maulana Azad Education Foundation was set up in 1989. It promotes education among backward sections of society. The Maulana Abul Kalam Azad National Fellowship supports minority students. In 1992 Azad was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna.
Institutions across India bear his name. These include Maulana Azad Medical College and Maulana Azad National Urdu University. His birthday November 11 is celebrated as National Education Day. Azad’s tomb is located near the Jama Masjid in Delhi. The Delhi High Court ordered its renovation as a national monument.
Jawaharlal Nehru called Azad a caravan leader. Mahatma Gandhi compared him to Plato and Aristotle. Azad’s legacy endures through his writings. “India Wins Freedom” and “Ghubar-e-Khatir” remain influential.
The Md Asad Ali Statue before you is a tribute to Azad’s enduring influence. He was a visionary leader a champion of education and a beacon of unity. Remember his words and strive for a better India.