Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a towering figure of the Indian independence movement and a prominent scholar of Islam, remains a symbol of secularism and intellectual prowess. Born in 1888, he was a polyglot, journalist, and a staunch opponent of British rule. His life was dedicated to the cause of a united and independent India, and he played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s political and educational landscape both before and after 1947. This answer will explore his multifaceted contributions during both periods, highlighting his enduring legacy.
Contributions During the Pre-Independence Era
Maulana Azad’s involvement in the freedom struggle began early. He was deeply influenced by the pan-Islamic ideals of the Aligarh Movement but soon realized the necessity of Hindu-Muslim unity for achieving independence.
- Journalism & Political Activism: He started his political career as a journalist, launching the influential Urdu newspaper ‘Al-Hilal’ in 1903, which advocated for Indian nationalism and criticized British policies. It was suppressed in 1910. He then launched ‘Al-Bilad’ in 1913, which met a similar fate.
- Khilafat Movement & Non-Cooperation Movement: He actively participated in the Khilafat Movement (1919-1924) and the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) led by Mahatma Gandhi, facing imprisonment for his involvement.
- Delhi Muslim Political Conference (1928): He played a key role in organizing this conference, advocating for a joint Hindu-Muslim platform for independence and rejecting the idea of separate electorates.
- Opposition to Muslim League’s Demand for Pakistan: He vehemently opposed the Muslim League’s demand for a separate Pakistan, believing in a united India where Muslims could thrive as equal citizens. He served as the President of the Indian National Congress in 1923, becoming the youngest person to hold that office.
Contributions During the Post-Independence Era
After independence, Maulana Azad served as the first Minister of Education in the Indian government, playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s educational policies.
- Establishment of Educational Institutions: He spearheaded the establishment of several key educational institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur (1951), the University Grants Commission (UGC) (1953), and the Sangeet Natak Akademi (1952).
- National Policy on Education (1952): He was instrumental in formulating the National Policy on Education, emphasizing universal primary education, vocational training, and the promotion of scientific research.
- Promotion of Sanskrit: Contrary to popular perception, Azad was a strong advocate for the promotion of Sanskrit, believing it to be an integral part of India’s cultural heritage. He initiated the scheme for the teaching of Sanskrit in schools.
- Jamia Millia Islamia: He played a crucial role in the relocation and development of Jamia Millia Islamia University from Aligarh to Delhi, transforming it into a central university and a hub for modern education with a focus on Islamic studies.
- Kashmir Policy: He was appointed as India’s ambassador to Egypt in 1955 and played a role in mediating the Kashmir issue with Pakistan.
Conclusion
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to a united, secular, and progressive India. His contributions to the freedom movement, his advocacy for Hindu-Muslim unity, and his pioneering work in education laid a strong foundation for the nation’s development. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians to uphold the values of tolerance, inclusivity, and intellectual pursuit. He remains a beacon of enlightened thought and a symbol of India’s composite culture.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.