Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was not only a noted scholar but he was also a great poet and a revolutionary journalist. He is not only known for his contributions to the world of philosophy, education and literature but also for his invaluable efforts in the Indian freedom struggle.He served as India’s first education minister. He was well versed in many languages such as English, Hindi,Urdu, Arabic, Persian and Bengali.
Maulana Azad was born on November 11,1888 in Mecca. He spent his growing up years in Mecca and Medina where he grew up
in an Arabic atmosphere for the first ten years of his life. His early education was carried out by his father, who was one of the biggest scholars of his time.
He was so thirsty for knowledge that he studied deeply and devoted a great deal of his time to the composition of many scholarly articles and books. His works caught the attention of many scholars including Nazir Ahmad, Altaf Hussain Hali Mohammad Iqbal and other well known minds of his time.
It was during Jawaharlal Nehru’s role as the first Indian prime minister that Maulana Azad served as the first Minister of Education from 1947-1958.
Through the Education Ministry, Maulana Azad introduced a scheme wherein he provided financial assistance to many literary figures in the county who could not continue their passion for literature due to financial constraints.
The country’s prominent and old poets and journalists also owe their old age pensions to the late Maulana Azad.
Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad passed away due to a massive stroke on February 22,1958. After his death he was awarded the highest civilian honour of India, the Bharat Ratna in 1992 for his immense contributions to the country.