Maulana Sayyid Abul Kalam Ghulam Muhiyuddin Ahmed bin Khairuddin Al-Hussaini Azad was an Indian scholar and senior leader of the Indian National Congress during the Indian independence movement.
He became the First Minister of Education in the Indian government Minister of Human Resource Development (until 25 September 1958, Ministry of Education) . He is commonly remembered as Maulana Azad, the word Maulana is an honorific meaning 'Our Master', and he had adopted Azad (Free) as his pen name. His contribution to establishing the education foundation in India is recognized by celebrating his birthday as "National Education Day" across India.
He was a pillar of strength to the Congress ever since he joined the organization. Whether as President or as a member of the Working Committee, Maulana Sahib’s voice was the voice of an indomitable fighter for the country’s freedom and its unity. Those who remember the days of the Muslim League agitation are aware how Maulana Sahib stood four squares against communalism.
He served president of All India Khilafat committee and along with other Khilafat leaders, he founded Jamia Millia Islami Institute in Delhi.
He was inspired by Gandhiji and their principles and hence he joined Congress, In 1923, he served as president of congress, thus being the youngest one to hold this post.
In 1928, he supported the report by Motilal Nehru, proposing reforms from Indian Opinions. He opposed the ideal of Muhammad Ali JInnah for separate electorate for Muslims. He was a strong proponent of Strong, Secular India.
He believed in power of education and framed policies for universalisation of education.
