A Scholar, a Nationalist, and a Nation-Builder: Legacy of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Anam Fathima
Lecture in Urdu, Government PU College, Bijapur
Keywords: Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Composite Nationalism (MuttahidaQaumiyat), Indian Independence Movement,Education Minister (India), Al-Hilal (Journalism), Partition of India, Nation-Building (or Institutional Nation-Building)
Abstract
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (1888-1958) was an important figure in Indian history. He is well known as an Islamic scholar,a leader in the freedom struggle, and the first Education Minister of independent India. In my understanding, Azad’s life was
guided by a clear philosophy called “composite nationalism” (Muttahida Qaumiyat). This idea came from his early religious thinking and his rejection of blind following of tradition (taqliq). It shaped his fight against British rule and also against the idea of dividing India on religious lines, known as the Two-Nation Theory. During the pre-independence period, he did important work through his journalism in Al-Hilal and strongly opposed the Partition. Later, in independent India, he worked
to put this philosophy into practice. As Education Minister, he helped create important secular and scientific institutions like the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and the national Akademies. These institutions were meant to support education and protect the pluralist identity of India, which he had always believed in.From my understanding, his life shows a consistent vision where his political ideas and work in building institutions were connected to the same goal: a united, modern India.
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Published
01-03-2026