Maulama Azad a “Visionary”; Need to protect govt system of education, says Dhanaraju S, IAS

 

Bhopal (11^th November 2022): Calling India’s first education minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad a “visionary”, Madhya Pradesh Rajya Siksha Kendra Director Mr. Dhanaraju S (IAS) on Friday called upon the first-generation graduates to “protect, maintain and strengthen” the government education system across the country so that others would get education and work towards upliftment of their communities.

The Rajya Siksha Kendra Director stated that it was Maulana Azad, probably India’s longest serving education minister, was “a man of vision” who talked about universal education, girls’ education, vocational education, technical education, etc. almost 70 years ago. From 1947 till his death in 1958, Maulana Azad was India’s Education Minister.

He said it was Maulana Azad who had developed such a robust system of education across the country post India’s independence in 1947 which helped many (including me) become the first-generation graduates or leaners.

It is Maulana Azad who is credited with developing the modern system of education in the country which helps a number of pupils achieve their dreams, he said, adding “I am also the first-generation graduate and became an IAS officer; all because of this government system of education”.

“Thus, there is a great responsibility on the shoulders of first-generation literates/graduates. We must protect, maintain, and strengthen this (government) system of education so that others also receive education and contribute to the upliftment of backward, marginalized communities,” Mr. Dhanaraju stated.

He was addressing the august gathering at the “Azad Day / National Education Day Celebration” which was organized here today by the College of Teacher Education-Bhopal (a constituent college of Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad) at its newly built lush green campus.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Noushad Husain, Principal, MANUU College of Teacher Education (Bhopal) lauded the efforts and initiative taken by Maulana Azad in the field of Education. He said it was Maulana Azad who is credited with setting up of various elite institutions, such as UGC, IITs, Sahitya Akademi, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and National School of Drama in the country.

Prof. Mohammad Ahsan, Regional Director, MANUU said Maulana Azad had played a crucial role in India’s freedom movement and tried his best to avoid partition. During his entire life, Maulana Azad had worked for the unity of people and wished India’s independence with religious harmony, he added.

Mr. Nawab Raza, Chairman, Mahakaushal Group of Industries, and Prof. Mohammad Haleem Khan, Ex-Chairman, MP Madrasa Board were the guests of honour.

The vote of thanks was given by Dr. Abdul Raheem, a senior professor at MANUU College of Teacher Education-Bhopal.

The program was convened by Dr. Neeti Dutta. It concluded with the National Anthem.