Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad was the first Education Minister in Independent India. He was one of the foremost leaders of the Independence Struggle and was the President of the Indian National Congress in the Delhi Session 1923. Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, there were the next level of leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajendra Prasad, Vallabhai Patel, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, Subhash Chandra Bose, Jagjivan Ram and others.
A strong nationalist, Azad made all efforts to ensure for a united India. He was part of the Revolutionary movement of Bengal and was externed out of the state. He started the journal Al-Hilal and propagated the revolutionary ideas. He tried to stop Muslims from leaving India. He was well studied and as the first Education Minister from 1947 to 1958 placed a strong foundation for the education system. He passed away on 22nd February 1958. He was awarded the highest award of the nation Bharat Ratna in 1992.
But it seems that the nation, or at least the rulers, has forgotten him. Today is the 125th Birth Anniversary of Maulana Azad, having been born on 11th November 1888. Except a few advertisements in a few newspapers by the government, no important programmes are known or advertised.
The tomb or Mausoleum of Maulana Azad is near the historic Jama Mazjid in Delhi. But it is in a complete neglected state and street vendors are misusing it for their business. No maintenance is being done. It is time that this injustice to the memory of the Maulana is undone. His contribution to the country has been very valuable.