YSRCP pays tributes to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on death anniversary

Leaders of the YSR Congress Party paid rich tributes to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on his death anniversary at the party’s central office in Tadepalli near here on Sunday, remembering him as a visionary educationist and one of the chief architects of modern India’s education system.

Floral tributes were offered to his portrait as leaders recalled his pivotal role as independent India’s first Education Minister. They highlighted his efforts in laying a strong foundation for higher education by establishing premier institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology and strengthening universities across the country. They noted that his birth anniversary is observed as National Education Day in recognition of his immense contribution to the field of education.

Speakers also underlined his role in the freedom struggle, stating that through publications such as Al-Hilal and Al-Balagh, he gave impetus to the independence movement in Urdu and strongly advocated Hindu Muslim unity. They recalled that Mahatma Gandhi had described him as the Plato of India, while Jawaharlal Nehru referred to him as Maulana and Mir e Karavan, acknowledging his intellectual depth and moral leadership. Institutions such as Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University were cited as enduring legacies of his contribution to strengthening the country’s educational infrastructure.

YSRCP leaders said that, inspired by Azad’s vision, Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy introduced several reforms in the education sector during his tenure in Andhra Pradesh. They also recalled that the administrations of Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy and Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy brought significant changes in the lives of minorities in the State.

Referring to welfare measures, leaders pointed out that the 4% reservation for Muslims introduced during the tenure of Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy improved access to medical education, while the establishment of 17 government medical colleges under Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy expanded opportunities for aspiring students to pursue careers in medicine.

Expressing confidence in the party’s leadership, speakers voiced hope that Mr. Jagan would return as Chief Minister to continue implementing progressive initiatives in education and minority welfare. Party leaders Kommoori Kanakarao, Naga Narayana Murthy, A. Ravichandra and others participated in the programme.