Question

Who was the first Education Minister of free India?
A. Vallabhbhai Patel
B. Abul Kalam Azad
C. T.T. Krishnamachari
D. Jaipal Singh

Answer 1

Hint: He was born on November 11, 1888, in Mecca. He became the first Education in Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's cabinet from 1947 to 1958.

Complete Answer:
- Abul Kalam Ghulam Muhiyuddin was the original name of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, who was born on November 11, 1888, in Mecca, Islam's chief centre of pilgrimage. His father, Maulana Khairuddin, was a Bengali Muslim of Afghan ancestry while his mother was the heiress of a wealthy Arabian Sheikh. During the reign of Mughal Emperor Babar, his ancestors came to India, from Core, Afghanistan. In 1890, he came back to Calcutta (now Kolkata) along with the family.
- Azad is remembered as one of the distinguished Indian nationalists of his period. He gained the appreciation of the Hindu community because of his firm belief in Hindu-Muslim unity and he still remains one of the most notable figures of communal agreement in modern India. He became an outstanding character in leading India's economic and social advancement due to his struggle for education and social uplift.
- After India’s independence, Maulana Azad became the first Education in Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's cabinet from 1947 to 1958.
- During this period, Maulana Azad founded a scheme to provide financial assistance to many learned personalities in the country who could not bear on their literary advances due to economical strains.
- On February 22, 1958, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad passed away due to a stroke.

Thus, the correct answer is option (B) Abul Kalam Azad.

Note: To commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, November 11 is celebrated as National Education Day since 2008. He was the visionary behind India's prestigious institutes, like the IITs, IISc and School of Architecture and Planning. He was also responsible for the establishment of apex bodies such as AICTE and UGC.