Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s contributions to education sector hailed

VIJAYAWADA: Minority Welfare Minister NMD Farooq has hailed the path shown by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad for the social and educational development of the minorities.

The National Minority Welfare Day was celebrated under the auspices of the Minority Welfare Department at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram on Monday. It commemorated the birth anniversary of the Maulana, a recipient of Bharat Ratna.

Addressing the event, the minister said that every year, the Maulana’s birthday is celebrated as National Education Day and Minority Welfare Day in recognition of the special contributions he made to the field of education and minority welfare.

“Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu is providing schemes like Dulhan and Ramadan Tohfa for the development and welfare of Muslims. Special steps will be taken to protect Waqf properties in the state,” he said.

He said Urdu has been recognized as the second language after the state's bifurcation. More Urdu schools have been established under the Roshini scheme. “The credit for establishing Maulana Azad National Urdu University in Hyderabad on 200 acres during the United AP state goes to chief minister Chandrababu Naidu,” he said.

Farooq pointed out that the Dr Abdul Haq Urdu University in Kurnool and a Haj House in Kadapa were established in 2015. Even then, the Dukan and Makan schemes were implemented to provide loans on subsidy for the employment of unemployed minorities and for their development, he said.

The minister said that the honorarium funds given to Mauuzzans, Imams and Pastors in the state will be released soon.

He said that the state government will continue to promote the social and economic development of the minorities, help them in education, employment, science and technology.

Health minister Satya Yadav said, “We cannot forget the sacrifices and services rendered by Abul Kalam Azad to the country in the field of education. The real tribute we can pay to such a great leader is to follow the path he showed us.”

Former chairman of the Legislative Council and adviser to Minority Affairs, Sharif Mohammad Ahmed said Abul Kalam Azad, who worked as the Union Education Minister with a high sense of responsibility, introduced educational reforms that were exemplary. “The path shown by him then is an inspiration for many today. He also worked tirelessly for the education of minority children.”

Guntur East MLA Mohammad Naseer Ahmed said the present government cared for the rights of the minorities. “We should make good use of the schemes provided by the government for the minorities.”

Tiruvuru MLA Srinivasa Rao and Madanapalle MLA Shajahan Basha praised Azad for his tireless efforts for the welfare of Muslims. State Muslim Minority Finance Corporation chairman Maulana Mustaq Ahmed, several leaders, minority welfare department secretary Harshavardhan, commissioner Sridhar, Urdu Academy director Mohammad Mastan, religious leaders of minority communities and others were present at the event.