UP congress president Aradhana Mishra Mona
“Today, when attempts are being made to weaken constitutional institutions and the social fabric of the country, Maulana Azad’s thoughts and ideals become even more relevant,” she said. Lucknow: Accusing the BJP of attempting to weaken constitutional institutions and undermine the country’s social fabric, UP Congress president Aradhana Mishra on Tuesday said the ideals of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, particularly his commitment to communal harmony, democracy and national unity, were more relevant than ever.
Mishra was speaking at a seminar organised by the UP Congress minority department at the party headquarters on the eve of Azad’s birth anniversary on November 11.
Describing Azad as a leading freedom fighter and architect of modern India’s education system, Mishra said the country’s first education minister had laid the foundation of institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), University Grants Commission (UGC) and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). She said Azad was a staunch advocate of Hindu-Muslim unity, communal harmony and democratic values. UP Congress minority department chairperson and former MLA Sohail Akhtar Ansari said Azad believed education was not merely about literacy but also a means to promote scientific temper, equality and fraternity in society.
His contribution as the youngest president of the Indian National Congress and his role in the Quit India Movement were also unforgettable, she added. Former MP Kunwar Danish Ali and other Congress leaders attended the seminar, which began with floral tributes to Azad’s portrait.