29 Facts About Abul Kalam Azad

1. Abul Kalam Azad was portrayed by actor Virendra Razdan in the 1982 biographical film, Gandhi, directed by Richard Attenborough.

2. Abul Kalam Azad is remembered as one of the leading Indian nationalists of his time.

3. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, committed to a united India until his last attempt, was condemned by the advocates of Pakistan, especially the Muslim League.

4. Abul Kalam Azad gave speeches to large crowds encouraging peace and calm in the border areas and encouraging Muslims across the country to remain in India and not fear for their safety and security.

5. Abul Kalam Azad took up responsibility for the safety of Muslims in India, touring affected areas in Bengal, Bihar, Assam and the Punjab, guiding the organisation of refugee camps, supplies and security.

6. Abul Kalam Azad privately discussed the proposal with Gandhi, Patel and Nehru, but despite his opposition was unable to deny the popularity of the League and the unworkability of any coalition with the League.

7. Abul Kalam Azad had grown increasingly hostile to Jinnah, who had described him as the "Muslim Lord Haw-Haw" and a "Congress Showboy.

8. Abul Kalam Azad was wary and sceptical of the idea, aware that India's Muslims were increasingly looking to Jinnah and had supported the war.

9. Abul Kalam Azad supported dialogue with Jinnah and the Muslim League between 1935 and 1937 over a Congress-League coalition and broader political co-operation.

10. Abul Kalam Azad supported Nehru's re-election in 1937, at the consternation of many conservative Congressmen.

11. At the 1936 Congress session in Lucknow, Abul Kalam Azad was drawn into a dispute with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr Rajendra Prasad and Chakravaachari regarding the espousal of socialism as the Congress goal.

12. Abul Kalam Azad had criticised the Act for including a high proportion of un-elected members in the central legislature, and did not himself contest a seat.

13. Abul Kalam Azad developed a close friendship with Nehru and began espousing socialism as the means to fight inequality, poverty and other national challenges.

14. At the 1928 Congress session in Guwahati, Abul Kalam Azad endorsed Gandhi's call for dominion status for India within a year.

15. Abul Kalam Azad endorsed the ending of separate electorates based on religion, and called for an independent India to be committed to secularism.

16. In 1928, Abul Kalam Azad endorsed the Nehru Report, which was criticised by the Ali brothers and Muslim League politician Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

17. Abul Kalam Azad became an important national leader, and served on the Congress Working Committee and in the offices of general secretary and president many times.

18. Abul Kalam Azad became an inspiring personality in the field of politics.

19. Abul Kalam Azad served as president of the 1924 Unity Conference in Delhi, using his position to work to re-unite the Swarajists and the Khilafat leaders under the common banner of the Congress.

20. Abul Kalam Azad led efforts to organise the Flag Satyagraha in Nagpur.

21. Abul Kalam Azad joined the Congress and was elected president of the All India Khilafat Committee.

22. Abul Kalam Azad started a new journal, the Al-Balagh, which increased its active support for nationalist causes and communal unity.

23. Abul Kalam Azad developed political views considered radical for most Muslims of the time and became a full-fledged Indian nationalist.

24. Abul Kalam Azad compiled many treatises interpreting the Qur'an, the Hadis, and the principles of Fiqh and Kalam.

25. Abul Kalam Azad was born on 11 November 1888 in Mecca, then a part of the Ottoman Empire.

26. Abul Kalam Azad was one of the main organizers of the Dharasana Satyagraha in 1931, and emerged as one of the most important national leaders of the time, prominently leading the causes of Hindu-Muslim unity as well as espousing secularism and socialism.

27. In October 1920, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was elected as a member of foundation committee to establish Jamia Millia Islamia at Aligarh in U P without taking help from British colonial government.

28. Abul Kalam Azad committed himself to Gandhi's ideals, including promoting Swadeshi products and the cause of Swaraj (Self-rule) for India.

29. Abul Kalam Azad became the leader of the Khilafat Movement, during which he came into close contact with the Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi.