Portal on Maulana Azad to be launched on Monday

To commemorate the125th birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, independent India's first Education Minister, a national portal is to be launched on November 11.

Minority Affairs Minister K. Rahman Khan will launch the portal in the presence of Prime Minister's Adviser Sam Pitroda, Maulana Azad's biographer Syed Hameed and National Commission for Minorities Chairman Wajahat Habibullah.

Muhiyuddin Ahmed, popularly known as Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, (11 November 1888 - 22 February 1958) was a scholar and senior leader of the Indian Independence Movement.

He was one of the tallest national leaders of his time in the cause of Hindu Muslim unity as well as secularism and socialism. His contribution to laying the foundation of education in Independent India is recognised by celebrating his birthday as "National Education Day" across India.

The portal is a collaborative effort by the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, the Office of Advisor to the Prime Minister, the National Commission for Minorities, the Ministry of Culture).

The portal will be a one stop point to collate all knowledge and resources available on Maulana Azad, easily accessible for people to know, learn and grow from the inspiration that he continues to be.

This portal is an initiative by the Government of India to digitize the heritage of great leaders and make their life and times available online.

A similar portal on Mahatma Gandhi was launched by the Prime Minister in September 2013, and one on Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru is currently in the offing.