The Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee paid rich tributes to Moulana Abul Kalaam Azad, former Congress president and country’s first education minister.
Speaking on the occasion, TPCC President Ponnala Lakshmaiah said Moulana Azad’s role in freedom movement could not be described in words. He said Moulana Azad was a symbol of communal harmony and brought Hindus and Muslims together to win India’s freedom. As the president of Congress party, Moulana motivated youth to join the movement for country’s freedom. As a journalist, he also incited youth to fight against British slavery through his newspapers Al-Hilaal and Al-Balaagh.
AICC Secretary Khuntia recalled the role played by Moulana Azad in uniting different communities during freedom movement. He said Moulana Azad was against the division of India and in undivided country, the Muslim population today could have been 52 crore.
TPCC Minority Department Chairman Md Sirajuddin said that Moulana Azad’s stand on secularism was inspirational. However, he alleged some forces are trying to shatter country’s secular fabric. He slammed MIM for trying to damage the Congress party. He said although the MIM won two seats, it ensured defeat of secular candidates of Congress party in many places in Maharashtra. He also condemned the BJP Government at the Centre for not celebrating Moulana Azad’s birthday at the official level.
Former PCC President D Srinivas and Rajya Sabha MP MA Khan also participated in the celebrations held at Gandhi Bhavan. (INN)