Hyderabad, Nov 11 (NationPress) Telangana's Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh's Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu honored the renowned freedom fighter and India's inaugural education minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, on his birth anniversary.

Chief Minister Reddy praised Maulana Azad for establishing a robust framework for the nation's education system during his tenure as the first education minister.

Celebrated as National Education Day and Minority Welfare Day, the occasion saw the Chief Minister reflect on Azad's significant contributions to education, which included initiatives such as adult literacy, universal primary education, compulsory free education for children under 14, vocational training, the creation of the University Grants Commission, and his leadership as the Chairman of the Central Advisory Board of Education.

CM Reddy asserted that the state government drew inspiration from India's first education minister to implement transformative changes in the educational landscape.

To ensure free quality education for the underprivileged, Young India Integrated Residential Schools are being established across every constituency, according to the Chief Minister.

He also highlighted the upgrade of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIS) to Advanced Technology Centres (ATCs) featuring cutting-edge technology. The government has set up Young India Skill University and appointed skilled teachers and lecturers.

Additionally, the Chief Minister acknowledged Maulana Azad's vital role as president of the All India Congress Committee during the independence movement.

Recalling Azad's engagement in the Khilafat Movement and his opposition to British colonialism, CM Reddy mentioned Azad's advocacy for Hindu-Muslim unity during the national movement. Following India's independence, Azad emerged as a prominent advocate for minorities, thus his birth anniversary is commemorated as Minority Welfare Day.

Emphasizing the government's commitment to minority welfare, CM Reddy announced new initiatives like the Indiramma Minority Mahila Yojana and Revanthanna Ka Sahara, supported by sufficient funding.

Andhra Pradesh's Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also paid homage to Maulana Azad, noting his role in establishing the nation's educational framework through reforms.

CM Naidu reminisced about Azad's contributions to education, science, and technology, extending his greetings for National Education Day and Minority Welfare Day to the public.

Minister Nara Lokesh of Human Resources Development and Information Technology remarked that Azad's innovative reforms were instrumental for educational progress in India, emphasizing the invaluable nature of his contributions.