The National Education Day Celebrations – 2025 were held with great enthusiasm and reverence at IIAM College, M.V.P. Colony, Visakhapatnam, to mark the 137th Birth Anniversary of Bharat Ratna Maulana Abul Kalam Azad — India’s first Minister of Education, a visionary freedom fighter, scholar, and architect of modern Indian education.
The event was presided over by Prof. Pulipati King, Rector, Andhra University, who delivered an inspiring presidential address emphasizing Maulana Azad’s lifelong dedication to education, communal harmony, and intellectual freedom. Prof. King lauded the efforts of the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trust (MAKAT) for upholding Azad’s vision of inclusive education and national integration.
Legacy of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, one of the foremost leaders of India’s freedom movement, believed that education was the foundation of national progress and unity. As the first Education Minister of independent India (1947–1958), he laid the groundwork for several premier national institutions, including the University Grants Commission (UGC), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and the expansion of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). His vision also led to the establishment of the Sahitya Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi, and Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Azad envisioned education as a means to eradicate poverty, promote scientific temper, and strengthen India’s composite culture. His advocacy for universal, secular, and quality education continues to inspire generations.
Highlights of the Celebrations
The event was organized by Dr. Khaja Rahamtulla T., Ph.D., Chairman & Managing Trustee, and Janab K.M. Chistee (Babu Bhai), Vice-Chairman, MAKAT, in collaboration with Andhra University and ILF Global, Belgium. The celebrations commenced with floral tributes to Maulana Azad, followed by the presentation of the MAKAT Annual Report 2025 by Dr. Rahamtulla, detailing the Trust’s educational, cultural, and welfare initiatives across Andhra Pradesh.
Distinguished Guests
The function was graced by several eminent dignitaries and public representatives:
• Chief Guest: Sri T.D. Janardhan, Political Secretary & Politburo Member, T.D.P., and Chairman, NTR Literature Committee
• Guest of Honour: Sri M. Sribharat, Member of Parliament, Visakhapatnam & President, GITAM Group of Institutions
• Special Invitee: Janab Shariff Mohammed Ahmed, Advisor for Minority Affairs & Former Chairman, A.P. Legislative Council
• Chief Patron: Mr. Srini Reddy, Founder & CEO, ILF Global, Belgium, and Founder, I2I Consulting
All the dignitaries paid rich tributes to Maulana Azad, recalling his contributions as a torchbearer of secularism, education, and social reform. They urged the younger generation to emulate his ideals of tolerance, unity, and pursuit of knowledge.
Award Felicitations
On this occasion, several eminent personalities were felicitated for their remarkable contributions in their respective fields:
• Dr. Mohammed Muzeruddin Baig – International Awardee (Young Scientist Award, Japan)
• Prof. Valli Kumari – Best Teacher Awardee 2025, Dean (R&D), Andhra University
• Prof. Shaik Kalesha Vali – National Awardee (Change Maker, AMP), JNTU-G
• Dr. Shaik Kalesha Begum – National Awardee (9th National Best Teacher, AMP)
• Janab T. Abdul – Ex-Serviceman Awardee
• Prof. Md. Vazeer Mohammed – National Awardee, Andhra University
• Prof. Jaladi Ravi – State Awardee, Best Teacher, Govt. of A.P. (2025)
• Prof. A. Durga Prasad – State Awardee, Former Registrar, VSU
• Dr. Shaik Moinuddin Ahmed – Doctorate Awardee, Computer Science (MANUU)
Guest Addresses
The event featured thought-provoking speeches by eminent academicians and leaders including Prof. V. Krishna Mohan, Prof. V. Umamaheswara Rao, Prof. K. Sita Manikyam, Prof. G. Gnanamani, Prof. Bala Mohan Das, Dr. Dilshan Singh Anand, Janab I.M. Ahmed, Janab Md. Nazeer, Sri Pranav Gopal, Sri Vamasi Krishna Srinivas Yadav, Sri Konatala Ramakrishna, Sri Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu, and Sri Palla Srinivasa Rao.
All speakers emphasized the timeless relevance of Maulana Azad’s vision for education-led national development, social equity, and inter-community harmony.
Special Announcement
During the event, Mr. Srini Reddy, Founder & CEO, ILF Global, Belgium, announced a matching grant of ₹5 million and appealed to NRI associates to contribute to MANAT (MAKAT’s Educational Empowerment Initiative), aimed at strengthening access to education and learning opportunities for underprivileged students.
Conclusion
The celebrations concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from the organizing committee, expressing deep gratitude to all guests, awardees, and participants. The 2025 National Education Day celebrations at IIAM College truly reflected the enduring spirit of unity, learning, and service that Maulana Abul Kalam Azad devoted his life to.