Abul Kalam Azad

Abul Kalam Azad was elected President of the Indian National Congress, a position he held until 1946. He led the party through the Quit India Movement and negotiations with the British for Indian independence.

Azad strongly opposed the partition of India along religious lines, arguing for a united secular nation. He wrote letters and gave speeches warning against the division, but was overruled by the Congress leadership.

Azad became India's first Minister of Education in Jawaharlal Nehru's cabinet. He established the University Grants Commission, promoted scientific education, and laid the foundation for the Indian education system.