CM invokes the legacy of India’s first Education Minister, citing the role of education in producing generations of professionals and global technology leaders
HYDERABAD, November 11: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday paid tribute to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister, describing the educational foundations laid in the early years after Independence as vital to the country’s development.
Addressing the National Education Day and Minority Welfare Day celebrations in Hyderabad, the Chief Minister said India’s progress had been shaped by the vision of leaders who recognised education as a national priority at a time when literacy levels were low and poverty widespread.
Recalling the priorities of the country’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, Revanth Reddy said education and irrigation were among the major areas identified for national development after Independence. Nehru entrusted Azad with the responsibility of leading the education portfolio, he said.
“Education is the foundation for a country’s development,” the Chief Minister said, highlighting the expansion of higher and technical education during the formative years of the Republic.
Educational foundations and professional opportunities
Revanth Reddy referred to the growth of the Indian Institutes of Technology and engineering education, and highlighted the contribution of institutions such as Osmania University and Kakatiya University in producing generations of engineers and professionals.
He also pointed to the achievements of Indians in the global technology sector, citing Microsoft, Infosys and Wipro, and referred to Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella as an example of Indian talent reaching leadership positions internationally.
The Chief Minister said these achievements were rooted in access to education and the opportunities created for young people across communities. He urged the younger generation to remember the role played by Azad and other leaders in shaping India’s educational institutions.
Technical education for a changing jobs market
Emphasising that education must lead to employability, Revanth Reddy spoke about technical and vocational training, including the role of Industrial Training Institutes in equipping young people with practical skills.
He said Telangana was upgrading ITIs into Advanced Technology Centres and focusing on skill development, reskilling and upskilling to prepare young people for changing industrial requirements. With artificial intelligence reshaping many computer-based occupations, he said skilled technical work would remain an important source of employment.
Minority empowerment is essential to national progress
The Chief Minister said the educational and economic advancement of minorities, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was essential for India’s overall development. Referring to the Sachar Committee’s findings, he said Muslims continued to face socio-economic challenges and needed greater access to quality education, healthcare and employment.
He said the Telangana government was extending support to students pursuing higher and overseas education and would continue initiatives aimed at improving opportunities for minority youth.
Revanth Reddy said the legacy of Maulana Azad should be understood not only as a chapter in India’s history but also as a continuing reminder that education is central to an inclusive and progressive country.
