- MANUU marks Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s birth anniversary with literary and cultural events
- Azad Literary Festival highlights Maulana Azad’s legacy in education and national unity
Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) is observing the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister, as Azad Day Celebrations from November 7 to 11, 2025. The nationwide event aims to honour the visionary leader’s contributions to education, culture, and the freedom struggle.
The inaugural ceremony was held at MANUU Model School, Nuh (Haryana), marking the official beginning of the week-long celebrations. It was followed by the Azad Literary Festival (ALiF) at the MANUU Hyderabad campus. A documentary based on Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s life and contributions was screened at the Cultural Activity Centre. The film showcased his pivotal role in the freedom movement, his progressive educational philosophy, and his efforts to strengthen national unity.
A major highlight of the festival was a literary session titled “Mahafil-e-Afsana,” organized by the University Literary Club. Eminent writers presented their stories to an enthusiastic audience. Dr. Azeem Rahi narrated “Online Rishtey,” Qamar Jamali shared “Talab,” and Anwar Mirza read “Subh Sadiq.” The session ended with Noorul Hasnain presenting a futuristic fiction piece titled “19 March 2350,” which stood out for its creativity and imagination.
The University Fine Arts Club hosted an Installation Competition that drew energetic participation from students. The first prize went to the group of Madiha Mohammadi (ITEP), Nishat Afza, and Naghma Nagar (D.El.Ed). The second prize was awarded to Naveedul Hasan, Saleha Jabeen, and Mohammad Afroze Alam (B.A. MCJ), while the third prize was bagged by Saqim Bakhtawar Ali Ansari, Mohammad Shahnawaz, and Mohammad Faheem.
A trilingual debate on “Maulana Azad’s Educational Vision and Building a Developed India” was organized in English, Hindi, and Urdu. Participants discussed Maulana Azad’s focus on education-driven nation-building. Among the English speakers, Maria Suri won first prize, followed by Rosie Tabassum and Hassan Ahmed. In Hindi, the winners were Safina Bano, Ziaullah Ansari, and Omar Abdullah. In Urdu, Muhammad Abid Raza, Sana Firdous, and Saif Ali secured the top three spots respectively.
Renowned comedian Rehman Khan entertained the audience during a stand-up comedy event held under the Azad Literary Festival. Three MANUU students also participated with stand-up skits, a flop show, and a poetic performance, showcasing the university’s rich cultural spirit.
The Bait Bazi Competition attracted ten teams across different departments. Team Mirza Ghalib won first place, Team Munir Niazi took second, and Team Majaz placed third. The festival concluded with “Sham-e-Musiqee,” a musical evening organized by the University Music Club. Dr. Ali Raza’s soulful performance emerged as the highlight of the evening, drawing thundering applause from the audience and completing the celebrations on an inspiring note.
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