Ghulam Nabi Azad: A Life of Politics, Philanthropy, and Principles

Explore the life, achievements, controversies, and legacy of Ghulam Nabi Azad, a prominent Indian politician.

Ghulam Nabi Azad is a well-known Indian politician who has made significant contributions to the political landscape of India. He was born on 7 March 1949 in Jammu and Kashmir, India. At present, he is one of the senior-most members of the Indian National Congress party and has held several important positions in the party and the government. In this article, we will delve into the life of Ghulam Nabi Azad and explore his biography, education, marriage, and other aspects of his personal and professional life.

Biography

Ghulam Nabi Azad was born in a village in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. His father, Ghulam Rasool Azad, was a farmer and a freedom fighter who played an active role in the Quit India Movement of 1942. Azad completed his early education in his village and later moved to Srinagar, where he completed his graduation in science from Sri Pratap College. He went on to pursue a post-graduate degree in zoology from the University of Kashmir.

After completing his education, Ghulam Nabi Azad began his political career in the early 1970s by joining the Youth Congress. He was later elected as the General Secretary of the Youth Congress in 1976. In 1980, he was elected to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly from the Bhaderwah constituency. He was subsequently appointed as the Minister of State for Home Affairs in the state government. In 1983, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Udhampur constituency in Jammu and Kashmir.

Over the years, Ghulam Nabi Azad has held several important positions in the Indian National Congress party and the government. He has served as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir from 2005 to 2008. He has also been a member of the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. In addition, he has held several important positions in the Congress party, including that of General Secretary and President of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee.

On August 26th, After resigning from the Congress on September 4, 2022, Azad announced the foundation of a new political party. He stated that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will decide on the name, and Azad announced his political party, the Democratic Azad Party, on September 26, 2022. On December 27, 2022, he renamed his party as the Democratic Progressive Azad Party.

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Education

Ghulam Nabi Azad completed his early education in his village in Jammu and Kashmir. He later moved to Srinagar to pursue higher education. He completed his graduation in science from Sri Pratap College, Srinagar, and later went on to complete his post-graduation in Zoology from the University of Kashmir.

Ghulam Nabi Azad has also pursued several management and leadership courses from prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, and the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Spouse

Ghulam Nabi Azad is married to Shameem Dev Azad. They have two sons and a daughter. Shameem Dev Azad is a social worker and has been actively involved in several social causes over the years. She has also played a significant role in the political career of Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Shameem Dev Azad, melody queen of Jammu and Kashmir pic.twitter.com/NhH5IX2ru3

— SadiaNazir (@SadiaNazir411) November 6, 2022

Other aspects of his personal and professional life

Apart from his political career, Ghulam Nabi Azad is also known for his philanthropic activities. He has set up several charitable organizations and foundations that work towards the betterment of the underprivileged sections of society. He has also been actively involved in promoting education and healthcare in rural areas.

Ghulam Nabi Azad is also a prolific writer and has authored several books. His book, Aisa Kyon Hota Hai?, is a collection of articles on various social and political issues. He has also written a book on his experiences as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.

In addition to his political and philanthropic activities, Ghulam Nabi Azad is also an avid sports enthusiast. He has been actively involved in promoting sports in Jammu and Kashmir and has played a key role in setting up sports facilities in the state. He has also been the President of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association.

Ghulam Nabi Azad has received several awards and accolades for his contributions to society and politics. In 2015, he received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour. He has also been conferred with several other awards, including the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy for his contribution to education, and the Mother Teresa Memorial Award for his work towards social welfare.

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Controversies

In recent years, Ghulam Nabi Azad has been at the forefront of several political controversies. In 2021, he was among the 23 senior Congress leaders who wrote a letter to party President Sonia Gandhi, calling for an overhaul of the party’s functioning and leadership. The move was seen as a challenge to the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi’s son and the de facto leader of the Congress party.

Despite the controversies surrounding him, Ghulam Nabi Azad remains one of the most respected and influential politicians in India. He is known for his principled stand on issues of national importance and his commitment to the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. His contribution to Indian politics and society will always be remembered and appreciated.

Conclusion

Ghulam Nabi Azad is a towering figure in Indian politics, known for his contribution to society and politics. His life and career are a testament to his dedication and commitment to the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and India at large. His personal and professional life has been marked by several achievements, controversies, and challenges. However, he has always stood by his principles and values, and his contribution to Indian politics and society will always be remembered.

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