Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad (11 November 1888−22 February 1958 ) was an Indian scholar and a senior leader of the Indian National Congress during the Indian independence movement. Following India's independence, he became the First Minister of Education in the Indian government (until 25 September 1958 , Ministry of Education). His contribution to establishing the education foundation in India is recognised by celebrating his birthday as "National Education Day" across India.