Who was the Education Minister in the first Cabinet of independent India?

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was the first Education Minister in the first Cabinet of independent India, serving from 1947 to 1958 [1][4]. He was a prominent scholar, freedom fighter, and a senior leader of the Indian National Congress. In the first Nehru ministry formed on August 15, 1947, Azad was assigned the Education portfolio, while other key members included Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (Home, Information and Broadcasting), Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Law), and Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur (Health) [2][3][4]. During his tenure, Azad laid the foundation for India's modern education system, overseeing the establishment of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). His birthday, November 11, is celebrated as National Education Day in India to honor his contributions to the nation's intellectual and cultural growth.

Sources

1. [1] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 33: Challenges Before the New-born Nation > First Government After Independence > p. 591
2. [4] https://cabsec.gov.in/writereaddata/initial_compositions_of_council_of_ministers/english/1_Upload_2027.pdf
3. [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 1: Historical Background > Table 1.2 First Cabinet of Independent India (1947) > p. 10
4. [3] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 1: Historical Background > Table 1.2 First Cabinet of Independent India (1947) > p. 10