FA Ahmed : a staunch patriot
Suren Ram PhookunThe State of Asom from where Fakhruddin Saheb began his
active involvement in the freedom struggle can rightly feel proud to have
nurtured a great son of the country and a true representative of its composite
culture. A staunch patriot, an able administrator, a farsighted statesman and a
champion of all progressive causes, his was a life of service and sacrifice and
of complete dedication to the ideals of secularism and mutual goodwill. He
occupied a position of great eminence in our public life and worked tirelessly
towards strengthening the bonds of national unity and solidarity.
During the communal riots of Allahabad, Maulana Asad Madani and Maulana Abdul
Rauf, the MLC (UP), wanted to visit Allahabad to be of some assistance to the
local Muslims. They sought the permission of the UP government through Ahmed
Saheb and it was readily granted. The Maulana sent their programme at Allahabad
railway station, they were surprised to be accosted by police officers, who on
their own, told them that they had been deputed by the government to assist
them in their task and had made arrangements for their transport and stay.
These gentlemen innocently believed the police officers and thanking the UP
government for this consideration, unsuspectingly boarded a car brought by the
police officers. When the car left the city limits, they enquired as to where
they were being taken. The police officers said that as a precautionary measure
they had made arrangements for their stay in a bungalow belonging to the Army
outside the city. After a while, the car stopped in
front of the huge gate of the Central prison, Naini. Now both these Maulanas
realised that they had been taken for a ride. They asked the police officer :
Is this the army bungalow? The police officer sheepishly replied : Both of
you are under arrest. The Maulanas did not enquire the reason for their arrest
because they were in the company of these very police officers right from the
moment they had set foot in Allahabad and thus had little opportunity to commit
any offence. They walked into the prison gracefully. When this incident was
brought to Ahmed Sahebs notice he was surprised and indignant. He lost no time
in contacting the then Union Minister of Home Affairs, Sri YB Chavan, and made
it amply clear that the arrest of Maulana Asad Madani, then an MP, in the midst
of communal riots at Allahabad, would infuriate Muslims and demanded the
immediate and unconditional release of both the Maulanas. Both were later
released honourably and unconditionally.
Late Ahmed served the nation as an Union Minister from 1966 to 1977 during
which he held important portfolios, like power, education, industries, internal
trade and company affairs and food and agriculture.
He was then sworn in as the fifth President of India on August 24, 1974 marking
the climax to a long and a distinguished political career. His elevation to the
highest office of India was surely a true recognition of his immense
contribution towards the country.
He was an ardent advocate of nationalism and a true symbol of secularism. All
throughout his life he strived to forge a cohesive Indian nation by propagating
a secular spirit. He wanted to make the nation breathe fresh air, invigorate
the entire national environment with progressive outlook.
The ideals of late Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed are of great relevance in the present
Indian context where the evil forces of communalism are cropping up in various
parts of the country. Our rich and secular tradition and heritage are really
facing a tough time. The Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid issue had led to a series
of communal outbursts in several parts of India. The unbridled growth of these
communal passions has shaken the very foundation of our secular and democratic
structure. The nation has been threatened with these divisive force. Against
this unnerving situation, the life and ideals of the Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed can
very well inspire the nation to derive strength and hopes in restoring the lost
glory and the missing fabric of national life.
All of us know that every right thinking and politically aware person during
the pre-swaraj days, irrespective of caste, creed and religion did not think
for a second time to join movement of India. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed was no
exception. He became a satyagrahi in response to the call of Mahatma Gandhi
during 1940-41 and was imprisoned for a year. Only a few weeks after he was
released he was again taken to the jail and was detained till 1945.
FA Ahmed first entered Parliamentary politics as a member of the Assam
Legislative Assembly in 1937. He was a sitting member of the Assembly till
1945. FA Ahmed was the Minister of Finance and Revenue in the first Coalition
Ministry formed under the leadership of the late Gopinath Bordoloi. During his
tenure he reduced land revenue taxes and introduced agricultural income
tax-measure which made him popular in the State.
FA Ahmed could quite deftly represent Assams point when he appeared before the
tribunal for the division of assets and liability between India and Pakistan as
the Advocate General of Assam.
He was a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1954 when he represented India in the
United Nations General Assembly.
FA Ahmed represented Jania Assembly Constituency in the erstwhile and undivided
Kamrup district and as a Finance Minister in Chaliha Cabinet he brought about
several reforms. FA Ahmed held diverse portfolios in the Union Cabinet from
Education to Industries portfolios which were different as chalk and cheese.
His lofty ideas and his quality of mind elevated him to the highest office of
the Republic the President of India. FA Ahmed was so to speak an
unforsaking affirmation for the secular ideas and national values a new India
aspired to belong to. It is in the fitness of things that his birth anniversary
is celebrated throughout the country as the National Solidarity Day.
Source: Assam Tribune
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