Maulana Abul Kalam Azad occupied a place of pre-eminence for over three decades in the struggle for Indian Independence and the evolution of a secular and egalitarian culture for the country. At a time like this, when fissiparous forces are attempting to disrupt the unity of the country and progressive forces are engaged in a struggle to establish a social order which would ensure the well - being of the poor and the down-trodden people of the country, irrespective of their caste and creed, it is felt that the propagation of the ideals of patrio-tism, secularism and intellectual integrity which inspired the life of Maulana Azad would be a positive contribution towards the strengthening of the fabric of Indian society. With this end in view, the Maulana Azad Memorial Academy has been established.