U Razak, Burmese educator and politician (d. 1947)

U Razak (also known as Abdul Razak; Burmese: ဦးရာဇတ်, pronounced [ʔú jàzaʔ]; Urdu: عبدالرزاق; born on 20 January 1898 – died 19 July 1947) was a distinguished Burmese statesman, educationalist, and a significant figure in Myanmar's struggle for independence. His life, marked by dedication to national unity and progress, tragically ended with his assassination on 19 July 1947. This solemn day is annually commemorated as Martyrs' Day (အာဇာနည်နေ့) in Myanmar, honoring him and six other cabinet ministers who perished alongside him.

Early Life and Educational Foundations

Born in Meiktila, Upper Burma, on 20 January 1898, U Razak's background was a unique blend of cultures. His father, Sheik Abdul Rahman, was an Indian police inspector, and his mother, Nyein Hla, was a Burmese Buddhist woman. This bicultural upbringing significantly shaped his worldview. While his siblings embraced Buddhism, U Razak chose to retain his Muslim name, Razak, as a tribute to his father, symbolizing his respect for his diverse heritage. Despite his nominal Muslim identity, Razak was a staunch secularist. He held a profound love for Burma and consistently championed the principle of unity in diversity, believing that the nation's strength lay in the harmonious coexistence of its varied communities.

His academic journey began at the Wesleyan School in Mandalay, a prominent educational institution of the time. He later pursued higher education at Rangoon College, which was then affiliated with the University of Calcutta, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in English. Beyond his intellectual pursuits, Razak was also keenly involved in athletics throughout his school and college years, demonstrating a well-rounded personality.

Championing National Education and Anti-Colonial Resistance

U Razak emerged as a nationalist leader early in his career. In 1920, he played a pivotal role in organizing the first nationwide student boycott against the British colonial education system. This historic act of civil disobedience was a powerful statement of Burmese self-determination, protesting an educational structure designed to serve colonial interests rather than foster national identity and independence.

Following this formative experience, in 1921, Razak became the headmaster of Mandalay National High School. His natural charisma and persuasive abilities proved highly effective in galvanizing the people of Mandalay. Remarkably, in Mandalay – a city renowned as a vibrant center of Burmese Buddhist faith and culture – Razak, despite his ethnic Indian-Burmese background, was fully embraced and respected by the local community. This acceptance underscored his unique ability to bridge cultural and religious divides through his integrity and dedication to national causes.

His commitment to Burma's freedom continued through the tumultuous years of World War II. When Japan invaded Burma, U Razak was imprisoned by the Japanese authorities, a testament to his unwavering opposition to foreign occupation and his commitment to a truly independent Burma.

Political Leadership and Vision for Independent Burma

After the war, U Razak quickly re-engaged with the political landscape. In 1945, he was appointed chairman of the Mandalay branch of the Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League (AFPFL), the broad coalition led by General Aung San that spearheaded Burma's independence movement. His leadership in Mandalay further solidified his political standing, and he was subsequently elected as a Member of Parliament, representing the Mandalay constituency.

Recognizing his profound understanding of national needs and his dedication to education, General Aung San appointed U Razak to his pre-independence interim cabinet. In this crucial government, U Razak held the vital portfolios of Minister of Education and Minister of National Planning. In these capacities, he was instrumental in laying the groundwork for a self-reliant and modern Myanmar, particularly focusing on developing a national education system that would serve the aspirations of an independent nation. He also served as the chairman of the Burma Muslim Congress, a significant organization representing the interests of the Muslim community in Burma, yet always advocating for broader national unity.

A Legacy of Unity and Supreme Sacrifice

One of U Razak's most enduring contributions was his tireless advocacy for unity between Burmese Muslims and Buddhists. Despite being a devout Muslim, he actively cultivated ties to Buddhism, even undertaking the study of Pali, the sacred language of Theravada Buddhism. This personal dedication to understanding different faiths exemplified his belief in inter-communal harmony. Furthermore, his commitment to education extended to higher learning, as he was instrumental in helping to found Mandalay College, which later evolved into the modern Mandalay University, a key institution for national development.

Tragically, U Razak's life of service was cut short on 19 July 1947. He was assassinated along with six other cabinet ministers, including General Aung San, in a heinous act that shocked the nation. This devastating event, known as the Prome Road Assassination, occurred just months before Burma was set to achieve full independence from British rule. The loss of these leaders was an immense blow to the nascent nation. To honor their sacrifice, July 19 is officially commemorated each year as Martyrs' Day (အာဇာနည်နေ့) in Myanmar, a day of national remembrance and reverence for those who gave their lives for the country's freedom and future.

U Razak was also a family man, fathering three children, though details of his family life remain less publicized than his political and educational achievements.

Key Contributions and Enduring Impact

Frequently Asked Questions about U Razak

Who was U Razak?
U Razak was a prominent Burmese politician, educationalist, and a Tamil Muslim who served as a cabinet minister in General Aung San's pre-independence interim government. He is remembered for his dedication to national unity, education reform, and his ultimate sacrifice for Myanmar's independence.
What was U Razak's role in Burma's independence movement?
U Razak was a pivotal figure in the independence movement. He organized the first student boycott against British colonial education in 1920, served as headmaster of a national school, became chairman of the AFPFL's Mandalay branch, and held critical ministerial portfolios (Education and National Planning) in the interim government just before independence.
Why is July 19th commemorated as Martyrs' Day in Myanmar?
July 19th is commemorated as Martyrs' Day (အာဇာနည်နေ့) because on this date in 1947, U Razak, along with General Aung San and five other cabinet ministers, were tragically assassinated. This act, known as the Prome Road Assassination, occurred just months before Burma was granted full independence, marking the profound sacrifice of these leaders for the nation's freedom.
What were U Razak's key contributions to education in Myanmar?
As Minister of Education, U Razak was instrumental in shaping a national education policy for independent Burma. Prior to this, he led the significant 1920 student boycott against colonial education and served as headmaster of Mandalay National High School. He also played a vital role in establishing Mandalay College (which evolved into Mandalay University), significantly contributing to the expansion of higher education in the country.
How did U Razak promote unity in Burma?
U Razak, a secularist Muslim, actively promoted unity by bridging divides between Burmese Muslims and Buddhists. He studied Pali, the sacred language of Theravada Buddhism, demonstrating his profound respect and understanding of different faiths. His personal example and political efforts constantly advocated for a unified and diverse Burma where all communities could coexist harmoniously.