India Celebrates National Education Day : Birth Anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

November 11 is celebrated as National Education Day. But why this particular date? Well, November 11 is the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad who was the first education Minister of independent India.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was born Abul Kalam Ghulam Muhiyuddin on November 11, 1888.   Maulana Abul Kalam was of the opinion that education was the right of one and all.  He was responsible for setting up of apex bodies such as AICTE and UGC. IITs, IISc and School of Architecture and Planning were also his brainchild.

Maulana Azad was also a prominent journalist of his time and championed the cause of Indian Nationalist movement. He understood the correlation between education and nation’s development. He strongly advocated free and compulsory education for children up to the age of 14 years. He knew that India was a nation with abroad cultural spectrum and hence needed educated citizens to participate in nation-building tasks.

Understanding the fundamental role education plays in the development of the nation, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad as the Chairman of Central Advisory Board of Education, gave impetus to Adult Education and Literacy. Not only did he lay emphasis on elementary education but also propogated diversification of secondary education and vocational training.

The University Grants Commission has asked educational institutions across the country the celebrate the day by organising seminars, symposia, essay writing, elocution competitions, workshops and rallies with banners, cards and slogans. The day aims to spread awareness about the importance of and the nation’s commitment to education.

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