National Education Day is celebrated in India on 11th November each year to remember Maulana Abdul kalam Azad, who performed as the country’s first education minister immediately after independence.
Abul Kalam Ghulam Muhiyuddin Ahmed bin Khairuddin Al-Hussaini Azad was a prominent member of the Indian National Congress and a writer who was born on November 18, 1888. He was appointed as the first Minister of Education in the Indian government following the country's independence. He died in Delhi on February 22, 1958, after holding the position of education minister from August 15, 1947, to February 2, 1958.
- National Education Day: Its Importance
The purpose of the holiday is to honour Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's contributions to the field of education while serving as the country's minister of education. He was chosen to serve on the foundation committee in 1920 to create Jamia Millia Islamia in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. In 1934, he also helped move the university's campus from Aligarh to New Delhi. Today, the campus's main entrance bears his name.
Speaking at a meeting on All India Education on January 16, 1948, he observed, "We must never forget that it is every person's birthright to get at least the fundamental education without which he cannot adequately execute his duty as a citizen."
- How should National Education Day be observed?
The teachings and accomplishments of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad can be the subject of discussions, debates, and themed programmes at schools across the nation. Additionally, they may host cultural events honouring Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's birthday or his achievements in life.
In 1992, Maulana Azad received the Bharat Ratna, the nation's highest civilian honour, posthumously.