National Education Day of India is celebrated every year on 11th November to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first education minister of independent India. This year it was 132nd birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. As first education minister of India, Azad had overseen establishment of national education system with free primary education and modern institutions of higher education. He is also credited with establishment of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and laid foundation of University Grants Commission, an important institution to supervise and advance higher education throughout the country.
National Education Day was instituted by Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (Now known as Ministry of Education) in 2008 announced to commemorate the birthday Maulana Abul Kalam Azad for recalling his contribution to cause of education in India. Its objective is to strengthen educational institutions and to raise quality of education to greater heights. It also seeks to remember Maulana Azad’s contribution in laying the foundations of education system in an independent India as well as to evaluate our current performance in this field.
He was born on 11 November 1888 and died on 22 February 1958. He was senior Muslim leader of Indian National Congress(INC) during Indian independence movement. He is commonly remembered as Maulana Azad (word Maulana is honorific meaning ‘Our Master’) and he had adopted Azad (Free) as his pen name. He was first Minister of Education of Independent India. He had played important role in foundation of Jamia Millia Islamia at Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh. He assisted in shifting campus of university from Aligarh to New Delhi in 1934.
During his young age, he rose to prominence through his work as journalist, publishing works critical of British Raj and espousing causes of Indian nationalism. He became leader of Khilafat Movement, during which he came into close contact with Mahatma Gandhi. He later became enthusiastic supporter of Gandhi’s ideas of non-violent civil disobedience and worked to organize the non-co-operation movement in protest of the 1919 Rowlatt Acts.
He was committed to Gandhi’s ideals, including promoting Swadeshi (indigenous) products and cause of Swaraj (Self-rule) for India. In 1923, at age of 35, he became youngest person to serve as President of Indian National Congress. He was one of main organizers of the Dharasana Satyagraha in 1931 and emerged as one of the most important national leaders of the time, prominently leading causes of Hindu-Muslim unity as well as espousing secularism and socialism. He served as Congress president from 1940 to 1945, during which Quit India rebellion was launched. He also worked for Hindu-Muslim unity through the Al-Hilal newspaper.
National Education Day is observed every year on November 11 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first education minister of independent India. This day is a reminder of his efforts in promoting primary and secondary education in India along with scientific knowledge. It also serves as an opportunity to highlight that education is key to shaping the future of the country, encouraging innovation and ensuring that quality education is accessible to all citizens.
National Education Day Wishes
- May education empower us all to achieve our dreams and goals. National Education Day!
- Happy National Education Day! Let’s celebrate the power of knowledge.
- Here’s to a future where every child has access to quality education.
- Wishing educators everywhere the recognition and support they deserve.
- Happy National Education Day! Let’s strive for a brighter tomorrow through education.
- Here’s to nurturing minds and creating a better world through education. Happy National Education Day!
- Wishing you joy in learning and the pursuit of knowledge.
- Happy National Education Day! Together, let’s build a knowledge-driven society.
- Wishing all students success in their educational journeys.
- Happy National Education Day! Let’s invest in our future through quality education.
National Education Day History
The Ministry of Education declared November 11 as National Education Day starting in 2008 to honour Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s contribution to education.
During his tenure as the first education minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad played a key role in establishing institutions and promoting primary and secondary education, as well as enhancing opportunities for higher studies.
He was a torchbearer for education for the poor and motivated girls to pursue academics. He believed in the importance of free and compulsory education for all children up to the age of 14.
For his remarkable contribution to education, he earned India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, which was given posthumously in 1992.
National Education Day Significance
The primary goal of National Education Day is to raise awareness about the role education plays in the nation’s development and personal well-being.
It also encourages a chance to look for improvement in the Indian education system, with an overall goal of providing scientific and practical knowledge.
The day focuses on taking steps so that all children and adults receive quality education and acquire new skills, irrespective of their backgrounds.
Inspiring Quotes by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
- “Education imparted by heart can bring revolution in the society."
- “Educationists should build the capacities of the spirit of inquiry, creativity, entrepreneurial and moral leadership among students and become their role model."
- “Climbing to the top demands strength, whether it is to the top of Mount Everest or to the top of your career."
- “You have to dream before your dreams can come true."
- “Be more dedicated to making solid achievements than in running after swift but synthetic happiness."
- “Slavery is worst even if it bears beautiful names."
- “As a child of God, I am greater than anything that can happen to me."
- “Teaching by tongue can be perspired but by good deed can stay stronger."
- “Many people plant trees but few of them get fruit of it."
