National Education Day is observed in India on November 11th to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the country's first Minister of Education. The day highlights the importance of education, honors Azad's legacy in shaping India's educational institutions like the IITs and UGC, and serves as a reminder of the need for accessible and quality education for all citizens. It also prompts reflection on modern educational goals, including inclusive learning and the implementation of policies like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Significance and Purpose
Commemorating a visionary leader: The day is dedicated to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a key freedom fighter and the first Education Minister of independent India.
Honoring his contributions: It recognizes Azad's role in establishing pivotal institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
Promoting the value of education: The day raises awareness about the importance of education for national development, individual empowerment, and the creation of a progressive society.
Encouraging inclusivity: It serves as a reminder to address educational challenges such as regional disparities, gender inequality, and the need to ensure that education is accessible to all, regardless of their background.