November 11th is observed as National Education Day in India, honouring the birthday of Dr. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad – the first Education Minister of the country. Dr. Azad is a highly esteemed personality for promoting education development in India as an outstanding leader and freedom fighter. Which created the base of direction that this country saw with an inclusive and progressive education system, till date.

Azad served as Education Minister from 1947 until his appointment offers a prominent scope and established several institutes, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), which would become cornerstones in India's development towards technology and science. He even managed to set up the University Grants Commission (UGC) tasked with regulating higher education and maintaining its standards. It offered equal opportunities for education irrespective of caste, gender and economy as Azad thought that education is the basis of a strong united India since he did not only focus on physical uplifting but also mentally.

National Education Day reminds us about education being the most important tool to empower individuals and nation with social and economic development. The theme for 2024 looks to develop an integrated and comprehensive education system. Despite such developments, India continues to struggle with issues like poor infrastructure, lack of qualified teachers and differences in access to rural and urban education. The COVID pandemic brought these gaps into sharper focus and corresponding digital solutions for education while attempting to bridge the digital divide.

On National Education Day today, we need to reflect the vision of Dr.Azad and ensure that every child in India gets access to quality education – where it believes that education is a powerful trigger towards a brighter future which is inclusive for all.