national education dayIt is being celebrated on 11th November to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Education Minister of India. The day celebrates his exemplary contribution in the field of education and institution building. He was the first education minister of independent India and served from 1947 to 1958. National Education Day is celebrated in all educational institutions to raise awareness about the importance of literacy.
National Education Day: Theme
The Ministry of Human Resource Development decides a different theme for National Education Day every year. The theme of this year is “Changing Curriculum, Transforming Education”.
National Education Day: History
To honor Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the Ministry of Human Resource Development declared 11 November as ‘National Education Day’ on 11 September 2008. The announcement issued by the ministry said, “The ministry has decided to celebrate the birthday of this great son of India. Remembering his contribution in the field of education in India. From 11 November 2008, every year on the occasion of National Education Day. It will be declared every year without a holiday.”
Who was Maulana Abul Kalam Azad?
Abul Kalam Ghulam Muhiyuddin better known as Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was born in 1888 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. A freedom fighter, he started Al-Hilal, a weekly magazine in Urdu in 1912 to criticize British policies. After al-Hilal was banned, he started another weekly al-Bagah.
Azad strongly advocated the education of women. In the Central Assembly in 1949, he said that national education could not be suitable if it did not consider for the advancement of one half of the society – women. He emphasized on the modern education system and advocated the use of English language for educational gains. However, he believed that primary education should be imparted only in the mother tongue.
National Education Day: Celebrations
National Education Day is celebrated every year in schools by spreading awareness about the importance of education. This is done by organizing interesting seminars, activities, working on projects, writing essays and much more.
Inspirational Quotes of Maulana Abul Kalam Azadi
- “Let us not forget even for a moment, it is the birthright of every individual to get at least basic education without which he cannot fully discharge his duties as a citizen.”
- “He who is not influenced by music is deranged and disturbed, far from spirituality and denser than birds and animals, because everyone is influenced by melodious sound.”
- “Science is neutral. Its discoveries can be used to heal and kill equally. It depends on the attitude and mindset of the user whether science will be used to create a new heaven on earth or to transform the world.” To be destroyed in a common fire.”
- “Academics should inculcate and idealize the capacity of inquiry, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and spirit of moral leadership among the students.”