National Education Day 2021: All you need to know
Today, on 11th November, National Education Day is commemorated in India to celebrate the birth anniversary of the first education minister of independent India, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. This prolific academician (an Urdu scholar) and reformer served his office from 15th August 1947 (the day of India’s independence) to 2nd February 1958. National Education Day marks his unparalleled contribution in the development of education in independent India.
National Education Day is widely celebrated across the country in all kinds of educational institutions, especially schools and colleges that organise elocutions, quizzes, seminars, workshops and essay-writing competitions or other educational events in order to emphasize on the significance of promoting education among all.
Like every year, this year too, the aim of this day is to inspire the younger generation to strive for excellence in the field of education, in order to help in the overall nation building.
History behind National Education Day
National Education Day was first observed on 11th November 2008 by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and inaugurated by the then President of India, Pratibha Patil at the Vigyan Bhawan to celebrate Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s birth anniversary and pay tribute to him by remembering his efforts to uplift the education segment in India; as well as his immense contribution in the Indian political scenario and freedom struggle.
Contributions of Maulana Azad
Azad was responsible for the foundation of several important education bodies like the UGC, AICTE, ICCR, IISC Bengaluru, CSIR, University Education Commission, Secondary Education Commission, Jamia Millia Islamia and Kharagpur Institute of Higher Education (now known as IIT Kharagpur).
He further contributed to the growth of the education sector by laying the foundation of higher education, scientific research, technological advancement, knowledge-based education and oriental learning and literature. With the intention of improving social, religious and cultural diversity across India, he had also set up three fine arts academies, namely, Lalit Kala Academy, Sangeet Natak Academy and Sahitya Academy.
Azad was also a champion of women’s right to education and promoted the practice of free and compulsory education for children aged 14 years or below.