India celebrated National Education Day on November 11

National Education Day was celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a freedom fighter who was also the first Union Minister of Education of Independent India.

It was observed to remember the contribution of Maulana Azad in building the foundations of the education system in an independent India and to evaluate the country’s performance in this field.

In addition, the day is celebrated to reinforce the country’s educational institutions and increase the quality of education to a great extent.

On 11 September 2008, the Ministry of Human Resource Development announced its decision to celebrate the birthday of Maulana Azad as National Education Day. In this regard, the Ministry then said, “The Ministry has decided to commemorate the birthday of this great son of India by recalling his contribution to the cause of education in India. November 11 every year, from 2008 onwards, will be celebrated as the National Education Day, without declaring it a holiday.”

Maulana Azad, a hailed poet, philosopher, and orator, believed in universal primary education, vocational training, and technical education. A strong supporter of girl’s education, Azad believed in providing free and compulsory education for all children below the age of 14.

Born on 11 November 1888, Maulana Azad was a prominent Muslim leader of the Indian National Congress during India’smovement for independence.

Maulana Azad had played an important role in establishing Jamia Millia Islamia University at Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh and was instrumental in shifting the campus of the university from Aligarh to New Delhi in 1934. Maulana Azad, who served as an Education Minister from 1947 to 1958, posthumously received Bharat Ratna in 1992 for his invaluable contribution made to the country. An eminent scholar of Urdu, Persian, Arabic, and Hindi, Maulana Azad was also involved in founding a number of prestigious cultural institutions and academies including Sangeet Natak Academy, Lalit Kala Academy, and Sahitya Academy.

He was credited for assisting in establishing several apex bodies such as Maulana Azad (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Various premier higher education institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and School of Architecture and Planning, were also set up during his tenure as Education Minister.

Despite being deprived of any formal schooling, Maulana Azad started a weekly journal in Urdu called Al-Hilalin 1912 and became a prominent journalist of his time. The educationist also advocated that primary education should be provided in the mother-tongue. In the Central Assembly held in 1949, Maulana Azad strongly highlighted the importance of modern sciences and knowledge.

Last year, on the occasion of National Education Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Remembering Acharya JB Kripalani and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on their birth anniversaries. Two exemplary personalities, their notable role during the freedom struggle and emphasis on public welfare, equality, education, and justice will never be forgotten.”

Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal, tweeted, “Remembering freedom fighter and educationist Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on his birth anniversary. Commemorated as #NationalEducationDay, let us pledge to fight for the rights of the underprivileged and ensure quality education for all so that no one is left behind.”

Last year in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, UGC-Human Resource Development Centre (UGC-HRDC) had organized a function to honor the winners of various competitions held among the college students to mark the occasion.

Maulana Azad, whose real name was Abul Kalam Ghulam Mohiuddin Ahmed bin Khairuddin Al-Hussaini Azad, was laid to rest on 22 February 1958. Between 1940 and 1945, the nationalist leader served as a president of Congress and led the Quit India movement against the British.

Maulana Azad, who he did not support the Congress movement initially because of its 'slowness', became the most conspicuous Muslim voice to oppose the formation of Pakistan. A staunch supporter of Gandhi’s ideas of non-violence, Maulana Azad encouraged the use of indigenous products and supported the cause of Swaraj (self-rule) for India.

Maulana Azad also helped in organizing the non-co-operation movement in protest of the 1919 Rowlatt Acts as well as the Dharasana Satyagraha in 1931. The great scholar also worked for the causes of Hindu-Muslim unity, promoting secularism and socialism, among other significant activities.

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