Every year on November 11, India observes National Education Day, a tribute to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the nation’s first Education Minister and a central architect of modern India’s educational framework. Instituted by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (now the Ministry of Education) in September 2008, the day commemorates Azad’s birth anniversary and his lifelong dedication to advancing learning, literacy, and cultural growth in independent India.
Why is National Education Day Celebrated on November 11?
The date marks Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s birth anniversary (born November 11, 1888). Since 2008, the day has been observed across schools, colleges, and universities through debates, seminars, essay competitions, and public awareness campaigns focusing on the importance of education. These activities aim to reaffirm India’s constitutional commitment to education as a fundamental right and to encourage reflection on how learning shapes innovation, citizenship, and social progress.
National Education Day is more than a ceremonial occasion—it is a reminder of India’s ongoing journey toward universal, inclusive, and quality education, echoing Azad’s conviction that education must empower every individual to think critically and contribute to nation-building.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: The Visionary Behind Modern Indian Education
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was born in Mecca in 1888 to a family of scholars and theologians. His early education in Arabic, Persian, and Islamic studies was complemented by a self-driven curiosity about Western philosophy, science, and political thought. This blend of traditional and modern learning profoundly shaped his reformist and nationalist outlook.
As a journalist and intellectual, Azad became a prominent voice against colonial rule through his Urdu weekly Al-Hilal (1912) and later Al-Balagh, both of which challenged imperial authority and championed India’s unity. His political engagement led him to become one of the youngest presidents of the Indian National Congress in 1923 and later, a close ally of Mahatma Gandhi in the freedom struggle.
Following independence, Azad was appointed India’s first Minister of Education (1947–1958). During his tenure, he laid the foundation for the country’s educational infrastructure, advocating for universal primary education, adult literacy, and vocational and technical training. His policies sought to balance access, equity, and excellence—principles that continue to underpin India’s education system.
In recognition of his service, Maulana Azad was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1992.
Azad’s Enduring Contributions to Indian Education
Azad’s vision extended beyond mere institutional building—it sought to democratize knowledge and culture. He played a key role in establishing some of India’s most significant educational and cultural bodies, including:
- University Grants Commission (UGC)
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
- All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
- Sahitya Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi, and Sangeet Natak Akademi
Through these institutions, Azad emphasized not only scientific and technical education but also the preservation of India’s rich literary and artistic traditions. He envisioned education as a force for social transformation, national unity, and cultural continuity.
Why India Celebrates National Education Day
The day honors Maulana Azad’s belief that education is the foundation of freedom and equality. He argued that a newly independent India could not progress unless every citizen—irrespective of caste, class, or gender—had access to education. National Education Day thus celebrates his enduring message: that education is both a right and a responsibility, essential for building an enlightened, inclusive, and progressive society.
International Day of Education: A Global Perspective
While India observes National Education Day on November 11, the global community celebrates the International Day of Education on January 24. Declared by the United Nations General Assembly, the day underscores the transformative role of education in achieving peace and sustainable development.
The theme for 2025, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” reflects the need to balance technological advancement with human-centered learning. It reinforces the shared global mission—embodied in UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4)—to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
National Education Day 2025 stands as a moment to revisit Maulana Azad’s ideals and renew India’s collective commitment to education as the most powerful tool for empowerment, equality, and progress. His legacy continues to inspire educators, policymakers, and learners to envision a nation where knowledge drives both justice and innovation.
