National Education Day observed

National Education Day is celebrated on November 11, to mark the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.

Key points

• This day is usually observed across schools by organising several functions and programs.
• The day is celebrated since 2008.

Background of the National Education Day

Ministry of Human Resources Development had announced on September 11, 2008 to celebrate the National Education Day, commemorating the birthday of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad by recalling his contribution towards education in India. Since then, November 11 is observed as National Education Day without any holiday.

Significance of the Day

This day is celebrated every year in schools by organising several interesting and informative seminars, essay-writing, rallies, symposia, etc. On this day, students and teaches come together and talk about the significance of literacy and nation’s commitment across all aspects of education. The day is marked as a tribute to contributions of Maulana Abul Azad in education system of Independent India.

Who is Maulana Abul Azad?

Maulana Abul Azad was an Indian independence activist, writer, Islamic theologian, and a senior leader of Indian National Congress (INC). He became the First Minister of Education of Independent India and served from 1947 to 1958 in Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet.

Poetry and Treaties by Maulana Azad

He composed poetry in Urdu and treatises on religion & philosophy, in young age. He became prominence through his work as a journalist and publishing works critical of the British Raj. Later, he became the leader of Khilafat Movement. During the movement, he came into close contact with Mahatma Gandhi and became enthusiastic supporter of Gandhi’s ideas of non-violent and civil disobedience. He actively took part in non-co-operation movement. At 35, he became the youngest person to serve as President of INC in 1923.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2021