National Education Day is celebrated in India on November 11th every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. He was a great freedom fighter, eminent educationist and the first Union Minister of Education (from 15 August 1947 to 2 February 1958).
This article will provide information about one of the important national days of India – National Education day in the context of the IAS Exam.
This topic is useful for GS Paper I and GS Paper-II of the UPSC Syllabus.
The candidates can read the relevant information from the links provided below:
National Education Day, 2021
- In the year 2021, National Education Day was celebrated on November 11 and all the prominent leaders, including the Prime Minister of India, paid their tribute to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad for his remarkable contribution to Indian education and freedom struggle.
- This year it was the 134th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Minister for Education.
History of National Education Day
- In 2008, the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) notified that November 11 would be celebrated as National Education Day to pay tribute to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on his birth anniversary.
- This date has been chosen because of the significant contributions of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to the Indian education system.
About Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia in 1888, and he pursued traditional Islamic education.
- He was one of the founding members of the Jamia Milia Islamia University. His contributions were helpful in shaping the modern education system of the country.
- In 1992, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was posthumously honoured with India’s highest civilian award – Bharat Ratna.
To read more about Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and his contributions, check the linked article.
Celebrations of National Education Day
- Educational Institutions at all levels would be involved in the celebration of the National Education Day in organising seminars, symposia, essay writing, elocution competitions, workshops and rallies with banners, cards and slogans on the importance of education and the nation’s commitment to all aspects of education.
- This day’s celebrations will be an enriching experience for the academic community at large.
| Refer to the UPSC Previous Year Question Papers and complement your preparation with the links below: |
Significance of Education
- Education is fundamental for achieving full human potential, developing an equitable and just society, and promoting national development.
- Providing universal access to quality education is the key to India’s continued ascent, and leadership on the global stage in terms of economic growth, social justice and equality, scientific advancement, national integration, and cultural preservation.
- The global education development agenda reflected in Goal 4 (SDG4) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by India in 2015 – seeks to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” by 2030.
| Goal 4 of SDG – “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” |
- Such a lofty goal will require the entire education system to be reconfigured to support and foster learning so that all the critical targets and goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development can be achieved.
To read more about the List of Important Days & Dates, check the linked article.
National Education Day [UPSC Notes]:-Download PDF Here
FAQ about National Education Day
Who is the first Indian education minister?
Why National Education Day is celebrated on November 11?
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