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National Education Day 2025 Date, Significance, Theme: Every year on November 11, India observes National Education Day, a tribute to the vision and contributions of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the nation’s first Education Minister.
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The Ministry of Human Resource Development (now Ministry of Education) announced in September 2008 that November 11 would be celebrated as National Education Day to commemorate his birthday, and recall his contribution to education.
National Education Day is celebrated on November 11 every year, marking the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Since its inception in 2008, educational institutions across India mark this day through various activities including seminars, essay competitions, workshops, and awareness rallies that emphasise the importance of literacy and the nation’s commitment to accessible education for all.
The day is celebrated to encourage discussions about improving India’s education system, addressing contemporary challenges, and reaffirming the constitutional commitment to education as a fundamental right. It reminds us that education is not just about academic achievement but about fostering critical thinking, innovation, and social progress.
Born on November 11, 1888, in Mecca, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was a prominent scholar, freedom fighter, and visionary leader. His family later settled in Calcutta (now Kolkata), where he received his early education in Arabic, Persian, and Islamic theology. Despite his traditional background, Azad developed a keen interest in Western philosophy, science, and literature, which shaped his progressive worldview.
As a journalist and thinker, Azad used his writings to challenge colonial rule and promote national unity. He founded the Urdu weekly Al-Hilal in 1912 and later Al-Balagh, both of which became influential platforms for anti-colonial ideas. His active role in India’s independence movement saw him become one of the youngest presidents of the Indian National Congress in 1923, and later, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi.
After independence, Maulana Azad was appointed as the first Education Minister of independent India. His tenure was marked by visionary reforms that laid the foundation for the country’s educational framework. He firmly believed that education should be a tool for social transformation and national development, emphasizing universal primary education, adult literacy, and technical training.
In 1992, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor.
Maulana Azad’s contribution to Indian education remains immense – he was instrumental in the establishment of premier institutions such as the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore.
He also played a significant role in strengthening the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and promoting research and scientific learning.
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Azad’s vision extended beyond formal education; he emphasised cultural and literary development and worked to promote Indian languages as mediums of learning. His efforts also led to the formation of the Sahitya Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi, and Sangeet Natak Akademi, institutions that continue to promote India’s rich cultural heritage.
The day is named after Maulana Azad because of his unparalleled contributions to shaping modern India’s educational landscape. His belief that education is the foundation for a just, united, and progressive society guided every policy decision he made. Azad understood that true independence required not just political freedom but educational empowerment for all citizens, regardless of caste, class, or gender.
While India celebrates its National Education Day on November 11, the world observes International Day of Education on January 24. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed January 24 as International Day of Education in celebration of the role of education for peace and development.
The theme for International Day of Education 2025 was “AI and education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation,” which encourages reflections on the power of education to equip individuals and communities to navigate, understand and influence technological advancement.
The International Day of Education serves as a global call to action to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4.
