National Education Day 2024: Know the date, origin, significance, and more

Notably, Maulana Azad was also posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1992, for his invaluable contribution.

With the day approaching soon, here’s all you need to know—from date to history, significance, about Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, and more.

National Education Day 2024: Date and History

National Education Day is celebrated annually on November 11 in India to honour Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first education minister of independent India.

This year, National Education Day will be observed on November 11, 2024, that is, Monday.

The Government of India declared November 11th National Education Day in September 2008 to commemorate Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s contributions to the country’s education system.

Born on November 18, 1888, Azad was a freedom fighter, educationist, scholar, and senior leader of the Indian National Congress. He established top education bodies like the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Additionally, he also established the first Indian Institute of Technology, IIT Kharagpur, and under his guidance, several educational institutions were established, including the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Sahitya Academy, Lalit Kala Academy, Sangeet Natak Academy, and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

In post-independent India, Azad focused on educating the rural poor and girls, adult literacy, universal primary education, and diversification of secondary education and vocational training.

National Education Day 2024: Significance and Celebrations

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad significantly influenced India’s education system, so this day serves as a reminder of education’s importance as a fundamental right and societal progress.

School students can engage in discussions, debates, and themed- programs on Azad’s teachings and achievements, as well as cultural programs. Additionally, educational institutions also organise discussions or seminars to address current issues in the Indian education system, allowing experts and shareholders to identify and propose solutions.