National Education Day today: Maulana Azad’s vision laid the foundation of modern education
CNN Central News and Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News / Agencies, Bhopal:
National Education Day is being observed across the country on November 11. The day is marked on the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first education minister of independent India. He believed that education was not merely a means of reading and writing, but a strong foundation for equality, awareness and national development in society. This vision of his played an important role in giving direction to the country’s education system after Independence.
Maulana Azad was born on November 11, 1888, in Mecca. After playing an active role in the freedom movement, he took charge as the country’s first education minister in 1947. He remained in the post until 1958. During his tenure, he emphasised expanding primary education, giving equal opportunities to girls, and strengthening higher and technical education.
His key objective was to ensure free and compulsory education for children up to the age of 14. He advocated primary education in the mother tongue, vocational training, agricultural education and the promotion of scientific thinking. He believed that for the country’s progress, the benefits of education should reach every section of society.
His role in higher education and the technical sector was also significant. During his tenure, IIT Kharagpur was established in 1951. He took important initiatives towards the establishment of the University Grants Commission, or UGC. The development of institutions such as the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Sahitya Akademi and Lalit Kala Akademi also encouraged art and culture alongside education.
National Education Day was observed for the first time in 2008. The purpose of the day is not only to remember Maulana Azad’s contribution, but also to reflect on the quality of education, equal opportunities and the country’s educational development.
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