Celebrating National Education Day: Honoring Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's Legacy
Introduction to National Education Day
New Delhi: National Education Day is celebrated in memory of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, who made significant contributions to education in India. He is recognized as the country's first education minister. On November 11, 2008, the Ministry of Human Resource Development declared that his birthday would be observed annually as National Education Day. This day is marked by various activities in schools and institutions to emphasize the importance of education and to foster a love for learning among children.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's Contributions
Born in 1888 in Mecca, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was a prominent figure during the freedom struggle, launching publications like Al-Hilal and Al-Bagha to oppose British policies. He was a strong advocate for women's education and emphasized the need for a modern education system. He believed that primary education should be imparted in the mother tongue, while English could be beneficial for higher education. His ideas continue to inspire educational policies and students today.
History of National Education Day
In honor of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the Ministry of Human Resource Development announced on September 11, 2008, that November 11 would be celebrated as 'National Education Day.' The ministry's statement highlighted the decision to commemorate the birthday of this great son of India by recognizing his contributions to the field of education. Since 2008, this day has been celebrated annually without declaring it a public holiday.
Who Was Maulana Abul Kalam Azad?
Abul Kalam Ghulam Muhiyuddin, known as Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, was born in 1888 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. As a freedom fighter, he started the Urdu weekly Al-Hilal in 1912 to criticize British policies. After Al-Hilal was banned, he launched another weekly, Al-Bagha.
Azad was a passionate advocate for women's education. In 1949, he stated in the Central Assembly that national education could not be deemed appropriate unless it focused on the advancement of women, who constitute half of society. He stressed the importance of a modern education system and supported the use of English for educational benefits, while maintaining that primary education should be delivered in the mother tongue.
Celebrating National Education Day
National Education Day is celebrated each year to raise awareness about the importance of education in schools. This is done through engaging seminars, activities, project work, essay writing, and more.
Inspirational Quotes by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
- We must never forget for a moment that every individual has the birthright to receive at least basic education, without which they cannot fulfill their duties as citizens.
- A person who is not influenced by music is mentally unhealthy and unrestrained; they are distanced from spirituality and are more primitive than birds and animals, as everyone is affected by sweet sounds.
- Science is neutral. Its discoveries can be used for both healing and destruction. It depends on the user's perspective and mindset whether science will be used to create a new paradise on Earth or to destroy the world in a common conflagration.
- Educators should cultivate curiosity, creativity, entrepreneurship, and moral leadership in students and serve as their ideals.