National Education Day 2024: Know All About Its Date, Origin, And Significance

National Education Day is annually commemorated in India to proliferate the importance of education as tool for transforming India's future in which children of today thrive as leaders of tomorrow.

This day also pays tribute to the contributions of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Education Minister of free India. He was also awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1992, for his invaluable contribution such as building country's top educational institutes like IITs, University Grant Commission, and Jamia Millia Islamia.

National Education Day: Date and time

This year, National Education Day is annually observed on November 11. The 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 .

The other educational institutes that took birth under his guidance were the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Sahitya Academy, Lalit Kala Academy, Sangeet Natak Academy, and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

Primarily, Azad focused on educating the poor and girls residing in rural India to eliminate adult illiteracy, and establish a universal primary education, and diversification of secondary education, including 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.