National Education Day: In order to pay tribute to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Education minister of Independent India, National Education Day is celebrated on 11th November of every year. Maulana Abdul kalam Azad has served as the Education Minister from 15 August 1947 until 2 February 1958. This day highlights the importamce of education in shaping India’ future.
National Education Day: National Education Day In India
11th November was declared as the National Education Day by the Ministry of Education in September 2008 to commemorate Maulana Abdul kalam Azad’s birthday, and recall his contribution to education. Every year on this day many educational institutions 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.
National Education Day: Why it is celebrated?
Maulana Azad played a crucial role in shaping India’s education system after independence. As a strong advocate for learning, he emphasized universal primary education, women’s education, and vocational training. He was also instrumental in the establishment of national institutions such as:
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University Grants Commission (UGC)
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Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
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All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
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Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
National Education Day: When is International Education Day?
While India observes National Education Day on November 11, the global community marks the International Day of Education on January 24 each year. This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly to highlight the essential role education plays in fostering peace and driving sustainable development across the world.
The theme for the 2025 International Day of Education was “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.” It calls on educators, learners, and policymakers to reflect on how education can empower people to understand, adapt to, and shape technological change responsibly.
National Education Day: Education schemes by the government
1. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA):
Launched to provide free and compulsory education to all children aged 6 to 14, ensuring that every child attends school and learns basic skills.
2. Mid-Day Meal Scheme:
Provides free lunches to students in government and aided schools to improve nutrition, increase attendance, and encourage children to stay in school.
3. Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan:
An integrated program that combines school education from pre-primary to senior secondary level, aiming to improve quality, equity, and access to education for all.
4. PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme: Recently, the government has launched the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme for a brighter future for meritorious students. Under this scheme, meritorious students will get financial support from the government for their quality higher education. This scheme offers education loans for students admitted to the top 860 institutions across India, benefiting over 22 lakh students each year. With a budget allocation of Rs. 3,600 crore from 2024-25 to 2030-31, the scheme aims to assist an additional 7 lakh students. The government has implemented this scheme through a fully digital, transparent, and student-centric platform, PM-Vidyalaxmi ensures easy access and smooth interoperability for students nationwide.
5. NEP 2020: It was launched on July 29, 2020, and aims to overhaul India’s education system to better align with the needs of the 21st century, fostering a more inclusive and forward-thinking approach.
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