National Education Day 2024 | 11 Nov 2024

Source: BS

Recently, the National Education Day (NED) is observed annually on 11th November to honour Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's birth anniversary and his contributions to India's educational landscape. As India’s first Education Minister, he played a crucial role in establishing foundational institutions and advocating for accessible and inclusive education.

The Government of India first declared NED in 2008 to honour Azad's birth anniversary on November 18th 1888.

Achievements:
- He played a pivotal role in establishing the University Grants Commission (UGC) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
- Founded the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Sahitya Academy, Lalit Kala Academy, Sangeet Natak Academy, and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
- Launched Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, laying the foundation for India’s premier technical education institutions.
Significance of National Education Day:
- Highlights education as a fundamental right essential for societal advancement and empowerment.
- Encourages students and educators to reflect on Azad's principles, fostering values of creativity and lifelong learning.
- Highlights educational issues, promoting discussions around reforms to address modern challenges in the Indian education system.