National Education Day,2025: Honouring Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s First Education Minister

The Government of India declared 11th November as National Education Day on 11th September 2008 to honour Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s remarkable contribution to education in India.

Every year, National Education Day is observed on November 11 to honour the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister. The day serves as a reminder of his vision for quality, accessible education, and his immense contribution to shaping modern India’s learning system. 

Schools and colleges across the country celebrate this occasion through seminars, exhibitions, essay writing, and awareness programs that highlight the importance of education in nation-building.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad held the position of India’s first Education Minister from August 15, 1947, to February 2, 1958, during which he played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s education system and promoting the values of knowledge, unity, and progress.

The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) shared a tribute saying, “We remember Bharat Ratna Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Education Minister of independent India, on his birth anniversary. Every year, November 11 is observed as National Education Day to celebrate and honour his remarkable contributions to the nation’s education system.”

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad firmly believed that education was the foundation of a strong and progressive nation. His words continue to inspire generations, reminding us of the power of learning and determination. 

As he said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today,” highlighting the importance of knowledge as a tool for shaping one’s destiny.

He also emphasised dedication and perseverance, stating, “To succeed in your mission, you must have single-minded devotion to your goal.” 

These timeless thoughts reflect his vision of empowering individuals through education and commitment to building a brighter, self-reliant future.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was chosen as independent India’s first Education Minister because of his exceptional intellect, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to national unity. His vast and diverse knowledge led Jawaharlal Nehru to describe him as a man comparable to the “great men of the Renaissance” or the “Encyclopaedists.” 

As a senior leader and former president of the Indian National Congress, Azad had played a crucial role in the freedom movement, advocating for a united India where people of all faiths could coexist peacefully. His secular and inclusive outlook made him the ideal leader to shape the nation’s education system in the formative years of independence.

During his tenure, he laid the groundwork for India’s modern education by establishing premier institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)—a legacy that continues to define India’s academic excellence today.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s legacy continues to inspire generations through the many institutions, awards, and initiatives that bear his name. His vision for a strong, educated, and united India laid the foundation for the country’s modern education system. Honoured with the Bharat Ratna, his life’s work stands as a testament to the power of knowledge, inclusivity, and nation-building through education.