National Education Day: Here's why it is celebrated on November 11

National Education Day is celebrated in India since November 11, 2008, marking the birth anniversary of independent India's first Education Minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. He is also known as Maulana Azad and was the primary person behind the establishment of India's premier institutes like the IITs, IISc, and School of Architecture and Planning. He served as one of the senior leaders Indian National Congress during the Indian independence movement. He was also the main person to set up apex bodies such as AICTE and UGC.

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Abul Kalam was awarded Bharat Ratna

During his tenure as Education Minister, he established a national education system. The main aim was free primary education. He was also awarded Bharat Ratna, the nation's highest civilian award for his contributions toward education. Azad is also recognized for the promotion of culture and literature through education. Lalit Kala Academy, Sahitya Academy and a lot of other academics that we see today were established by him. Maulana Azad noted that even though India has achieved independence, it was largely illiterate and fought for the adult literacy programs. He also put a focus on vocational training and diversification of secondary education.

READ: National Education Day 2018 | PM Modi, Suresh Raina, Emraan Hashmi Among Others Pay Tributes To Maulana Abul Kalam Azad On His Birth Anniversary

Leaders remembered Azad on his anniversary

Several national leaders posted on social media remembering Maulana Azad and recalling his contributions to nation-building. The Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu remembered Azad as a freedom fighter and tweeted, "I join the nation in remembering freedom fighter, member of the Constituent Assembly, and the first #Education Minister of India, Shri Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on his birth anniversary today."
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar took to Twitter, "Salutation to the memory of Maulana Azad, the first Education Minister of independent India. We celebrate November 11 as 'National Education Day' in his memory." (English Translation)

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