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Mon Nov 11 06:33:11 UTC 2024: ## India Celebrates National Education Day in Honour of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
**New Delhi, India:** India commemorates National Education Day on **November 11th** each year to honour the legacy of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a prominent Indian scholar, freedom fighter, and educationist. Azad, who served as India’s first Education Minister, played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s educational landscape after independence.
Known for his visionary ideas and leadership qualities, Azad was instrumental in establishing institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the University Grants Commission (UGC). He strongly believed in the power of education to empower individuals and drive national progress.
During his tenure as Education Minister, Azad focused on expanding access to education, especially for rural communities, the underprivileged, and girls. His priorities included promoting adult literacy, ensuring free and compulsory education for all children up to the age of 14, expanding universal primary education, and diversifying secondary education with an emphasis on vocational training.
Beyond his contributions to education, Azad was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement. His commitment to a secular and integrated India continues to influence the nation’s trajectory.
This year marks the 14th anniversary of the celebration, which was first observed on November 11, 2008. Azad’s legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians, reminding them of the crucial role education plays in building a prosperous and equitable society.
First Piper 