National Education Day is celebrated annually in India on November 11th to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, one of the most respected freedom fighter, educationist, and reformer of India. As India’s first Minister of Education, he laid the foundation of modern education in independent India. His contributions continue to impact the lives of millions of students, teachers, and institutions across the nation, which makes this day not just a remembrance of his work but also a celebration of India’s commitment to universal education and learning. Born in Mecca in 1888, MaulanaAbulKalam Azad, originally named Abul Kalam Ghulam Muhi-ud-din Ahmed, hailed from a family of scholars and spiritual leaders. He moved to Calcutta (now Kolkata) with his family at a young age and received his early education at home under his father’s supervision. His father, MaulanaKhairuddin, was a scholar, and his mother was of Arab descent. This background helped Azad acquire a strong grounding in Islamic studies, theology, philosophy, history, and sciences. He also taught himself English and became well-versed in Western philosophies.Despite his religious and traditional education, as a progressive thinker and a young adult, he has been drawn to revolutionary movements and was influenced by nationalist leaders like Aurobindo Ghosh and Bal GangadharTilak. He soon became a prominent figure in the Indian freedom struggle and began advocating for a free India that valued education and social reform as the pillars of progress.He joined the Indian National Congress and quickly rose through its ranks, advocating for Hindu-Muslim unity and a secular India. In 1912, he started a weekly journal, Al-Hilal, where he criticized British rule and highlighted the need for self-governance and reforms in Indian society. Al-Hilal was banned by the British, but he continued his journalism and activism through other publications. His writings inspired millions and reinforced the idea that education and knowledge were vital tools in the struggle for freedom. He was frequently imprisoned for his nationalist activities, most notably during the Quit India Movement. However, even in prison, he was committed to the cause of education and personal development, using his time to read and engage in discussions on how an independent India could provide universal education to its citizens. After India got independence in 1947, Maulana AbulKalam Azad became the first Minister of Education and served from 1947 to 1958. His tenure marked a transformative period in Indian education, as he focused on creating a system that would provide quality education to all sections of society.His vision for technical and scientific education led to the establishment of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Recognizing that India needed technically skilled professionals to lead its development in a modern world, Azad laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most prestigious networks of technical institutions globally. The first IIT, IIT Kharagpur, was established in 1951 and has since become a beacon of engineering education in India and abroad.
He was deeply committed to promoting primary and secondary education for all children in India. He believed that education was essential for creating an equitable society and for eradicating social inequalities. During his tenure, he emphasized the need to make primary education free and compulsory for all children. His advocacy laid the groundwork for India’s Right to Education Act, which was implemented decades later, making free and compulsory education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14. He was acutely aware of the challenges in educating adults and women, especially in rural India. He promoted adult education programs to reduce illiteracy among adults, who were otherwise left out of formal education systems. For women, he strongly advocated equal access to education, challenging the prevailing social norms that restricted their educational opportunities. He firmly believed that empowering women through education was essential for the progress of the entire nation. He recognized the need for a central regulatory body to oversee higher education in India, leading to the establishment of the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 1956. The UGC has played a vital role in funding, maintaining standards, and coordinating universities and higher education institutions across India. The UGC has been instrumental in ensuring that universities maintain quality standards and adhere to a uniform system, allowing for a more cohesive higher education framework.
“Celebrating National Education Day is not just a tribute to him but a commitment to carry forward his vision—a vision that believes in the transformative power of education to shape individuals and societies alike.”
Being a strong advocate for the preservation of India’s cultural heritage and scientific research. He worked towards establishing institutions like the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi, and Sahitya Akademi with which millions of intellectuals and art lovers are associated which continue to promote Indian music, dance, art, literature, and culture. These institutions have played a crucial role in preserving and fostering Indian culture and arts, and they stand as an example of commitment to a holistic education that included the science and the humanities. Under his leadership, the government introduced various educational policies aimed at restructuring the education system. He emphasized the need for a system that would not only impart knowledge but also instill a spirit of inquiry and critical thinking instudents. This was revolutionary at the time, as it shifted the focus from rote learning to a more meaningful and holistic approach to education.
“The relevance of Maulanan abul kalam Azad’s vision of education in present day”: Maulanan Abul Kalam Azad’s vision for Indian education continues to be relevant in contemporary India. His belief in a secular and inclusive education system resonates strongly with the modern principles of equality and universal access to education. Even today, the challenges of education—such as accessibility, quality, and gender equality—reflect the concerns and he has addressed more than 70 years ago.
1. Equity and Inclusivity in Education: His vision to universal education laid the groundwork for inclusive policies. Today, efforts to improve access for marginalized communities, such as scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and economically disadvantaged groups, echo his vision of an education system that serves all, irrespective of background.
2. Focus on Skill Development and Technical Education: Before 70 years his emphasis on technical education is seen in contemporary initiatives like the Skill India Mission, which aims to enhance employability through vocational and technical training. His foresight in establishing institutions like the IITs has allowed India to maintain a robust workforce of engineers and scientists, positioning the country as a leader in the global tech industry.
3. Advancing Women’s Education: He was the firm believer in the transformative power of educating women. His efforts to make education accessible to women continue to inspire current policies aimed at promoting gender equality in education, ensuring that women have opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to society.
4. Promotion of Cultural and Scientific Research: His support for cultural and scientific institutions underscores the importance of fostering creativity, preserving heritage, and promoting research. Institutions like the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) continue to work on developing curriculum frameworks that reflect India’s diverse heritage, ensuring that students learn not just the sciences, but also the value of arts, culture, and ethics.
5. Reforming and Modernizing the Education System: His advocacy for a learner-centered and inquiry-driven education has influenced ongoing reforms aimed at making education more meaningful and aligned with real-world needs. The National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes flexibility, critical thinking, and multidisciplinary learning, resonates with his belief that education should encourage curiosity, creativity, and holistic development.
Footnote: National Education Day serves as a reminder of Maulana AbulKalam Azad’s contributions and his vision to education. As an intellectual, a freedom fighter, and a visionary leader, He laid the foundations of modern Indian education and championed the ideals of equity, inclusivity, and lifelong learning. His efforts to make quality education accessible to every citizen remain a guiding light for policymakers, educators, and students. His legacy lives on in India’s schools, universities, and cultural institutions. His vision continues to inspire educational reforms and initiatives that seek to create a society where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and fulfill their potential. Celebrating National Education Day is not just a tribute to him but a commitment to carry forward his vision—a vision that believes in the transformative power of education to shape individuals and societies alike.
(The author is a teacher in School Education Department. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
Javed Abdullah
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