National Education Day: Why we celebrate it on November 11
Every November 11, India marks National Education Day to remember Maulana Abul Kalam Azad—the country's first Education Minister and the driving force behind many of the schools and colleges we know today.
His big idea? Make education fair, modern, and open to everyone.
Azad's vision for education
Azad pushed for free schooling for all kids, adult literacy, and especially girls' education—long before it was mainstream.
Thanks to his vision, top institutions like IITs and the UGC exist today.
He also championed rural schools and hands-on skills training so learning wasn't just about books but about real-life opportunities.
NEP 2020 echoes Azad's ideals
National Education Day isn't just a history lesson—it's a reminder that making education accessible is still a work in progress.
Azad's ideals live on in new policies like NEP 2020 that aim for equal opportunities for everyone.
And in case you're wondering—he was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1992 for shaping India's educational future.