Mahatma Gandhi called Maulana Maulana Abul Kalam Azad as "Emperor of Learning".
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National Education Day 2024: The National Education Day is celebrated on November 11 to commemorate the birth anniversary of India's first education minister and freedom fighter Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. While Azad always believed that a country's progress depends on the quality of its education, the Bharat Ratna recipient was also observed that education is the only tool to upgrade society and strengthen democracy.
It should be mentioned that Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's commitment to making education accessible to all is not confined only to basic literacy. While Azad played a crucial role in setting up institutes that have shaped India's education system such as the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), National Education Day is dedicated to to Azad not only to remember his contributions but also to highlight the importance of education in society. In this article, we will highlight the inspiring facts about India's first Education minister.
National Education Day: Facts about Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
It is interesting to note that Maulana Abul Kalam Azad is the man behind listing 'Education' as the 7th schedule of the Indian Constitution, in which both central and state governments can enact legislation.
While Azad is acclaimed for the foundation of higher education in the country by establishing the first-ever Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in 1951 and the University Grant Commission (UGC) in 1953, 'The Board for Adult Education' was established by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad with an aim to promote education among uneducated adults.
He also firmly believed that education was the right of all citizens.
Mahatma Gandhi ( also known as Father of The Nation) called Maulana Azad as "Emperor of Learning".
While Maulana Abul Kalam Azad played an important role in establishing Jamia Millia Islamia at Aligarh and shifting to New Delhi, he is one of the most prominent Muslim politicians to oppose the foundation of Pakistan.
Who was Maulana Abul Kalam Azad?
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, born on November 11, 1888, was a visionary educationist, freedom fighter, and senior leader in the Indian National Congress.
After independence, Azad was appointed as the education minister, a post that he went on to hold for a decade until 1958.
Unacceptable. Maulana Azad's contributions to India's freedom movement & education system are undeniable & erasing his name would be counterintuitive to our progress as a nation. Let's acknowledge & appreciate the great leaders of our past who helped shape our future! https://t.co/aUvKrBv8fo
— Ghulam Nabi Azad (@ghulamnazad) April 14, 2023
