National Education Day is celebrated on November 11, the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the country’s first education minister. After independence, he was instrumental in strengthening India’s education system. He did not consider education to be limited to schools and books, but also considered higher education, technical education, scientific research and Indian culture as an important part of it.
His tenure encouraged the development and establishment of many such institutions which continue to play an important role in strengthening the education and cultural system of the country even today.
6 major institutions associated with Maulana Azad’s contribution
Maulana Azad was the Education Minister of the country from 1947 to 1958. Meanwhile, he stressed on creating such an education system so that the youth can get better opportunities and the country can progress in scientific and industrial fields.
IIT Kharagpur, the first IIT in the country
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur is the first IIT of the country. It started in May 1950 in an old internment camp located in Hijli, West Bengal. It was formally inaugurated on 18 August 1951 by Maulana Azad. Its objective was to promote higher level technical education in the country and prepare experts in the field of engineering and science. It is from this institution that the system of IITs in the country expanded.
University Grants Commission (UGC)
The University Grants Commission i.e. UGC plays an important role in maintaining the standards of higher education and development of universities in the country. Maulana Azad formally inaugurated it on 28 December 1953. It received statutory status in November 1956 under an Act of Parliament. The function of UGC is to establish coordination among universities, maintain quality of education and provide support for the development of higher education.
Sangeet Natak Academy
The Sangeet Nataka Akademi was established in 1953 to promote the traditions of Indian music, dance and drama. It aims to preserve the country’s traditional performing arts and encourage artists. Maulana Azad wanted that Indian art and culture should be given due importance along with education.
Sahitya Akademi
It was decided in 1952 to establish the Sahitya Akademi to promote Indian languages and literature. It was formally inaugurated on 12 March 1954. This institute honors writers who write in various Indian languages. Apart from this, it promotes Indian literature through literary programmes, publication of books and translation.
Academy of Fine Arts
Lalit Kala Academy was started with the aim of promoting Indian visual arts. It was inaugurated on 5 August 1954 by Maulana Azad. This organization works for the conservation and development of arts like painting, sculpture and graphics. Exhibitions and workshops are also organized under this, giving artists an opportunity to showcase their talent.
All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
All India Council for Technical Education i.e. AICTE was established in 1945. Later it was given statutory status under the AICTE Act, 1987. This council deals with quality and development of engineering, management, pharmacy and other technical courses. Although it was established before Maulana Azad became the Education Minister, his vision of promoting technical education remained attached to its objectives.
Advocacy of free education
Maulana Azad believed that every child should have the right to education. He supported free and compulsory education for children up to 14 years of age. Along with this, he also advocated promotion of women’s education, vocational training and study of mother tongue at the primary level. His aim was to provide education to every section of the society. National Education Day is celebrated on 11 November every year since 2008 on the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
