India today observes National Education Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the country’s first Education Minister and a key architect of modern Indian education.

The day serves as a tribute to his lifelong commitment to spreading knowledge, promoting scientific temper, and ensuring education for all sections of society.

Maulana Azad, who served as Education Minister from 1947 to 1958, laid the foundation for several premier institutions including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), University Grants Commission (UGC), and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).

His policies emphasized universal primary education, women’s literacy, and the expansion of higher learning.

Across the country, schools, universities, and educational institutions marked the occasion with seminars, essay competitions, and discussions on the theme of inclusive and equitable education.

The Ministry of Education also highlighted ongoing initiatives under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which echoes Azad’s vision of accessible and quality learning for every child.

As India navigates a rapidly changing global education landscape, National Education Day serves as a reminder of Azad’s timeless message — that the strength of a nation lies in the enlightenment of its people.