Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Chief Ministers from various states including Telangana's Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh's Chandrababu Naidu, and West Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee remember Azad's vision for education
NEW DELHI – The nation celebrated National Education Day on Tuesday (November 11), the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister. Leaders across the country paid glowing tributes to Maulana Azad, recognising his immense contributions to shaping India’s education system.
Congress party and its President Mallikarjun Kharge paid rich tributes to Maulana Azad acknowledging his contribution as a political leader, educationist and great visionary.
Taking to X Congress president said: “On his birth anniversary, we honour the immense contribution of distinguished freedom fighter, former Congress President and India’s first Education Minister and our inspiration, Maulana Azad. He was a true Gandhian and an erudite scholar who made significant contributions to nation building, especially in the realm of education. “
Chief Ministers from various states, including Telangana’s Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh’s N Chandrababu Naidu, remembered Azad’s vision for education and his efforts to promote literacy, universal primary education, and vocational training. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also paid tribute to Azad, highlighting his role in India’s freedom struggle and his commitment to communal harmony.
Azad’s legacy continues to inspire educators and policymakers, with many institutions and events organised to commemorate his birthday. The National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) held the 16th Maulana Azad Memorial Lecture, focusing on Azad’s vision for education and its relevance today.
Born on November 11, 1888 in the holy city of Makkah, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was not only a freedom fighter but also a visionary scholar and reformer. Raised in a family rooted in Islamic scholarship, he later developed a strong interest in Western science, philosophy, and literature, shaping his broad and inclusive educational vision.
National Education Day is observed on Maulana Azad’s birthday every year in recognition of his unparalleled vision for inclusive education. He believed that true independence meant empowering every citizen through knowledge, regardless of social or economic barriers.
His philosophy emphasised that education is not merely about academic success but about developing critical thinking, creativity, and social awareness — the foundations of a progressive nation.
Maulana Azad’s contribution to shape the country’s educational structure will always be remembered. His contributions include establishment of University Grants Commission (UGC) to oversee higher education standards; founding of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and support for Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore; strengthening of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to promote technical learning; promotion of research, scientific education, and adult literacy programmes and founding of Sahitya Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi, and Sangeet Natak Akademi to nurture Indian art, literature, and culture.
At just 35 years old, Azad became one of the youngest presidents of the Indian National Congress (1923). He was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi.
Azad served as the education minister from 1947 to 1958, introducing foundational policies for the country’s educational framework. He believed education was central to social transformation, scientific progress, and national development.
In 1992, Maulana Azad was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, for his lasting impact on education and national unity.
