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National Education Day, observed annually on November 11 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister, holds profound relevance for India’s modern-day education system. Azad’s pioneering vision laid the groundwork for an educational model focused on accessibility, inclusivity, and nation-building—a framework that remains critical as India faces contemporary challenges in education.Azad’s commitment to education as a means of empowerment helped lay the foundations for India’s education system post-independence. Under his leadership, significant institutions like the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) were established, with the goal of making quality education accessible to all people of the country.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, Azad’s principles resonate as strongly as ever. The current education system is undergoing a transformation with the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which seeks to align India’s academic landscape with 21st-century needs, from digital literacy to critical thinking. With the rise of technology, the internet, and artificial intelligence, the demand for skill-based learning and adaptive pedagogy is more urgent than ever. This includes addressing the digital divide, creating avenues for vocational training, and fostering lifelong learning to make education both relevant and accessible.
National Education Day serves as a reminder of these evolving educational goals, highlighting the need to bridge inequalities and foster an education system that empowers every Indian to succeed in an increasingly globalized and digital world. Maulana Azad’s legacy urges us to strive for an inclusive, quality-driven, and future-ready education that not only uplifts individuals but also strengthens India as a knowledge-driven economy.
Every year on November 11, India celebrates National Education Day to honor the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the nation’s first Education Minister and a pivotal figure in shaping modern Indian education.
As a visionary leader, freedom fighter, and scholar, Azad believed that education should reach every segment of society, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded and inclusive approach to learning. National Education Day not only commemorates his contributions but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey to make quality education a reality for every citizen, regardless of background or economic status. This day encourages reflection on how education continues to shape India’s future, building an informed, skilled, and empowered population to drive the nation forward.
Somak Raychaudhury, Vice Chancellor, Ashoka University, says: “On National Education Day, we celebrate the legacy of our leaders who have laid the foundation of a truly inclusive and transformative education system in our country, which has played a pivotal role in empowering Indian citizens and revolutionizing Indian societies. As we advance into an increasingly dynamic and tech-driven world, the Indian education system is evolving to address emerging challenges and nurture a new generation of holistic, well-rounded learners – a shining example of this progressive shift being the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.”
He further said: “We at Ashoka University remain dedicated to fostering a learning environment that emphasizes on interdisciplinary approach, critical thinking, inclusivity, and global perspectives—key elements that will drive India’s educational success and contribute meaningfully to the realization of Viksit Bharat.”
Raghav Gupta, Managing Director, APAC and India, Coursera, said: “On India’s National Education Day, we’re reminded of the transformative power of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4—education. It’s the foundation of human progress, empowering individuals, building just societies, and driving sustainable growth.”
Gupta adds, “Our mission at Coursera aligns closely with this vision, providing accessible, world-class learning that equips individuals with industry-relevant skills and fosters lifelong learning. With India now surpassing all of Europe in learners on our platform, we’re excited to support this momentum, embracing AI-enhanced education to build an AI-skilled workforce and contribute to India’s journey toward a $5 trillion economy.”
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