Remembering India’s first Education Minister

Marking the birth anniversary of India’s First Education Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, School of Education at Apeejay Stya University (ASU) in association with National Service Scheme (NSS) recently celebrated the day with much pomp and fervour. Every year, this day is also observed as the National Education Day in the country.

The celebration began with screening of a documentary on the life of India’s first education minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad made by Prasar Bharti. Talking about Azad’s achievements, the documentary shed light on his thoughts on Hindu-Muslim unity, socio-economic justice, Indian independence and contributions as an education minister. 

Post the screening, students of School of Education and NSS participated in the discussion on various aspects of education in the contemporary India and Maulana’s contributions in it.

Dr Vijay Kumar, Associate Professor at School of Education said, “Commemorating the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad as the national education day is a fitting occasion to pay homage to the great soul of India who laid the foundation of modern education system in the country. He was truly a champion of cause of religious harmony.”

India celebrates National Education Day on 11 November on the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. He was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia and was the main architect of the Modern Education System in India.

Along with the fellow khilafat movement leaders, he established Jamia Millia Islamia in Aligarh without any British support. He was the education minister of India from 1947 to 1958 and was the main brain behind the establishment of UGC, IITs, IISc and School of Planning and Architecture.

He established ‘Board for Adult Education’ to facilitate education among the uneducated adults. He founded the Indian Council of Cultural Relations in 1950 to encourage cultural exchange with other nations.

The visionary leader had played an important role in establishing the Sahitya Academy, Sangeet Natak Academy, and Lalit Kala Academy for the development of literature, music, dance, and painting respectively. He was a champion of cause of religious tolerance and Hindu Muslim unity, his contribution in the field of education is incomparable.