National Education Day 2021: Check Inspirational Quotes by India’s 1st Education Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Here

National Education Day 2021: The entire nation celebrates the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on 11th November as the National Education Day. The day commemorates the commendable contributions of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to the field of education and institution that floored the way for the country's modern system. He was the 1st education minister of independent India, who worked from 15 August 1947 to 2 February 1958. To commemorate the contributions of Azad towards education and nation-building, Pratibha Patil, the then President of India, announced 11th November as National Education Day at Vigyan Bhavan in Delhi in 2008. The day is marked by educational institutes in the country with seminars, essay-writing, elocution competitions and rallies on the importance of literacy.

Contributions of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad 

Popularly known as Maulana Azad, he is remembered for being a noted scholar, poet, and revolutionary journalist and also for his invaluable contributions to the Indian freedom struggle. Maulana Azad played a major role in strengthening the education sector of India. He played a great role in the establishment of the University Grant Commission (UGC). He is also responsible for building the first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). 

Maulana Azad was one of the key founding members of the Jamia Millia Islamia. Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy, Azad, along with Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari, Hakim Ajmal Khan and others established Jamia Millia Islamia in Aligarh, which was later shifted to Delhi. Azad was also responsible for setting up the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Sahitya Academy, Lalita Kala Academy, and Sangeet Natak Academy. 

Inspirational Quotes by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad 

He improved the literacy rate of India by making the education system of India strong post-independence when the entire nation was suffering from widespread illiteracy. On this occasion, check inspiring quotes by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad here - 

• “Science is neutral. Its discoveries can be used equally to heal and to kill. It depends upon the outlook and mentality of the user whether science will be used to create a new heaven on earth or to destroy the world in a common conflagration.”
• “Educationists should build the capacities of the spirit of inquiry, creativity, entrepreneurial and moral leadership among students and become their role model.''
• “No program of national education can be appropriate if it does not give full consideration to the education and advancement of one-half of the society that is the women.”
• “Art is the education of emotions and is thus an essential element in any scheme of truly national education. Education, whether at the secondary or at the university stage, cannot be regarded as complete if it does not train our faculties to the perception of beauty.”
• “Be more dedicated to making solid achievements than in running after swift but synthetic happiness.”
• "Great dreams of great dreamers are always transcended."
• “Climbing to the top demands strength, whether it is to the top of Mount Everest or to the top of your career.”
• "We must not for a moment forget, it is a birthright of every individual to receive at least the basic education without which he cannot fully discharge his duties as a citizen.”
• “One who is not moved by music is unsound of mind and intemperate; is far from spirituality and is denser than birds and beasts because everyone is affected by melodious sounds.”
• “Education imparted by heart can bring revolution in the society.”

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad put emphasis on higher education and vocational training for all the citizens of the country. In many countries, World Education Day is celebrated on 24th January 2021. On 3rd December 2018, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 24th January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education in bringing global peace and sustainable development.