National Education Day 2025: The Significance of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s Birth Anniversary

November 11, India marks National Education Day, a celebration deeply rooted in the ideals of inclusive education, empowerment, and transformation. The day is dedicated to honoring the visionary Maulana Abul Kalam Azad – India’s first Education Minister.

The Ministry of Human Resource Development, now known as the Ministry of Education announced in September 2008 that November 11, the birth anniversary of Maulana Azad will be celebrated as National Education Day to recall his contributions, dedication, and vision, which laid the very foundation for the robust and diverse educational system that defines modern India today.

The day serves as a reminder that education is not limited to achieving academic milestones, but about fostering critical thinking to drive social transformation. Here, we will explore the history and motive behind this historical day.

Early Life & Freedom Struggle of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

Maulana Azad was born in 1888 in Mecca and later moved to Calcutta, India, for his education. He mastered Persian, Arabic, and Islamic theology. He was also inclined toward Western philosophy, science, and literature. He founded Urdu weekly journals such as Al-Hilal and Al-Balagh which became influential platforms during India’s freedom struggle. Through his powerful writings, he challenged colonial rule and became one of the youngest presidents of the Indian National Congress in 1923 and became a close confidant of Mahatma Gandhi.

November 11: Significance of the Date

• To honor his lifelong commitment to education and nation-building, November 11 is symbolic: it marks the birth anniversary of Maulana Azad, born on 11 November 1888.
• Since the day's founding in 2008, educational institutions around India have commemorated this day with a variety of activities such as seminars, essay competitions, workshops, and awareness rallies that highlight the importance of literacy and the country's dedication to making education available to all.
• He was instrumental in establishing the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)—the country's flagship engineering schools—which have become global benchmarks for technical education.

The day is widely celebrated to encourage the Indian education system in addressing contemporary challenges, ensuring quality education reaches the most remote and marginalized sections of society. By remembering Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and his vision, we reaffirm our collective responsibility — to ensure every individual has the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute. On November 11, let us celebrate not just what has been achieved, but what remains to be done.