National Education Day 2023: India celebrates first education minister’s birth anniversary

NEW DELHI: National Education Day is celebrated every year on November 11 to mark the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, who was the first education minister of India. The ministry of human resource development announced the decision to celebrate National Education Day in 2008.

Schools, colleges and universities celebrate this day by organising various programmes and competitions. Seminars and conferences are also held on the importance of education.

The central government in the year 2020 introduced National Education Policy (NEP 2020) to bring in slew of changes in the education sector. From rationalisation of syllabus to including regional languages and flexible learning options in higher education, the government has brought in various changes in the education system.

Education day 2023

Offering his tributes to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Union minister of state for entrepreneurship, skill development, electronics and technology Rajeev Chandrashekar said: "let's celebrate the power of knowledge and the transformative impact of education. Together, let's empower minds, build futures, and ensure quality education for all.”

Assam education minister Ranoj Pegu said: “Education empowers minds, fosters growth, and builds a brighter future. On #NationalEducationDay, let us honour teachers, students, and the transformative power of learning. Also, offering my tributes to our 1st Education Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on his birth anniversary.”

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Patriek Karayil, president of American Colleges said: “National Education Day is a time for American Colleges to recognize the incredible influence education has in shaping lives. We believe in the profound impact of learning to bring about positive change. As we commemorate this day, let's come together to support and invest in education that transcends boundaries, creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to learn and grow. In doing so, we contribute to a nation that values the collective wisdom of its people, paving the way for a brighter future for all.”

On this occasion, Shrenik Parmar, founder and CEO of DegreeLabs Limited said: “As we observe National Education Day, it’s a moment to reflect on education’s progressive journey—especially in these times of global flux, where affordability and adaptability have become paramount. The educational sphere has swiftly transformed, prioritizing flexible learning pathways enriched with local and global perspectives.”

“As we navigate the burgeoning AI revolution, let us use this National Education Day to recommit ourselves to nurturing 'happy children'—children who are not only tech-savvy but also grounded in strong values amidst our fast-changing reality,” he added.