National Education Day 2025: India celebrates first education minister’s contributions

Every year, National Education Day is celebrated on November 11 to commemorate the birth anniversary and contributions of the first education minister of India – Maulana Abul Kalam Azad – towards education.

On September 11, 2008, the Ministry of Human Resource Development decided to remember the birthday of “this great son of India” by recalling his contribution to the cause of education in India. “November 11 every year, from 2008 onwards, will be celebrated as the National Education Day, with declaring it as a holiday,” it said.

Azad served as the first education minister of independent India from August 15, 1947 to February 2, 1958. He was also a freedom fighter, scholar, and a senior political leader of Jawaharlal Nehru’s government.

Schools, colleges and other educational institutions in the country will celebrate the day with events including seminars, essay-writing competitions, workshops, and poster-making, among others. The school education department of Karnataka has instructed schools and colleges to organise seminars, essay competitions, and personality introduction sessions on topics such as the importance of education in national development and character building.

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“To highlight the importance of the education system in building a strong nation, it is deemed meaningful to celebrate “National Education Day” on November 11 every year in all schools, colleges, institutions, and offices under the jurisdiction of the Department of School Education and Literacy,” it said in an order.

National Education Day 2025 wishes

The Congress party said in a post, “On National Education Day, we honour Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister and a visionary who shaped our education system. His legacy lives on through countless educators of India who continue to enlighten young minds and strengthen the nation.”

The National Council for Educational Research and Training ( NCERT ) said, “Remembering Bharat Ratna Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (First Education Minister of Independent India) on his Birth Anniversary. Every year 11th of November is celebrated as National Education Day to honour his contribution in India's freedom landscape.”

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Pawan Kalyan, deputy chief minister of Andhra Pradesh said, “On this National Education Day, we honor Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister, a visionary who advocated for inclusive education and laid the foundation for scientific learning in the country.”

“His belief that “Education imparted by heart can bring revolution in the society” emphasizes the transformative power of knowledge. Education not only empowers individuals but also drives societal progress, opening doors to opportunities and fostering critical thinking. It is the key to a brighter, more equitable future for all. Let’s continue working towards making education accessible to everyone,” he added.