Why is National Education Day celebrated on November 11? History, theme and significance
National Education Day 2025: In September 2008, the Indian government announced November 11 as the National Education Day to honour the contributions of Maulana Abul Kalam in the field of education and institution building.
Every year, National Education Day is celebrated on November 11 to commemorate the birth anniversary of country's first Education Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Maulana Abul Kalam was the education minister of the independent India from 1947 to 1958. In September 2008, the Indian government announced November 11 as the National Education Day to honour the contributions of Maulana Abul Kalam in the field of education and institution building.
National Education Day: History
To honor Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the Ministry of Human Resource Development announced November 11 as 'National Education Day' on September 11, 2008. The announcement released by Ministry said, "The Ministry has decided to commemorate the birthday of this great son of India by recalling his contribution to the cause of education in India. November 11 from 2008 onwards, will be celebrated as the National Education Day, without declaring it a holiday, every year."
Who was Maulana Abul Kalam Azad?
Abul Kalam Ghulam Muhiyuddin known as Maulana Abul Kalam Azad born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia in 1888. A freedom fighter, he started a weekly journal in Urdu in 1912 called Al-Hilal to criticise the British policies. He started another weekly Al-Bagah after Al-Hilal got banned.
Azad strongly advocated for women's education. In the Central Assembly in 1949, he said that national education could not be appropriate if it does not give consideration for the advancement of one-half of the society – women. He stressed for the modern education system, and advocated the use of English language for educational advantages. However, he believed that primary education should be imparted in the mother-tongue.
National Education Day: Celebration
National Education Day is celebrated in schools annually by spreading awareness about the importance of education. This is done by conducting interesting seminars, activities, working on projects, writing essays and more.
Motivational quotes by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
- "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."
- "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."
National Education Day 2025 quotes by students, teachers
Naresh Jadeja, Executive Registrar, Marwadi University- "Schools are entering a new era of technology with the help of AI, data analysis, and immersive learning tools. In honor of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's vision, we celebrate National Education Day. Also, think about how technology is changing jobs and schools in India. The 2024 Global Education Monitoring Report from UNESCO says that almost 47% of colleges and universities around the world now use AI to help them teach and test. Over 70% of Indian teachers now use a digital platform to teach. NASSCOM says that the EdTech market will be worth more than $10 billion by 2026, growing at a rate of 28% every year.
The World Economic Forum says that AI-powered adaptive systems are making learning more personal than ever and helping people remember what they learned by up to 30%. Science and engineering are coming to life thanks to virtual and augmented reality. It is expected that AR/VR education will cost more than $20 billion around the world by 2030. This means that teachers are no longer just teachers; they are also digital advisers. But as we move forward, we need to think about things like data privacy, using AI responsibly, and the digital divide, which affects 25% of children in rural areas. The future of education will be shaped by schools that combine human sensitivity with technological skill to make learning more fair, effective, and open to everyone."
Alka Kapur, Principal of Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh- "As we celebrate National Education Day 2025, I can't help but feel inspired by how far learning has come. Technology has opened doors that once seemed impossible, for example, AI-driven tools, virtual labs, and digital mentors, all of which are helping students learn faster and smarter. Today's learners are no longer bound by classrooms; students explore and connect with the world in ways we never imagined.
Although Innovation is reshaping education, we must also recognize the challenges it brings. The misuse of AI among children is a genuine concern. I believe real success will belong to students who use technology with purpose. Parents should also keep an eye on how their children are using technology. AI may light the path ahead, but it is students who must choose the direction."