National Education Day honoring the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad is celebrated on November 11 (since 2008).
About Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (1888-1958)
- Born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, he was a noted educationist, polyglot.
- He served as first education minister of independent India from 1947-1958.
Key Contributions
- Served as the President of the Indian National Congress in 1923 (Delhi special session) and 1940 (Ramgarh).
- Served as the President of All-India Khilafat Committee during the Khilafat Movement (1920-24).
- Participated in the Dandi March (1930) and the Quit India Movement (1942).
- Was a member of Constituent Assembly from the United Provinces.
- Played role in establishing institutions like Indian Council for Cultural Relation; University Grants Commission; etc.
Rewards and Recognition
Awarded Bharat Ratna (1992), posthumously.
Values
Patriotism, Integrity, Tolerance, etc.