Overview
- The Ministry of Human Resource Development, now the Ministry of Education, designated November 11 as National Education Day in 2008 to commemorate Azad’s birthday.
- Azad served as independent India’s first Education Minister from August 15, 1947 to February 2, 1958, and helped build key institutions including the UGC, IITs, IISc and AICTE.
- Schools and universities mark the day with seminars, essay contests, workshops and awareness drives that promote literacy and equitable access to learning.
- The observance encourages debate on how to strengthen India’s education system and reinforces the nation’s constitutional commitment to education for all.
- Coverage distinguishes India’s observance from the UN’s International Day of Education on January 24, noting the 2025 theme on AI and education and current focus on responsible use of AI tools alongside the irreplaceable role of teachers.