National Education Day 2026: How did Maulana Azad transform India’s education system, and which of his initiatives continue to this day?

National Education Day is observed to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad—the country’s first Education Minister, a recipient of the Bharat Ratna, and a great freedom fighter.

In India, November 11th is celebrated annually as National Education Day. This significant day marks the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the nation’s first Education Minister, a Bharat Ratna awardee, and a distinguished freedom fighter. Maulana Azad viewed education as the most potent tool for strengthening the foundations of independent India. Under his leadership, the groundwork for the country’s modern educational framework and higher education system was laid—a legacy that continues to contribute to the nation’s progress today.

The Life of Maulana Azad

Born on November 11, 1888, in Mecca, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s full name was Abul Kalam Mohiuddin Ahmed. In 1895, his family returned to India and settled in Kolkata. From a young age, he was subjected to a traditional, orthodox curriculum that emphasized rote learning and unquestioning obedience. This experience taught him what education should *not* be. Consequently, as an adult, he advocated for an educational system rooted in critical thinking, reasoning, and the capacity for independent choice. He would study modern science, Western literature, and contemporary subjects in secret—often by candlelight—and worked to bring an understanding of modern science to Urdu-speaking readers.

Azad’s Contribution to the Freedom Struggle

Maulana Azad’s political journey began within the revolutionary movement. In 1912, he launched the renowned Urdu weekly newspaper, *Al-Hilal*, to challenge the oppressive policies and discrimination imposed by British colonial rule. Through this publication, he ignited a spirit of nationalism among his fellow countrymen. Alarmed by this initiative, the British government banned the newspaper in 1914 under the Press Act; however, Maulana Azad did not stop. After coming into contact with Mahatma Gandhi, he joined the Congress and worked toward Hindu-Muslim unity and nation-building—from the Non-Cooperation Movement all the way to the country's independence.

Maulana Azad’s Initiatives

Maulana Azad assumed the office of Education Minister in January 1947 and held the position until his passing in 1958. He firmly believed that receiving at least a basic education was the birthright of every citizen. The revolutionary steps taken in the fields of education and research during his tenure continue to serve as the backbone of the nation today.

Establishment of the UGC: To promote higher education and foster coordination among universities, Maulana Azad laid the foundation for the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 1953.

Formation of the IITs: Under his leadership, the country’s first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)—IIT Kharagpur—was established in 1951, providing a new direction to technical education.

Establishment of Major Academies: Maulana Azad founded the Sahitya Akademi for the development of literature, the Sangeet Natak Akademi for music and dance, and the Lalit Kala Akademi for the visual arts.

Other Commissions and Institutions: Azad established the University Education Commission in 1948 and the Secondary Education Commission in 1952. Furthermore, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the School of Planning and Architecture, and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).