November 11 from now onwards will be celebrated as National Education Day across the nation to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad thus recalling his contribution to the cause of education. Likewise, University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked universities across India to celebrate November 11 as National Education Day.
He was the independent India’s first Education Minister who served the office from 1947 to 1958. He emphasised on free and compulsory education for all under 14 and stressed on adult illiteracy. He established numerous universities and called for institutions that promoted research and higher studies. The first IIT, IISc and the University Grants Commission were established under his tenure.
In the circular issued by UGC to the universities and by CBSE to the schools, the educational institutions have been asked to be involved in the celebration of the National Education Day in organising seminars, symposia, essay writing, elocution competitions, workshops and rallies with banners, cards and slogans on the importance of education and the nation’s commitment to all aspects of education. The theme of NED celebration will be ‘skill-awareness and empowerment’. Schools have also been asked to organize sustainable long-term programmes to promote skill building among students.
The schools have been asked to nominate a teacher and a student, who have been consistently and extensively involved in projects related to building of sustainable skills within the system and in enhancing skills in the community around them. Further the nominated teacher and student will work on themes like sanitation, inclusive education, entrepreneurship, promoting health and well-being, empowering the girl child, adopting a school, gender sensitisation, environmental issues, and 21st century skills in their respective schools.
The celebrations are being held with an aim that students are exposed to a number of projects such as Community outreach, entrepreneurial projects, vocational skills, life skills and industry-based projects to strengthen their sustainability in the existing environment, enhance thinking, social and emotional skills and become self-motivated learners.
