What connects a newspaper that reached nearly 25,000 to 30,000 readers, the establishment of India's first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and a day dedicated to celebrating education?
All three lead back to one remarkable figure: Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.

A scholar, journalist, freedom fighter and independent India's first Education Minister, Abul Kalam Azad's contributions extended from shaping public opinion during the freedom movement to helping build the foundations of India's education system. His birth anniversary, 11 November, is observed as National Education Day, recognising a vision of education that went beyond textbooks and examinations.

Who was Maulana Abul Kalam Azad?
Born in Mecca on 11 November 1888, a city then part of the Ottoman Empire and now in Saudi Arabia, Azad moved to Calcutta with his family during childhood. Interestingly, he did not attend a conventional school. He was educated at home, studying languages such as Arabic, Urdu, Persian, Hindi and English, alongside mathematics, philosophy, history and science. His birth name was Abul Kalam Ghulam Muhiyuddin; he later adopted Azad, meaning free, as his pen name.

Why is 11 November celebrated as National Education Day?
In 2008, the Government of India designated 11 November as National Education Day to honour Azad's birth anniversary and his contribution to the country's educational development. President Pratibha Patil inaugurated the first observance on 11 November 2008. The occasion encourages schools and educational institutions to reflect on equitable access, quality education and the role of learning in shaping an inclusive and progressive nation. National Education Day 2026 continues this reminder of the importance of education for every child.

5 Little-Known Facts and Contributions of Maulana Azad

1. A journalist who challenged colonial rule:

• In 1912, Azad launched Al-Hilal, an Urdu weekly that promoted Indian nationalism and Hindu-Muslim unity. Its circulation reportedly reached nearly 25,000 to 30,000 within two years.
• The British authorities confiscated its press in 1914. He later launched Al-Balagh, which was also suppressed.
• In April 1916, the colonial government expelled him from Calcutta under the Defence of India Regulations and interned him in Ranchi, restricting his movement and keeping him under surveillance until 1 January 1920.  
• During this period, he continued his intellectual pursuits, working on Tazkirah, an autobiographical and reflective account of his family heritage and intellectual influences. He also continued developing Tarjuman-ul-Quran, his Urdu translation and commentary on the Quran, and established Madrasa-i-Islamia in Ranchi in 1917.

2. The youngest Congress President of his time:

• In his mid-thirties, Azad became the youngest person to preside over the Indian National Congress at the time.
• He was elected Congress President again in 1940 and remained in the position until 1946, including during the Quit India Movement and the Cabinet Mission negotiations.

3. A champion of education for all:

• As India's first Education Minister, serving from 15 August 1947 until his death in 1958, he advocated free and compulsory education for children up to 14, girls' education, adult literacy and wider access to learning.

4. Institutions that shaped higher education:

• IIT Kharagpur was established in 1951 during his tenure.
• Azad inaugurated the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 1953; it became a statutory body in 1956.
• He was also the founding president of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), established in 1950.
• The Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF) was established in 1989, during his birth centenary year, to promote educational opportunities among educationally backward minorities through scholarships and initiatives supporting educational infrastructure, particularly for girls.

5. A strong supporter of India's arts and languages:

• The Sangeet Natak Akademi, Sahitya Akademi and Lalit Kala Akademi were established during his ministry.
• He supported the development of Indian languages and mother-tongue instruction at the primary level, while recognising the value of English in higher education.
  
  

Why Is His Vision Relevant in 2026?

Several priorities shaping modern education in India reflect the educational vision championed by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. As independent India's first Education Minister, he advocated free and compulsory education for children up to 14 years, girls' education and equal access to learning, believing that education was essential to building a strong and inclusive nation.

His contribution forms an important part of the evolution of India's education system. The country's first National Policy on Education was introduced in 1968, based on the recommendations of the Kothari Commission (1964–1966). It emphasised equal educational opportunities, science education and the three-language formula. Although Azad did not directly draft the policy, these priorities reflected several principles he had championed during his tenure.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 carries forward some of these ideas through its focus on equitable access, foundational literacy, multilingual learning and holistic development. Its emphasis on vocational exposure, multidisciplinary learning, critical thinking and creativity also echoes Azad's belief that education should extend beyond textbooks to include practical skills, scientific understanding and cultural awareness.

Although introduced decades after his tenure, these policies highlight the continuing relevance of Azad's vision: education for all, inclusion, scientific progress and the all-round development of learners.

Keeping His Vision Alive at Narayana Schools

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad believed that education should empower every child with knowledge, broaden perspectives and prepare them to contribute meaningfully to society. Reflecting these values, Narayana Schools places emphasis on learning that goes beyond academic achievement to nurture curiosity, confidence, creativity and independent thinking.

In line with the holistic vision of NEP 2020, Narayana Schools offers age-appropriate programmes as part of its beyond academics approach, supporting the overall development of every child:

• nSports: Builds fitness, teamwork and a healthy competitive spirit.
• Life Skills: Develops confidence, communication and everyday decision making.
• Yoga Veekshan: Encourages focus, calm and balance through yoga.

Alongside these, the Disha mental wellbeing programme supports students’ emotional health and resilience.

Through conceptual understanding, experiential learning, critical thinking and holistic development, students are encouraged to question, explore ideas and apply their knowledge to real-world situations. This approach also recognises the importance of developing scientific understanding, practical skills and an appreciation for learning beyond textbooks.

By creating opportunities for academic growth and all-round development, we aim to help every child recognise their potential, pursue their aspirations and fulfil their dreams, because at Narayana Schools, your dreams are our dreams.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is National Education Day celebrated in India?
National Education Day is celebrated every year on 11 November, the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.

2. Why is Maulana Abul Kalam Azad remembered in Indian history?
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad is remembered as a freedom fighter, scholar, journalist, who championed universal education and contributed to the development of higher education, scientific learning and cultural institutions.

3. Who was India's first Education Minister after Independence?
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad became India's first Education Minister on 15 August 1947 and served until his death in 1958.

4. What were Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's major contributions to education?
His contributions included advocating free and compulsory education for children up to 14, promoting girls' education, supporting technical learning and helping strengthen institutions such as IIT Kharagpur and the University Grants Commission.

5. What is the connection between National Education Day and NEP 2020?
National Education Day honours Azad's vision of accessible and inclusive education. The National Education Policy 2020 advances several related principles, including multilingual learning, equitable access, vocational education and holistic development.