National Education Day National Education Day is observed on 11th November every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Shri Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first education minister of independent India. Background The Ministry of Education (earlier called as Ministry of Human Resource Development) had announced 11th November as 'National Education Day' on 11th September, 2008. It is to commemorate the birthday of Shri Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, by recalling his contribution to the cause of education in India. Hence it is being celebrated since November 11 from 2008 onwards. With 65% of the nation's population under the age of 35, it is crucial to provide them with opportunities for quality education and skills development. About Shri Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Maulana Abul Kalam Muhiyuddin Ahmed (11 November 1888 – 22 February 1958) was one of the foremost leaders of the Indian freedom struggle. He was also a great scholar and poet. He was appointed as independent India's first Minister for Education (1947 to 1958) and inducted in the Constituent Assembly to draft India's Constitution. Under Maulana Azad's tenure, a number of measures were undertaken to promote primary and secondary education, scientific education, the establishment of universities and the promotion of avenues of research and higher studies. The Maulana established many institutions such as the Sahitya Akademi, the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the Lalit Kala Akademi, and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, and also provided a major stimulus for the setting up of the Indian Institutes of Technology. His work for education and social upliftment in India made him an important influence in guiding India's economic and social development. For his invaluable contribution to the nation, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was posthumously awarded India's highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, in 1992. International Education Day The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development. The first IED was celebrated during 2019. Without inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong opportunities for all, countries will not succeed in achieving gender equality and breaking the cycle of poverty that is leaving millions of children, youth and adults behind. Theme for 2026 The 2026 International Day of Education is being celebrated on 24 January 2026 under the theme “The power of youth in co-creating education”. Youth under 30 constitute more than half of the global population. They are a driving force for sustainable development, innovation and social transformation, yet they remain disproportionately affected by poverty, inequality and limited access to quality education and decent work opportunities. When it comes to shaping the future of education, youth have a special role to play: they are the beneficiaries of education programmes and their future depends on it. For this reason, meaningfully engaging students and youth in co-creating the education they want is essential to meet their aspirations and ambitions. This is particularly true at a time of radical transformation induced by the technological revolution, which calls for rethinking the purpose and modalities of teaching and learning. International Day for Education 2026 aims to: Take stock of national efforts to involve youth in educational decision-making. Showcase how agencies are leading the way by giving youth a voice in decision-making bodies Introducr tools to ensure meaningful youth engagement in education at school and beyond Highlight youth-led initiatives in crisis-affected contexts that help safeguard the right to education for all, particularly for the most marginalized. Source : UNESCO