The Ministry of Human Resource Development in collaboration with NCERT will be celebrating National Education Day today at Gangtok, Sikkim. Ministry of HRD has been celebrating National Education Day since 2008. It is celebrated to commemorate the anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a great freedom fighter, an eminent educationist and the first Education Minister of India. It was first celebrated at Mewat in 2008.
The main function will be held at Gangtok. On this occasion, the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee will also inaugurate the 40th Jawaharlal Nehru National Science, Mathematics and Environment Exhibition. This year the theme of the Exhibition will be ‘Science and Society’. The objective is to develop scientific temper in the society and also to develop enhanced learning of mathematical capabilities in the children. Some 400 children from across the country will come to Sikkim in order to participate in the Exhibition.
Several organizations including State Governments, regulators and autonomous organizations under Ministry of HRD will also celebrate the Day in a befitting manner. National University of Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA) has planned a Maulana Azad Memorial Lecture at India International Centre in New Delhi on the National Education Day on 11th November, 2013. Universities will also arrange competitions like Conferences, Essay/Debate competitions, Quiz, etc. UGC also plans to organize a lecture on this occasion to commemorate the anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
187 entries have been received from different regions of CBSE for selection of two students and two teachers in each region for their exemplary work in areas like facilitating education to underprivileged section etc. Selected students and teachers will be felicitated in a function with cash award of Rs 20,000 and a certificate. Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathana will also celebrate the National Education Day. Regional Offices will also be organizing competitions at School level and first three winners will be awarded with prize in the form of books.