Diwali lights dim national education day function

In a first, the Narendra Modi-led NDA government has decided not to observe the 8th National Education Day, which is celebrated on November 11 every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.

The decision was taken by Smriti Irani-led HRD Ministry, which cited that November 11 Diwali and a national holiday.

This is not the first time that the ministry has faced national holiday “hurdle” in holding a programme of national importance. As Janmashtami holiday was about to play a spoilsport during the much-awaited PM’s interaction with schoolchildren on Teacher’s Day (September 5), the HRD Ministry advanced the mega event a day before on September 4.

According to an internal note of the ministry, it has decided to prepare a draft on the life and work of Azad.

Notably, this years’ education is eighth in the series after it was notified on September 2008, making it mandatory for educational institutions at all levels to organise programmes on the importance of education by holding workshops, seminars, essay writing and elocution competitions, etc. 

President Pranab Mukherjee was the chief guest during the 7th education day function, which was presided by Irani.