Celebration of Birth Anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azadji
Birth Anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azadji was celebrated as ‘National Education Day’ at EDI on 11th November, 2014
Event details :
Maulana Abul Kalam Azadji’s life was marked with outstanding achievements in the diverse fields. He was towering figure on the Indian political scene, a scholar rated high in the realms of Urdu literature, renowned journalist and a freedom fighter. He was addressed as Maulana Azadji; while the word Maulana was attached to refer to a ‘learned man’, he had adopted ‘Azad’ as his pen name.
He was appointed as the first education minister of independent India. Under Maulana Azadji’s tenure, a number of measures were undertaken to promote primary and secondary education, scientific education, establishment of universities and promotion of avenues of research and higher studies, including establishment of the Indian Institutes of Technology and the foundation of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Maulana Abul Kalam Azadji passed away on February 22, 1958 and he was posthumously awarded India’s highest civilian honor, Bharat Ratna for his invaluable contribution to the nation in 1992. His contribution in laying the foundation of education in India is recognized by celebrating his birthday as ‘National Education Day’ across India.
As announced by Government of India and in compliance with AICTE guidelines, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDI) paid tribute to this great son of India by celebrating his Birth Anniversary as National Education Day on 11th November, 2014 by organizing the following programmes & activities:
1. EXHIBITION:
EDI Library Display Area has been earmarked to exhibit rich literature, pictures, quotes on Maulana Abul Kalam Azadji and his contribution in diverse fields including education. The Display Area has been witnessing visitors since morning.
2. AN ADDRESS BY GUEST SPEAKER ON MEANING, SIGNIFICANCE AND RELEVANCE OF EDUCATION:
On this occasion, Dr. Jayanti Ravi, IAS, Labour Commissioner, Commissionerate of Labour, Labour & Employment Department, Govt. of Gujarat, having sound knowledge and rich experience in field of education, was invited to address EDI students on meaning, significance and relevance of education in the present day.
Dr. Ravi had an interactive session with EDI students and offered them fresh perspective on education and it’s potential. Students enthusiastically participated in the event and also offered their views and thoughts on varied aspects related to education and learning.
Exhibition on rich literature, pictures, quotes relating to Maulana Abul Kalam Azadji
Visitors reading books and other resources on Maulana Abul Kalam Azadji
Banner for Celebration of Birth Anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad as ‘National Education Day’ on 11th November, 2014
Pictures and Quotes on Maulana Abul Kalam Azadji
Prof. Sunil Shukla (Chairperson- PGPs), Honrable Dr. Jayanti Ravi, the Labour Commissioner, Govt. of Gujarat and Shri Satya Acharya, Faculty – EDI, during the event.
Ms. Priyanshi Jariwala, PGDM-BE student, anchoring the event
Prof. Sunil Shukla (Chairperson- PGPs), offering the Welcome Address in honour of Dr. Ravi, the Guest Speaker
Ms. Priyanshi Jariwala, presenting a bouquet of flowers to Dr. Ravi
Dr. Ravi interacting with the audience during the event
Students interacting with Dr. Ravi during the event
Shri Satya Acharya offering the vote of thanks
Prof. Sunil Shukla (Chairperson- PGPs), presenting a memento to Dr. Ravi
GUEST SPEAKER PROFILE
Dr Jayanti S. Ravi has worked as the Commissioner of Schools, Commissioner for Higher and Technical Education, the Chairperson of the State Board of Secondary Education and is currently the Labour Commissioner, Commissionerate of Labour, Labour & Employment Department, Gujarat. She has a Masters degree in Nuclear Physics & a PhD in Technology enhanced Education from the MS University, Baroda. She has worked as the Collector, PanchMahal and DDO, Sabarkantha and Director, NAC in the Prime Minister’s Office.
She has also been a column writer with Frontline, a leading fortnightly and a performing vocalist in Indian music. She has published papers in International Journals. She has authored case studies for IIM, Ahmedabad. Her book on transforming Higher Education develops a Multiversity model, conceptualized and designed by her. She Studied at LSE (UK) and the Harvard Kennedy School. She is a key member of the team initiating many transformational reforms in Higher Education across Gujarat. She is also a visiting faculty at Harvard University
HIGHLIGHTS OF ADDRESS BY HONORABLE GUEST SPEAKER, DR. JAYANTI RAVI
The following are main highlights of the speech:
- Jayanti Ravi paid tribute to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad by elaborating about his life and outstanding achievements.
- Ravi offered an insightful talk on education, inviting participation from students and inviting their views on meaning of ‘education’.
- Stressing on integral education, which includes physical health and mental health / intellectual health, Dr. Jayanti drew attention of the audience towards the three dimensions of intellectual health namely ethical, aesthetic and reflective dimensions.
- Ravi also emphasized upon the 3Es of education namely ‘enrolment (access)’, ‘excellence’ and ‘equity’ for making it meaningful. Her address also focused on Democratic dividends, Demographic dividends and Diversity dividends enjoyed by a nation like India. She shared her belief that diversity enhanced the overall learning experience. She also stated that as EDI campus attracted students from diverse cultures and regions, it offered immense scope of cross-learning for the students.