Ratna Sagar commemorates the Birth Anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Maulana Azad (1888-1958) was the first Minister for Education of independent India. He recognized that literacy was the cornerstone of democracy, and advocated free and compulsory education for all children. He emphasized, “We must not for a moment forget, it is a birthright of every individual to receive at least the basic education without which he cannot fully discharge his duties as a citizen.” Maulana Azad undertook a number of measures to promote primary, secondary and scientific education. He established:
– The University Grants Commission (UGC) to oversee the functioning of universities
– The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to oversee the implementation of technical and management education
– The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to foster mutual understanding between India and other countries
– The Sahitya Akademi to promote Indian literature
– The Lalit Kala Akademi to preserve and encourage visual arts
– The Sangeet Natak Akademi to preserve and promote Indian music, dance and drama
