Jammu, November 11 (Scoop News) – Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Raman Bhalla has called upon the students to imbibe in themselves ideology and principles of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, first Education Minister of the country.
The Minister was addressing a large gathering at the National Education Day function organised in connection with birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad at Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Gandhi Nagar, here this afternoon.
Commissioner/Secretary, School Education Department, s. Naseema Lankar, Director School Education, s. Zahida Khan, Personal Officer, School Education, Dr. Nirupa Roy, Chief Education Officer, Jammu, Natha Ram Dingra besides teaching, non-teaching staff members, students of various schools were present on the occasion.
Bhalla, while paying glowing tributes to Maulana Azad, said that ‘he was a visionary academician who during his 11 years stint as Education Minister of the country in Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru’s cabinet revolutionised the world of thought. He also succeeded in granting academic freedom to the University Grants Commission and raised education budget of the country from mere 1 percent to 10 percent’. He asked the students to adopt Maulana’s two principles of upright behaviour and deep devotion which he gave to the world for shinning in the horizon of academic world.
The Minister called for ensuring greater enrolment in schools to eradicate illiteracy, adding that, Government is committed to provide adequate and affordable educational facilities to the students at their doorsteps.
The Day was also celebrated by various other schools of Jammu with great enthusiasm and fervour.
Earlier, a rally of students drawn from various schools was flagged off at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Gandhi Nagar, which after passing through the streets and main markets of the Gandhi Nagar culminated at Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Gandhi Nagar.
At Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Gandhi Nagar, a ‘Quiz Contest’ on the life of Maulana Azad was the main attraction of the programme in which Government Higher Secondary School, Bahu Fort got the first position.
Raman Bhalla was the chief guest on the occasion.
Bhalla gave away mementos to the students who participated in the ‘Quiz Contest’.
Earlier, a cultural programme was presented by the students of various schools which was highly applauded by the audience.
Meanwhile Minister for Higher Education Abdul Gani Malik has stressed the need of respecting ideals of great leaders and educationists for steering the younger generation on the path of progress, prosperity and harmonious living.
The Minister was speaking at an impressive function organized in the Government Women College Gandhi Nagar to mark the “National Education Day” coinciding with the birthday of first Education Minister of free India, Abdul Kalam Azad.
Throwing light on contribution of the first Education Minister of India, the Minister said that Moulana Abul Kalam Azad worked hard to spread education in every nook and corner of the country especially in rural areas to uplift the down trodden. Besides, numerous reformative measures were introduced in education sector during his tenure, adding new dimension of vital importance to it.
Malik said Moulana Azad launched a crusade against illiteracy and superstitions thus paving the way for building strong edifice of modern education system. He said his relentless efforts coupled with broader vision helped the country to promote planned socio-economic development leading to faster economic growth soon after achieving independence.
The Minister also highlighted coalition government’s initiatives taken to enhance the education standards in the state and said that education is the only potent tool to liberate the society from the web of ignorance and other social evils. He appealed to the parents especially those living in rural and far off pockets to send their wards to educational institutions to ensure a bright tomorrow for them.
Director Colleges, Prof, Sham Lal Gupta also spoke on the occasion and said that teachings of these great leaders are of utmost significance to further add to the social, economic and political empowerment of India.
The college also organized skits, slogan writing competition and display your talent on the occasion. The Minister distributed prizes among the participants who were adjudged best in different competitions.