IIM-Raipur observed the National Education Day on Tuesday to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Education Minister of India.
Prof BS Sahay, Director, IIM-Raipur, along with the faculty, staff and students, offered a floral tribute to the epitome of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Prof Vinita Sahay of IIM- Raipur, shared a feeling of remorse on the fact while stating: “We read and remember the legend of great leaders like Maulana Abul Kalam Azad only in the school level mostly because we are forced to do so.”
As we grow older, memories of such great people fades away, she said while urging all to take this day as an opportunity to “relearn our history” and appreciate the efforts of the great leaders.
Prof BS Sahay started off by being thankful to the Central government for initiating and encouraging a culture of celebrating such days where we remember and acknowledge the contribution of our leaders.
He urged the students as well to contribute towards the education sector, no matter how small the effort may be.
Prof Sahay encouraged the students and faculties to approach the community schools in the vicinity and join hands with the Principals and teachers to organize educational programs and promote education. He also urged the students to help the CAT aspirants in and around Raipur.
Acknowledging the presence of a huge number of uneducated people in the country, Prof PRS Sarma, Chairman PGP Program stated that Education is the birth-right of every person in the country. He reminded everyone of the great contributions that Maulana Abul Kalam Azad made towards education that ranged from art and culture to science and technology.
Prof. Sarma pointed out that Maulana Azad started off from being the first Minster of Education in India to the founder of Indian Council for Cultural Relations. He inaugurated the Indian Institute of Technology in Kharagpur. Prof. Sarma quoted Abdul Kalam, “Great teachers not only educate, they inspire”.
Prof. K.K. Ray of IIM Raipur stated that we celebrate the National Education Day to introspect upon the current education system in India. “It is not enough to merely create educational institutions, but a quality education and infrastructure is also of a prime importance”, he said.
Prof Ray appreciated the “Make in India” campaign and stressed that we should focus on the skill development. He ended up by saying that if the people of a country are educated, then the country will definitely progress.
A special screening of a documentary film on Maulana Abul Kalam Azad which portrayed his characteristics of a great orator and an extraordinary scholar who led an austere life and stood for the unity of India and its composite culture all throughout his life was held.
A debate competition was organised on the topic, “Does Education in India beget unscrupulous leadershipIJ” The students battled with one another with words of wisdom, for and against the topic. Both the merits and demerits of the current education system was brought to light and the students shared examples of great leaders who have been forged and moulded by education and also a few leaders who have been well educated but have chosen to trod the dishonest, immoral, unethical and corrupted path.
The debate competition was followed by the Prize Distribution given by Prof. P.R.S. Sharma, IIM Raipur and the programme ended with a vote of thanks.