The Election Commission has given a go ahead to the UPA government for organising official functions across the country on November 11, which is observed as the National Education Day each year, on a condition that no leader would make political speeches.
The fiat is in view of the Legislative Assembly elections in six states - Delhi, Rajasthan, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram and Jammu and Kashmir in November-December period. The central and state governments are bound by the moral code of conduct which comes into effect as soon as the election schedule is announced by the commission.
Meanwhile the UPA government has decided to dedicate this year’s celebration on the day to the memory of Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, an eminent educationist and freedom fighter. Azad was also the first Education Minister of India and is credited with laying the foundation of the modern education in the country.
Educational institutions across the country are organising seminars, symposia, workshops, rallies on the day.
In the capital, President Pratibha Patil would inaugurate a set of series published by the National Book Trust on Azad’s life and his contribution to the promotion of education in India. She would also unveil a special cover on Maulana Azad.
The National Book Trust will also organize a photographic exhibition on Maulana Azad on this occasion.