International Day of Education

International Day of Education History

International Day of Education is dedicated to highlighting the crucial role that education plays in promoting peace and development across the globe. This observance is a rallying call to intensify action towards achieving inclusive and equitable quality education for all, with particular emphasis on reaching the most marginalized including persons with disabilities, indigenous people, refugees, and children in vulnerable situations. Education performs a pivotal role in fostering tolerant societies, driving sustainable economic growth, eradicating poverty, and enhancing overall wellbeing.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed this day on December 3, 2018, in an effort to highlight the integral role of education in human welfare and societal transformation. For India, a country with nearly a fifth of the world's youth, this day bears significant importance. The provision of comprehensive quality education in India is instrumental for empowering individuals, strengthening capacities, driving economic prosperity, and promoting social inclusivity. Furthermore, it aids in the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the fourth one, which directly focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

The International Day of Education in India is observed in various forms, ranging from awareness campaigns to amplifying calls for investments in education. Government bodies, educational institutions, and civil society organizations collaborate to conduct seminars, rallies, and several events to emphasize the importance of education in achieving social and economic development. This observance occurs annually on January 24th.

Facts about International Day of Education

• The theme for International Day of Education in 2024 was Learning for lasting peace. In 2023, the theme was to invest in people, prioritize education.
• According to Article 26 of the U.N's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to education. Article 26 goes further and states that education shall be free at the elementary and fundamental stage. It also states that higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
• Around 262 million children and youth still do not attend school, according to statistics from the United Nations. The day is aimed at advocating for quality education and equal access to education for all.
• The National Literacy Mission Authority (NLMA) was established in 1988, aiming to achieve higher literacy rates among the population. As a result, India's literacy rate has jumped from 18% at the time of independence to over 74% as of the 2011 census.
• Education has been considered a primary tool in achieving social mobility in India. It is seen as a way to break the shackles of the traditional caste system and help individuals escape poverty. Higher education has particularly been associated with greater social mobility, especially for women and disadvantaged groups.

In the News and Trending in India for International Day of Education

Top things to do in India for International Day of Education

• Books you can read which highlight the importance of education in India are:
  India After Gandhi: The History of the World's Largest Democracy by Ramachandra Guha
  Dramatic in Education: Potential for Learning and Liveness by Swaroop Sampat-Rawal
  Inclusive Education Across Cultures: Crossing Boundaries, Sharing Ideas by Mithu Alur
  The Beautiful Tree: A Personal Journey Into How the World's Poorest People Are Educating Themselves by James Tooley
  The Case for India by Will Durant
• Popular things to do on International Day of Education in India are:
  1) Attend conferences and Seminars: Many schools, colleges, and universities conduct special conferences and seminars discussing the need for education, the challenges, and its significance in personal and societal growth.
  2) Educational Fairs: The government and private institutions organize educational fairs where one can explore various educational tools, techniques, and opportunities.
  3) Workshops: Workshops are organized by different educational groups where global education policies, issues, and solutions are discussed.