[gallery size="medium" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" td_gallery_title_input="IISR marks national education day " ids="98595,98594,98590,98593,98591,98592"] RIYADH — The International Indian School - Riyadh celebrated the National Education Day at the Girls' section as a tribute to the great freedom fighter, nationalist leader and the first education minister of the independent India Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Maulana Azad was born on Nov. 11, 1888, and his birthday is marked as the National Education Day of India. The School organized a series of colorful events showcasing Maulana Azad's significant contributions to India's struggle for freedom and to establishment of India's modern education. Principal(HOI) Dr. S. M. Shaukat Parvez gave the welcome address and highlighted the greatness of Maulana Azad and importance of celebrating such important days in order to bring about positive changes in the society. Students of various sections sang patriotic songs and nationalistic feelings were aroused when girls and boys put up skits that highlighted important historical events from Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's life and showcased his contribution to the Indian independence. A powerful presentation was displayed reminiscing Azad's educational reforms that modernized the Indian education system. Dr. Hifzur Rahman, second secretary of the Embassy of India, Riyadh, and observer of International Indian schools in the Kingdom, was the chief guest. In his address, he mentioned that Maulana Azad was a multidimensional personality and one of the most prominent faces of his time. "We know him as a great nationalist who strongly believed in the pluralistic ethos of our country, an enlightened religious scholar who preached and practiced religion as an answer to the contemporary challenges, a visionary leader and freedom fighter, a renowned orator and a man of letter who authored hundreds of articles and books and used Urdu journalism to bring awareness and spread the message of national unity among its readers," he said in a speech that enlightened the gathering. The ambience of the gathering was full of fervor and excitement, which later turned nostalgic. The principal in-charge girls' section Asma Shah delivered the formal vote of thanks. Everybody put in their best efforts to make it a successful event. Sultan Mazharuddin, member of the school managing committee attended. Various other events in all the sections in the school were held. Wall decoration and posters were put up in various sections of the school. Essay writing competition for XI-XII (Topic: Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's contribution to Education and Indian Independence) and for IX-X (topics: Maulana Azad - the architect of Modern Indian Education system and Education as a perfect tool for social change.) An impromptu extempore speech competition was held by VI-VIII on the topic ''Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's contribution to Education''. The entire school came together to celebrate this day with enthusiasm and zest to honor one of the greatest freedom fighters of our country
