Celebrate Education Day - But 'No Political Speeches': EC

New Delhi, Nov 5 (UNI) Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's birthday on November 11 will be celebrated as India's National Education Day, the Human Resource Development Ministry announced today.

The announcement said the Election Commision has given clearance to the programme provided no political speeches are made on the occasion.

The Ministry said the day would be celebrated throughout India as a tribute to Maulana Azad's contribution to the cause of education in the nation.

Educational institutions at all levels will be involved in organising seminars, symposia, workshops and rallies on the importance of literacy and India's commitment to all aspects of education, it said.

The inaugural function will be held on November 11 at Vigyan Bhavan with President Pratibha Devisingh Patil as the Chief Guest and HRD Minister Arjun Singh presiding.

A special day postal cover on Maulana Azad will be released by the President as a tribute to ''this great son and architect of modern education in India.'' The event will be attended by Vice Chancellors of state and central universities, heads of central educational institutes, eminent educationists and school children.

Similar functions will be organised in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, West Bengal and other states.

''The Election Commision has given clearance to this programme subject to the condition that no political speeches will be made on this occasion,'' the HRD announcement said.

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