Celebrating the Power of Learning and the Promise of Youth
Every student represents a possibility, a dream and the hope of a better future. World Students’ Day is observed annually on 15 October to celebrate the birth anniversary of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. He had a distinctive relationship with students and did not see them merely as young people who needed advice but regarded them as partners in building India’s future. Affordable, inclusive education is essential. Despite advances in educational opportunities, millions of students worldwide still face significant barriers. Affordable, inclusive education is essential. Many successful students have teachers who recognise their abilities and parents who encourage them. Ancient Indian scriptures remind us that education has always been about more than acquiring knowledge. True educational success lies not simply in producing successful students, but in nurturing knowledgeable, thoughtful, and responsible human beings. World Students’ Day invites us to renew our commitment to that goal.
Learning gives creativity, creativity leads to thinking, thinking provides knowledge, knowledge makes you great.
Abdul Kalam
Every student represents a possibility, a dream and the hope of a better future. Students are not merely learners preparing for examinations or aspiring to secure good jobs; they are the future scientists, teachers, doctors, engineers, administrators, entrepreneurs and responsible citizens who will shape society. The world observes World Students’ Day annually on 15 October to celebrate the birth anniversary of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India. His journey from a small coastal town to the country’s highest constitutional office demonstrated how education, determination, and perseverance can transform an individual’s life. He had a distinctive relationship with students. He did not see them merely as young people who needed advice; he regarded them as partners in building India’s future.
True education encourages students to ask questions, examine evidence, think independently and understand the world around them. It helps them distinguish facts from misinformation, respect different viewpoints and make informed decisions. In a rapidly changing world, students must learn not only what is already known but also how to learn throughout their lives. New technologies, artificial intelligence, environmental challenges and changing employment patterns make adaptability and critical thinking increasingly important.
Affordable, inclusive education is essential. Despite advances in educational opportunities, millions of students worldwide still face significant barriers. Poverty, inadequate school infrastructure, shortages of trained teachers, gender discrimination, conflict and geographical isolation prevent many children from receiving quality education. The digital age has brought additional challenges. While online resources make information more accessible, excessive screen time, distractions, and the spread of misleading information can interfere with learning. An inclusive education system recognises the diversity and helps each learner develop their capabilities. Many successful students have teachers who recognise their abilities and parents or guardians who encourage them.
India has a large and diverse student population, making education central to its social and economic development. Equipping students with strong foundational knowledge, scientific temper, communication skills, vocational abilities, and digital literacy can drive innovation, employment, and inclusive growth.
Every student carries a dream;
society’s responsibility is to provide the opportunity to pursue it.
The NEP 2020 emphasises holistic and multidisciplinary learning, critical thinking, flexibility, and skill development. Turning these aspirations into meaningful experiences for every student remains an important task for educational institutions and policymakers.
The real measure of an education system is not simply how many students obtain high marks or prestigious jobs, but how well it prepares them to lead healthy, meaningful lives, adapt to change and contribute to the common good.
सह नाववतु। सह नौ भुनक्तु। सह वीर्यं करवावहै।
Saha nāvavatu, saha nau bhunaktu, saha vīryaṃ karavāvahai.
May we both be protected. May we both be nourished. May we work together with energy and strength.
Taittiriya Upanishad
Ancient Indian scriptures remind us that education has always been about more than acquiring knowledge. The Bhagavad Gita emphasises equanimity and dedication to effort; the Upanishads encourage self-understanding and inquiry; the Vedic tradition values cooperation. These teachings offer a perspective that remains relevant in an age of examination pressure, digital distractions and uncertainty about the future.
The true success of education lies not simply in producing successful students, but in nurturing knowledgeable, thoughtful and responsible human beings. World Students’ Day invites us to renew our commitment to that goal.
Toons: Reema
Logs: M Sai Baba
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