World Students' Day 2024: Meaning, Date, Theme and Significance

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This famous quote by APJ Abdul Kalam underscores his great regard for education. The former president of India was a staunch believer that students have all the power in the world to make a huge difference. Not only that, the great president has himself made significant contributions within the field of education which continue to hold great value in the present-day educational scenario.

World Students’ Day: Date

To honour Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's timeless contributions within the educational space, World Students' Day is celebrated every year on October 15. What makes this occasion more valuable is that it falls on the birth anniversary of the former president. He is recognized for his relentless efforts in science and technology, especially in research and development and his strong held passion for teaching and inspiring young minds.

Kalam's journey

Known as the Missile Man of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was a renowned scientist and administrator who was associated with the Defence Research and Development Organisation for more than four decades. His efforts in missile development and space research are regarded till date.

In 1960, Kalam became a part of DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment team as a scientist. After nine years, he moved to ISRO where he directed several projects. India's first Satellite Launch Vehicle, first nuclear test- Smiling Buddha, Project Devil and Project Valiant, were some of the projects he was an integral part of. Recognising his efforts within India's aerospace and defence research domain, the government of India launched a missile programme under his headship.

In 2002, Kalam assumed the role of the president. During his term, he regularly visited schools and colleges with a motive to ignite inspiration within the students to leverage the power of education to transform the world.

World Students' Day: Why is it celebrated?

World Students' Day is celebrated to acknowledge the timeless contributions of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and honour the achievements of students all around the world. It serves as a day to underscore the paramount importance of education and encourage students to wield it as a weapon to change the world.

Moreover, this occasion marks as a reminder of Kalam's belief that students are the leaders of the future who possess the power to transform tomorrow. And one of his famous quotes fairly encapsulates this belief: “Ultimately, education in its real sense is the pursuit of truth. It is an endless journey through knowledge and enlightenment.”

2024 theme

World Students' Day 2023's theme was "FAIL: First Attempt in Learning." This theme, presented by the Ministry of Education and the Government of India, emphasised the importance of failure as a vital step towards success.

While the theme of this year's World Students' Day has not been revealed yet, it is anticipated to accentuate the importance of students as the crucial changemakers of tomorrow.

Celebrating leaders of tomorrow!

“All of us do not have equal talent. But, all of us have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.” This famous saying by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam stresses the importance of making the right use of available resources, such as education, to develop a vast array of skills and abilities. This World Students' Day, let us honor the efforts and achievements of students and nurture the future army of leaders.