Saumya Mishra
The day is an opportunity
for all students to raise their voice
with regard to the equal access to education.
17 November was chosen to be the International Students’ Day due to the event that unfolded in Prague during World War 2. Nine students were executed without trial in concentration camps on 17th November 1939 by Nazis.
It is said “education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” Students are the future of every nation and of the world in general. They are going to take their countries forward.
All over the world, students have made sacrifices for many a worthy cause. In order to appreciate them, a day is dedicated to them as ‘International Students’ Day.’ It aims to promote friendship among people of different countries and diverse cultures and to encourage mutual understanding and respect. The day celebrates the life of students, their education and how they play an important role in building a stronger nation and a better world.
It is also meant to highlight the importance of education for all students; to guarantee that every child in the world has access to education. The day is also an opportunity for all students to raise their voice with regard to the equal access to education.
The celebration inspires the students to take big leaps to pursue their dreams. The celebration is non political and multi-cultural. Nowadays, many universities around the world hold special events on this day in order to prove their support for multi-culturalism and diversity.
Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’. It is a weapon for peace-building, not war!
(Saumya Mishra is student at St. Xavier’s School, Sahibganj, Jharkhand, India)