International Students' Day, observed on November 17, honors the bravery of student activists in Prague who fought for the right to higher education during the Nazi occupation. On this day in 1939, Nazi forces executed nine student protesters and detained over 1,200 students, many of whom were sent to concentration camps. To commemorate their sacrifice, the first International Students' Day was held in 1941 by the International Students' Council in London, marking the loss of these lives and the fight for educational rights.
International Students' Day: HistoryIn 1933, with Adolf Hitler's rise to power, the Nazis began their aggressive territorial expansion, starting with Austria in 1938 and then forcing Czechoslovakia to surrender parts of its land. In 1939, medical students at Prague's Charles University gathered to commemorate the formation of an independent Czechoslovak Republic. The Nazis violently suppressed the meeting, resulting in the deaths of Václav Sedláček and Jan Opletal. This sparked an anti-Nazi protest, leading the Nazis to close Czech universities, detain over 1,200 students, and send them to concentration camps.
On November 17, 1939, the Nazis executed nine professors and students without trial. In 1941, efforts were made to encourage students worldwide to observe November 17 as a day of remembrance and resistance. Eventually, fourteen nations signed a declaration to honor the struggle for freedom and democracy.
International Students’ Day: SignificanceInternational Students’ Day continues to hold significance as many countries still face challenges related to the right to education and peaceful protest. The day is observed globally to protect the rights of youth, stating not only the right to education but also the importance of speaking out for one's rights. It provides students with an opportunity to gather, organize events, and advocate for multiculturalism and their educational freedoms.
International Students’ Day Quotes
- “Learning is a continuous process; no one can stop you until you stop learning."–Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
- “The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you."–B.B. King
- “The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand."–Vince Lombardi
- “Excellence happens not by accident, but as a result of constant and continuous improvement."–Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
- “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."– Mahatma Gandhi
International Students’ Day Wishes
- Happy International Students' Day to all the brightest minds! Wishing you success, wealth, and leadership in every aspect of your professional journey. Best of luck for your future and career—may you reach the greatest heights!
- You have all the potential to succeed. Keep making us proud. Happy Students' Day!
- Remember, as long as we live, we keep learning. Happy International Students' Day to everyone!
- Studying is not an easy task, but once you learn to enjoy it, you will be able to achieve great things because you all have the potential to succeed. Happy Students Day.