Vice-President Calls for National Literacy Mission on International Literacy Day

New Delhi: Addressing the International Literacy Day celebrations at Vigyan Bhawan, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar urged citizens to resolve to make at least one person literate. “When we make someone literate, we liberate them,” he remarked, emphasizing the profound impact of literacy in empowering individuals and fostering independence.

Dhankhar, speaking as the Chief Guest, highlighted the immeasurable joy that comes from educating others, stating, “Educating a person—be it a man, woman, or child—is the greatest affirmative action one can take for Human Resource Development.” He called for a collective effort to achieve 100% literacy, expressing confidence that this goal could be reached sooner than anticipated.

Reflecting on India’s rich history as a center of learning, with institutions like Nalanda and Takshashila, Dhankhar expressed his belief that India could reclaim its global leadership in education. He also emphasized the enduring value of education, stating, “Education is something no one can take away from you. It grows as long as you keep sharing it.”

The Vice-President also appealed to states yet to adopt the National Education Policy (NEP), calling it a “game-changer” that empowers India’s youth and highlights the importance of linguistic diversity. He noted, “India’s linguistic richness is unparalleled. In Rajya Sabha, members speak in 22 languages, and their body language often conveys more than words.”

Dhankhar also praised India’s transformative progress over the past decade, noting achievements such as rural electrification, sanitation, and the widespread availability of 4G services in remote villages. He urged people to counter those who “taint and tarnish” India’s institutions, encouraging them to acknowledge the nation’s remarkable growth.

The event was attended by dignitaries including Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary, who emphasized literacy’s role in health, women’s empowerment, and economic development. “Literacy is the foundation of a developed India,” he remarked, urging collective participation to achieve the government’s goal of total literacy by 2030 under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram.

The theme of this year’s celebration, “Promoting Literacy through Multilingualism,” highlighted the crucial role of linguistic diversity in improving literacy across India’s diverse communities. Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy, echoed this sentiment, noting that embracing multilingual education is key to ensuring literacy for all.

A film on the ULLAS program was launched, showcasing the initiative’s success in promoting adult literacy and digital skills. Additionally, the launch of the ULLAS DTH Channel marked a significant step in reaching adult learners, especially in remote areas, with educational programs in multiple languages.

Volunteer teachers and newly literate individuals shared personal stories of how multilingual education transformed their lives, empowering them to engage more actively in their communities and contribute to the economy.