The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, stressed the transformative power of literacy and education while addressing the national-level celebration of International Literacy Day 2026 in New Delhi.
The Minister said the ULLAS initiative is helping learners gain confidence, dignity and greater opportunities to participate meaningfully in society. He underlined the need to cultivate creativity and a willingness to take calculated risks among children, describing these qualities as essential for building a confident and capable nation.
Literacy Must Go Beyond Reading and Writing
Shri Chaudhary said the understanding of literacy needs to evolve with the changing demands of society. According to him, being literate should not be limited to reading and writing but must include the ability to understand information, apply knowledge in practical situations and navigate financial and digital environments.
He emphasised that education should ultimately empower individuals to improve their economic well-being while contributing to sustainable development and becoming active, responsible citizens.
The Minister called for a broader approach to education that places empowerment, dignity, creativity and active citizenship at its centre. He said learners should be equipped not merely with information but with the ability to use knowledge constructively in everyday life.
Creativity and Critical Thinking Key to New India
Highlighting the changing nature of education, Chaudhary said curiosity, critical thinking and creativity must become integral parts of the learning process.
He noted that young people need both knowledge and the confidence to apply it effectively in a rapidly transforming world. Students, educators and citizens, he said, should be encouraged to challenge conventional thinking, ask questions and explore innovative solutions.
The Minister urged learners to think differently and contribute creatively towards the development of a New India, stressing that education must prepare citizens to respond confidently to emerging opportunities and challenges.
Tripura Achieves 95.6% Literacy Rate
Speaking at the event, Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha highlighted the state’s progress in literacy. He said collective efforts across the state had helped Tripura achieve a 95.6% literacy rate, enabling it to cross the Government of India’s benchmark for being declared fully literate.
Saha said the state government would continue working to bring school dropout rates down to the minimum possible level over the next three to four years.
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The achievement was presented as an important milestone in the wider national effort to expand foundational literacy and create opportunities for lifelong learning.
States Participate in National Literacy Celebration
The International Literacy Day programme was attended by several state education ministers as Guests of Honour, including Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Shri Rohit Thakur, Uttarakhand Education Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, Mizoram Education and ICT Minister Dr. Vanlalthlana, and Sikkim Minister for School, Higher and Technical Education Shri Raju Basnet.
Senior officials from the Union Ministry of Education also participated. They included Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Shri T. K. Anil Kumar, and Additional Secretary, DoSEL, Ms. Archana Sharma Awasthi.
ULLAS Mela to Showcase Literacy Success Stories
The event formed part of a two-day national celebration of International Literacy Day 2026, organised under the aegis of the Department of School Education & Literacy.
This year’s celebration focuses on the theme “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity”, highlighting the connection between literacy, sustainable development and inclusive prosperity.
As part of the celebrations, an ULLAS Mela will be organised at the National Bal Bhawan. Participants from 29 States and Union Territories are expected to attend the event, which will provide a national platform for neo-literates, volunteer teachers and other stakeholders.
The participants will have an opportunity to share their experiences, achievements, innovations and successful practices, helping showcase the impact of literacy initiatives at the grassroots level.
Literacy Fortnight to Drive Mass Participation
The Ministry of Education is also observing Literacy Fortnight from September 1 to 14, 2026, with activities being conducted across the country.
The campaign includes workshops, seminars, gram panchayat-level programmes, rallies, street plays, registration drives, social media campaigns and other outreach initiatives designed to encourage public participation.
The initiative aims to strengthen the spirit of ‘Kartavyabodh’ and ‘Janbhagidari’, encouraging citizens to actively contribute to the national literacy mission.
ULLAS Vision Focuses on Lifelong Learning
The nationwide campaign is aligned with the government’s broader objective of making India fully literate under ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram.
The initiative seeks to advance the vision of “Jan Jan Saakshar”, creating a society in which every individual has access to foundational literacy as well as opportunities for lifelong learning.
The International Literacy Day celebrations therefore place literacy within a much wider framework—one that connects education with dignity, economic opportunity, creativity, responsible citizenship and sustainable national development.
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