The Ministry of Education celebrated International Literacy Day (ILD) 2025 with the theme “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era” at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The event highlighted the transformative power of literacy, its evolving definition in the age of technology, and the collective national effort towards achieving universal literacy.
Himachal Pradesh Declared Fully Literate
In a historic achievement, Himachal Pradesh became the fifth State/UT to achieve 100% functional literacy, joining Tripura, Mizoram, Goa, and Ladakh. This milestone reflects the collaborative effort of state governments, communities, volunteers, and learners who overcame geographic and resource-related challenges to make literacy accessible to all.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s Address
Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, delivered a virtual address acknowledging India’s steady progress in literacy. He emphasized that literacy is more than just reading and writing; it is a tool for dignity, empowerment, and self-reliance.
He highlighted the success of the ULLAS Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, which has enrolled over 3 crore learners and 42 lakh volunteers, with 90% of 1.83 crore assessed learners achieving foundational literacy and numeracy. The program now provides materials in 26 Indian languages, reinforcing inclusivity.
Shri Pradhan congratulated Ladakh, Mizoram, Goa, Tripura, and Himachal Pradesh for becoming fully literate regions, calling the achievement a testament to collective societal effort. He urged youth and students to contribute as literacy volunteers, proposing that their contributions be integrated into academic credit systems.
Shri Jayant Chaudhary’s Keynote
Union Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, lauded Himachal Pradesh’s milestone, particularly because it overcame the challenge of remote terrain. He stressed that literacy should now include digital literacy, civic awareness, skills training, and financial knowledge to create empowered citizens.
Shri Chaudhary also praised India’s robust Digital Public Infrastructure, which has accelerated education and inclusion, compressing decades of progress into just a few years. He urged the nation to sustain volunteerism, link literacy with livelihoods, and continue expanding the definition of literacy to meet 21st-century needs.
Secretary DoSEL’s Remarks and Call to Action
Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, noted India’s literacy rate rise from 12% post-independence to over 80% today. He encouraged every literate citizen to teach at least one non-literate person, reinforcing literacy as a Jan Andolan (people’s movement).
He highlighted the blended learning approach of ULLAS, which integrates offline and online learning methods, and called for universal literacy within five years, including digital, legal, and financial literacy for citizens above 15 years of age.
Releases and Initiatives on ILD 2025
On this occasion, the ULLAS Compendium was released, featuring innovative teaching and learning materials that celebrate India’s cultural and linguistic diversity. Experience-sharing sessions by Ladakh and Goa showcased best practices for achieving full literacy, providing valuable insights for other states to replicate.
The Government of India also organized ULLAS Literacy Week 2025 (1st – 8th September) to register non-literate citizens, volunteers, and neo-learners, intensifying the national literacy campaign and bringing India closer to the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Conclusion
International Literacy Day 2025 reaffirmed India’s commitment to achieving 100% literacy and creating an empowered, self-reliant society. The focus on digital literacy, skills integration, and citizen participation positions India as a global example in driving inclusive education for a sustainable future.
