The Union Ministry of Education celebrated International Literacy Day 2026 in New Delhi with Union Minister of State for Education Shri Jayant Chaudhary emphasizing the need to reimagine literacy and education as instruments of empowerment, creativity, dignity, and active citizenship. The Minister stated that ULLAS (Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakam) is empowering learners with confidence, dignity, and opportunities for meaningful participation in society, noting that literacy must go beyond reading and writing to encompass comprehension, application of knowledge, financial literacy, and digital literacy. He stressed that education must contribute to sustainable development, economic well-being, and the creation of active citizens, while emphasizing the importance of nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity among learners.
Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha reported that the state achieved a 95.6% literacy rate, crossing the Government of India's benchmark for being declared fully literate. The state government committed to reducing dropout rates to the minimum possible level within the next three to four years through collective efforts. Several state education ministers attended as Guests of Honour, including representatives from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Mizoram, and Sikkim, along with senior officials from the Department of School Education & Literacy.
The event was part of a two-day celebration focusing on the theme "Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity." An ULLAS Mela will be organized at the National Bal Bhawan, bringing together participants from 29 States/UTs to provide a national platform for neo-literates, volunteer teachers, and stakeholders to share experiences, achievements, innovations, and best practices. The Ministry is organizing a Literacy Fortnight from September 1-14, 2026, across the country with activities including workshops, seminars, gram panchayat-level programmes, rallies, nukkad nataks, registration drives, social media campaigns, and other outreach initiatives. The campaign aims to facilitate mass participation and inculcate a sense of 'Kartavyabodh' and 'Janbhagidari' in all citizens, working toward the vision of making India fully literate under the ULLAS initiative and achieving the goal of "Jan Jan Saakshar" where every individual has opportunities for foundational literacy and lifelong learning.