The Union Ministry of Education celebrated International Literacy Day 2026 in New Delhi under the theme "Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity". Union Minister of State for Education Shri Jayant Chaudhary emphasized that literacy and education must be reimagined as instruments of empowerment and active citizenship, going beyond basic reading and writing to encompass comprehension, application of knowledge, financial literacy, and digital literacy. He stressed that education should contribute to sustainable development, economic well-being, and create active citizens while nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity among learners.
Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha announced that the state achieved a 95.6% literacy rate, exceeding 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.
The event featured several dignitaries including Minister of Education from Himachal Pradesh (Shri Rohit Thakur), Uttarakhand (Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat), Mizoram (Dr. Vanlalthlana), and Sikkim (Shri Raju Basnet) as Guests of Honour. Senior officials including Secretary of Department of School Education & Literacy Shri T. K. Anil Kumar and Additional Secretary Ms. Archana Sharma Awasthi participated in the celebrations.
The Ministry is organizing a two-day celebration including an ULLAS Mela at National Bal Bhawan that will bring together participants from 29 States/UTs, providing a national platform for neo-literates, volunteer teachers, and stakeholders to share experiences, achievements, innovations, and best practices. Additionally, the Literacy Fortnight from September 1-14, 2026 features nationwide activities including workshops, seminars, gram panchayat-level programmes, rallies, nukkad nataks, registration drives, social media campaigns, and other outreach initiatives aimed at inculcating 'Kartavyabodh' and 'Janbhagidari' among citizens.
The ULLAS - Nav Bharat Saakasharta Karyakam campaign aims to make India fully literate through foundational literacy and lifelong learning programs, reaffirming the commitment towards achieving "Jan Jan Saakshar" and building a society where every individual has opportunities for education and continuous learning.