New Delhi: On 8th September 2025, the Ministry of Education celebrated International Literacy Day (ILD) 2025 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, emphasizing the transformative impact of digital technology on literacy development nationwide. The theme “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era” highlighted the critical role of digital tools in enhancing reading, writing, numeracy, and lifelong learning skills. Notably, Himachal Pradesh became the fifth fully literate State/UT in India, joining Tripura, Mizoram, Goa, and Ladakh.
Vision and Progress Highlighted by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, in a virtual address, emphasized that literacy is far more than just reading and writing—it embodies dignity, empowerment, and self-reliance. He pointed out that India’s literacy rate rose from 74% in 2011 to 80.9% in 2023-24, yet underscored that true progress lies in making literacy a lived reality for all citizens.
Shri Pradhan praised the ULLAS Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, which has enrolled over 3 crore learners and 42 lakh volunteers, achieving a remarkable 90% success rate in literacy and numeracy assessments, and offering learning materials in 26 Indian languages. He lauded the collective efforts of government, communities, and volunteers in achieving full literacy in several states and called upon youth and students to actively participate in the national literacy mission.
Expanding Literacy’s Definition: Insights from Shri Jayant Chaudhary
Speaking at the event, Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, welcomed Himachal Pradesh’s achievement and noted the significance of states with challenging terrains achieving functional literacy. He highlighted how communities, volunteers, and government support overcame geographical and resource limitations to attain this success.
Shri Chaudhary emphasized the expanded meaning of literacy today, which includes digital literacy, financial literacy, and civic awareness facilitated by India’s robust Digital Public Infrastructure. He paid homage to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, affirming his vision of breaking the cycle of ignorance through education. Key priorities laid out for the future include sustaining volunteerism, integrating literacy with skills and livelihoods, and broadening literacy itself to include digital, financial, and civic components.
Secretary Shri Sanjay Kumar Calls for Collective Action
Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education & Literacy, recalled India’s rise in literacy rate from 12% post-independence to over 80% today. He urged literate citizens to support literacy drives by teaching the non-literate, emphasizing the blended mode of the ULLAS program that combines offline and online learning. He called on students to join the literacy Jan Andolan so that every non-literate individual aged 15 and above becomes literate within five years under new standards including digital, legal, and financial literacy.
ULLAS Literacy Week and Compendium Release
The government organized ULLAS Literacy Week 2025 from 1st to 8th September, mobilizing a nationwide literacy drive registering non-literates, learners, volunteers, and neo-literates across States and UTs, contributing to the vision of a fully literate India. On this occasion, the ULLAS Compendium was released, showcasing teaching and learning materials celebrating India’s linguistic and cultural diversity and inclusive heritage. State representatives from Ladakh and Goa shared strategies for achieving full literacy.
Conclusion of International Literacy Day 2025
International Literacy Day 2025 marked renewed commitments toward empowering every citizen through literacy, particularly in the digital era, reinforcing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building a literate, self-reliant, and developed Bharat. It showcased India’s transformative strides while highlighting the collective responsibility of society, government, and youth to attain true universal literacy.
The theme “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era” highlighted the critical role of digital tools in enhancing reading, writing, numeracy, and lifelong learning skills. Notably, Himachal Pradesh became the fifth fully literate State/UT in India, joining Tripura, Mizoram, Goa, and Ladakh.
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Source: PIB
