Himachal Joins List of Fully Literate States as India Marks International Literacy Day 2025

The Ministry of Education celebrated International Literacy Day (ILD) 2025 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, with the theme “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era.” The event was addressed by Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, alongside senior officials, education leaders, learners, and volunteers.

A key highlight of the celebration was the announcement that Himachal Pradesh has become the fourth state to achieve full functional literacy, joining Tripura, Mizoram, and Goa. Ladakh, which declared itself fully literate in 2024, remains the first Union Territory to do so.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, addressing the gathering virtually, lauded India’s progress in literacy, noting that the national rate has risen from 74 percent in 2011 to 80.9 percent in 2023–24. He emphasised that literacy is more than just the ability to read and write, calling it a means of dignity, empowerment, and self-reliance. Pradhan also highlighted the transformative role of the ULLAS Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, which has enrolled over 3 crore learners with the support of 42 lakh volunteers, providing learning materials in 26 Indian languages.

Jayant Chaudhary praised the achievement of Himachal Pradesh, especially given the state’s challenging terrain, and underscored that communities, governments, and volunteers together made it possible. He further observed that literacy in India has now expanded to digital literacy, pointing to India’s Digital Public Infrastructure as an example of global leadership in education and inclusion.

During the event, the ULLAS Compendium was released, showcasing innovative teaching and learning materials. Representatives from Ladakh and Goa shared their strategies and best practices, while ULLAS Literacy Week 2025, held from 1st to 8th September, was noted for its nationwide drive to register non-literates, volunteers, and neo-learners. The celebrations reaffirmed India’s commitment to building a literate and developed Bharat, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.