VP Dhankhar Calls for National Commitment to Achieve 100% Literacy

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 8th Sept. Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday urged citizens to commit to making at least one person literate, calling it a crucial step toward building a prosperous and developed India, or Viksit Bharat.

Speaking as the Chief Guest at the International Literacy Day celebrations at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Dhankhar emphasized the transformative power of education in liberating individuals and restoring dignity.

“When we make someone literate, we liberate them and help them discover themselves. Literacy fosters independence, dignity, and self-reliance. It is a powerful form of handholding,” Dhankhar said.

The Vice-President also stressed the importance of adopting a “mission mode” approach to achieve 100% literacy in India.

“This is achievable sooner than we think. Let each one make one literate. It will be a spinal contribution for Viksit Bharat,” he remarked.

Highlighting the irreplaceable value of education, Dhankhar said, “Education is something that no thief, government, or relative can take away from you. It grows and continues to grow as long as you share it.”

Dhankhar urged states that have not yet adopted the National Education Policy (NEP) to reconsider, calling it a “game-changer” for India’s future.

He praised the NEP for its focus on empowering youth and valuing linguistic diversity.

Reflecting on India’s linguistic richness, he stated, “Mother tongue is the language in which we dream. India’s linguistic diversity is unparalleled, and this uniqueness must be celebrated.”

He shared his experiences as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, where members speak in 22 different languages, showcasing the country’s linguistic wealth.

Dhankhar also invoked India’s ancient legacy as a center of learning, referencing historical institutions like Nalanda and Takshashila, while calling for a renewed focus on literacy to help India reclaim this heritage.

Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Education, and Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), along with other dignitaries, were present at the event.