TFP Bureau, Raipur, September 9, 2024: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated the “Ullas Literacy Campaign” through a virtual event on International Literacy Day, marking a significant milestone in Chhattisgarh’s educational efforts. The launch took place at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium, where the Chief Minister unveiled 100,000 new Ullas Literacy Centers across the state.
In his address, Chief Minister Sai highlighted the campaign’s aim to transform 10 lakh illiterates into literates. The State Literacy Mission of the Education Department has selected 100,000 volunteer teachers to operate these centers. Each teacher is tasked with educating at least ten individuals, focusing on basic literacy skills such as recognizing alphabets and reading comprehension.
The event featured the Chief Minister garlanding the statue of Maa Saraswati and lighting a ceremonial lamp. Shri Sai also released various campaign materials, including a poster, song, newsletter, and brochure, and screened a documentary film about the Ullas program. The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) organized the exhibition showcasing the program’s impact.
In his speech, CM Sai underscored the pivotal role of education in development, stating that it extends beyond acquiring degrees and government jobs. He praised the National Literacy Mission’s efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and shared anecdotes about the challenges faced by the illiterate, emphasizing the need for widespread literacy.
The Chief Minister lauded Shanti Devi Thakur, a resident of Bagbahara who, despite physical disabilities, achieved literacy and can now write with her feet. He also praised the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 and its impact on Chhattisgarh’s educational landscape.
“Ullas Campaign’s Reach and Impact”
Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, who presided over the program, praised the State Literacy Mission for its dedicated work, despite budget constraints. He noted that SCERT’s action plan aims to provide primary education in various dialects of Chhattisgarh to enhance accessibility.
Raipur MP Shri Brijmohan Agrawal highlighted the revival of the Literacy Mission after a five-year hiatus, crediting Chief Minister Sai for reinvigorating the program. He acknowledged Prime Minister Modi’s broad range of welfare schemes, including those focused on education.
School Education Secretary Mr. Siddharth Komal Singh Pardeshi described the grand Literacy Week held from September 1 to 8, which featured various educational programs across Chhattisgarh. He emphasized the Ullas Nav Bharat Literacy Program’s role in promoting literacy.
The ceremony also honored newly literates, including Mrs. Mohini Patel (Durg), Mrs. Shanti Bai Thakur (Mahasamund), Mrs. Meena Nareti (Kanker), Mrs. Sheetal Dhiwar (Bilaspur), and Mrs. Sumita Singh (Balrampur), as well as volunteer teachers such as Mrs. Karishma Patel (Rajnandgaon), Kumari Shanti Nag (Sukma), Kumari Shruti Tiwari (Surguja), Mr. Harsh Sahu (Bilaspur), and Mrs. Nirjala Dhiwar (Raipur).
The event was attended by various public representatives, including MLAs Shri Punardar Mishra, Anuj Sharma, Indra Kumar Sahu, Rajesh Munat, Motilal Sahu, and Guru Khuswant Saheb, along with State Literacy Mission Director Shri Rajendra Katara, Comprehensive Education Managing Director Shri Sanjeev Jha, and other officials.
