Gangtok, May 27 (PTI): Sikkim was declared a fully literate state in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday.
The declaration was made under the Centre’s ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang at the convocation ceremony of Sikkim University at Manan Kendra in Gangtok.
Congratulating the state government and people of Sikkim, the president described the achievement as a significant step towards inclusive development and social empowerment through education.
Chief Minister Tamang also hailed the achievement and congratulated the people of the state.
“Heartiest congratulations to the people of Sikkim on the historic and proud occasion of our state being formally declared a Fully Literate State under the ULLAS, Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram,” he said.
Tamang described the development as a defining milestone in Sikkim’s educational and social journey and said it reflected the government’s commitment to ensuring that no adult citizen is left behind in the pursuit of knowledge, dignity and empowerment.
“From the remotest villages to every block and gram panchayat, this mission has reached every corner of Sikkim with dedication and determination,” he said. Tamang said the achievement was made possible by the enthusiasm and perseverance of learners from all age groups, many of whom learnt to read and write for the first time in their lives.
“Their determination embodies the true spirit of ‘Saakshar Sikkim’ and serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations,” he added.
The chief minister also expressed gratitude to the Education Department, volunteer teachers, educators, coordinators and officials associated with the literacy mission. “Your selfless service, compassion, patience and unwavering commitment towards the upliftment of society have made this transformative initiative a grand success,” he said.
Describing literacy as the foundation of empowerment, equality and progress, Tamang urged people to continue working collectively towards building a stronger, enlightened and self-reliant Sikkim where knowledge and opportunities reach every citizen.
Describing Mount Kanchenjunga as the presiding deity of Sikkim, she said the state has successfully demonstrated that development and environmental conservation can go hand in hand. Recalling that Sikkim became India’s first organic state in 2016, the president said the achievement reflected the state’s commitment to sustainable development.
She also lauded Sikkim for being a plastic-free and litter-free state. Murmu urged Sikkim University to continue promoting the culture and traditions of Sikkim and the Northeast, and emphasised the importance of preserving endangered languages spoken in the region and north Bengal through its Centre for Endangered Languages.
The president also referred to the launch of the women-exclusive ‘Pink City Runner – Aama Didi Bahini Bus Sewa’ earlier in the day and thanked Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang for giving her an opportunity to be a part of the initiative.
The newly launched bus service in Gangtok is operated entirely by women staff and dedicated exclusively to women commuters.
