New Delhi, 8 September 2024: On International Literacy Day, Vice-President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar encouraged everyone to take a pledge to make at least one person literate. He spoke about the importance of literacy and how it can change lives. “When we make someone literate, we free them, help them discover themselves, and give them dignity,” he said at the event held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
Addressing the audience as the Chief Guest, Shri Dhankhar emphasized that educating a person—whether a man, woman, or child—brings great joy. He said, “The happiness you feel when you educate someone is beyond words. It spreads positivity and is the best thing you can do to improve human resources.”
A Call to Achieve 100% Literacy
The Vice-President made a powerful call for action. He urged people to work towards making 100% literacy a reality in India. He believes that this goal can be reached soon if everyone takes responsibility. He suggested that each person should teach one other person how to read and write. “This will be a big step for India’s progress and development,” he said.
He also explained that education is something that no one can take away from a person. Unlike other things, education only grows when you share it. Shri Dhankhar expressed his hope that by improving literacy, India can regain its historic role as a global center of learning, much like Nalanda and Takshashila in ancient times.
The Role of Mother Tongue in Education
Shri Dhankhar spoke about the special importance of learning in one’s mother tongue. He pointed out that the National Education Policy 2020 promotes education in local languages, helping students learn better. “We dream in our mother tongue,” he said, emphasizing how languages shape our thoughts and identity. He urged states that have not yet adopted the policy to reconsider, calling it a “game-changer for India.”
The Vice-President also highlighted India’s rich diversity of languages. He shared his experience as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, where he allows members to speak in 22 different languages. He mentioned how body language and emotion help him understand the message even when he listens to the translation.
Time for us to be in mission mode with commitment and passion to ensure 100% literacy at the earliest.
I am sure this is achievable sooner than we think!
Let each one make one literate, this will be spinal contribution for Viksit Bharat. #InternationalLiteracyDay… pic.twitter.com/00ZwCJQ3IN
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) September 8, 2024
India’s Transformative Progress
Reflecting on the changes in India over the last decade, Shri Dhankhar spoke about how things that were once thought impossible are now a reality. “There was a time when no one could imagine that every village would have electricity or that every household would have a toilet,” he said. Today, these basic needs are met across the country.
He also praised the improvements in digital services. With 4G access in remote villages, people no longer have to wait in long lines for services like train tickets, passports, or electricity and water bills. Now, many things can be done quickly and easily using a mobile phone.
When we make someone literate, we liberate him or her, we aid self-discovery, remind individuals of their dignity, cut down dependence and generate independence! #InternationalLiteracyDay @EduMinOfIndia pic.twitter.com/O7v57vMGeY
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) September 8, 2024
The Importance of Staying Positive
Shri Dhankhar cautioned against those who criticize and belittle India’s progress. He encouraged people to stay positive and help others see the reality of Bharat’s growth. He stressed the importance of showing “misguided souls” the true achievements of the country and helping them understand the impressive strides India has made.
Moving Towards Viksit Bharat
The Vice-President ended his speech by reminding everyone that literacy is key to making India a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). He said, “If we all make one person literate within six months, we can double the number of educated people by the end of the year.” This simple but powerful action will help the country grow stronger.
Hon’ble Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary and Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education & Literacy, were also present at the event, along with other important guests.
Hon’ble Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar delivered the keynote address at the #InternationalLiteracyDay celebrations at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi today. @jayantrld pic.twitter.com/d46KKiajH7
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) September 8, 2024
चौधरी चरण सिंह जी को पहचाना जाता है गाँव, गरीब, किसान के हित के लिए।
वे ईमानदारी के प्रतीक थे ! #InternationalLiteracyDay @jayantrld pic.twitter.com/geCw9M5kwh
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) September 8, 2024
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