In a landmark moment for the state and the country, Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Tuesday officially declared Mizoram as India’s first fully literate state during a function held at Mizoram University (MZU). The announcement marks a significant milestone in the state’s decades-long pursuit of educational excellence and inclusive literacy.
The event was graced by Union Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, who lauded the Mizoram government and its citizens for their collective achievement under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, a national literacy initiative.
“Today, we proudly declared Mizoram as the first fully literate state under the visionary ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram. Congratulations to the people of Mizoram and Chief Minister Lalduhoma for this achievement,” Mr. Chaudhary posted on X (formerly Twitter).
CM Lalduhoma, while addressing the gathering, acknowledged the relentless efforts of educators, volunteers, and communities in making literacy a reality for all Mizos.
“As we celebrate this achievement, we also renew our commitment to sustaining literacy through continuous education, digital access, and vocational skill training,” the Chief Minister said. He further urged the state to set new goals, adding, “Let us now aim higher: digital literacy, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skill for all Mizos.”
According to government officials, the state achieved this feat based on projections from the 2011 Census. Intensive surveys were conducted to identify illiterate individuals, revealing 3,026 illiterates, of which 1,692 were found to be potential learners.
The campaign drew strength from 292 volunteer teachers, including students, educators, resource persons, and Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators. Their dedication, combined with community mobilisation, played a pivotal role in achieving complete literacy.
Educationists and civil society members hailed the declaration as a transformative moment, positioning Mizoram as a national model for grassroots education movements.
With this historic milestone, the state now shifts its focus to enhancing digital and financial literacy, while empowering its youth with entrepreneurial skills—a vision aligned with a more inclusive, knowledge-driven future for all Mizos.
