Mizoram has been officially declared the first fully literate state in India under the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative, Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced on May 20, 2025. The declaration follows a comprehensive literacy drive that raised the state’s literacy rate to an impressive 98.2%, surpassing the 95% benchmark set by the Ministry of Education.
The announcement was made in a ceremony attended by Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary, who praised Mizoram’s achievement as a model for the nation. Officials and community leaders credited the milestone to sustained government efforts, grassroots volunteerism, and widespread community participation.
This landmark achievement not only reflects Mizoram’s commitment to education but also paves the way for advancing digital, financial, and entrepreneurial literacy across the state.
A Collective Triumph: Community and Government in Harmony
The official declaration took place at Mizoram University Auditorium in Aizawl, where Chief Minister Lalduhoma expressed immense pride in the state’s accomplishment. “This is not just a statistic; it is a transformational milestone that reflects the collective will, discipline, and vision of our people,” he said.
Lalduhoma emphasised that while achieving full literacy is a significant feat, it marks the beginning of a new journey towards lifelong learning and empowerment. Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary lauded the state’s efforts, remarking, “Mizoram has set a national benchmark in literacy, demonstrating how coordinated action between government and citizens can bring about meaningful change.”
The campaign involved 292 volunteer teachers—including students, educators, and resource coordinators—who reached out to over 1,600 adults previously unable to read or write. These volunteers conducted classes in community halls, schools, libraries, and even through home visits, ensuring no one was left behind.
Education Department Director Angela Zothanpuii highlighted that the success was “a result of grassroots mobilisation, innovative teaching methods, and unwavering government support.”
From Foundations to Future: The Journey and Beyond
Mizoram’s journey to full literacy has been decades in the making. The 2011 Census had already ranked Mizoram among India’s most literate states, but the ULLAS initiative provided a targeted framework to reach the remaining pockets of illiteracy.
A door-to-door survey conducted in 2023 identified 3,026 non-literate adults, of whom 1,692 actively participated in learning programmes. These efforts pushed the state’s literacy rate beyond the 95% threshold required for official recognition.
The ULLAS initiative aligns with the National Education Policy 2020’s vision of lifelong learning, focusing not only on basic literacy but also on critical life skills, digital literacy, and continuing education for adults aged 15 and above. Chief Minister Lalduhoma urged citizens to build on this success by embracing digital, financial, and entrepreneurial literacy, thereby fostering inclusive growth and economic empowerment across Mizoram.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Mizoram’s achievement is a shining example of what can be achieved when communities, educators, and governments unite with a shared vision. It reaffirms the transformative power of education as a foundation for empowerment, equality, and social harmony.
This milestone should inspire other states to adopt similar community-driven, inclusive approaches to eradicate illiteracy and promote lifelong learning.
At a time when India is striving for equitable development, Mizoram’s story reminds us that education is not merely a goal but a continuous journey that fosters peace, dialogue, kindness, and coexistence. How can other states learn from Mizoram’s model to ensure that every citizen, regardless of background, has the opportunity to read, write, and thrive in an increasingly complex world?
