International Literacy Day 2026 Celebrations and ULLAS Mela

The International Literacy Day 2026 celebrations concluded with the ULLAS Mela in New Delhi, underscoring the significance of literacy in India's educational agenda. This matters for UPSC aspirants as it relates to GS Paper 2, focusing on social justice and education. Last Updated: 11-09-2026

Key Facts About International Literacy Day 2026 and ULLAS Mela

• International Literacy Day is observed annually on 8th September since 1967.
• Proclaimed by UNESCO in 1966 during its 14th General Conference.
• The 2026 theme is "Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity," emphasizing inclusion and sustainable futures.
• ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) is also known as the Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram.
• ULLAS is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme by the Ministry of Education, running from 2022-23 to 2026-27.
• The program targets non-literate adults aged 15 years and above for foundational literacy and numeracy.
• In 2024, approximately 739 million youth and adults lacked basic literacy skills globally.
• In 2023, 272 million children and adolescents were out of school worldwide.

Global Literacy Challenges and India's Role

Literacy is pivotal for achieving India's socio-economic goals, aligning with the global agenda for sustainable development. As a nation striving for inclusive growth, India’s literacy initiatives like ULLAS are crucial in reducing educational disparities. With a significant portion of the global population still lacking basic literacy, India's efforts contribute to international literacy improvement and economic empowerment.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper 2: Social Justice - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
• Prelims Angle: Questions could focus on the objectives and features of the ULLAS scheme, and historical facts about International Literacy Day.
• Mains Angle: Analytical themes could include the impact of literacy on socio-economic development and the effectiveness of government schemes in promoting education.
• Essay Paper: Topics on education as a tool for empowerment and sustainable development.

FAQ Section

• What is International Literacy Day?
  International Literacy Day is an annual observance on 8th September, established by UNESCO to emphasize the importance of literacy in building inclusive and sustainable societies.
• Why is International Literacy Day important?
  This day highlights the global literacy challenges and the need for educational reforms to achieve sustainable development goals, making it crucial for socio-economic progress.
• What are the key features of the ULLAS program?
  ULLAS is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at providing foundational literacy and numeracy to non-literate adults aged 15 and above, promoting lifelong learning from 2022-23 to 2026-27.