Tripura Scripts History: Becomes India’s Third Fully Literate State!
Far in the northeastern corner of India, Tripura has made history by becoming the third state in the country, after Mizoram and Goa, to be declared fully literate. With a literacy rate of 95.6%, this achievement is not only a statistical milestone but also proof of the collective effort of its people, government initiatives, and visionary leadership. Where is Tripura? A Land of Diversity and Natural BeautyTripura is one of India’s seven northeastern states, sharing international borders with Bangladesh on three sides and domestic borders with Assam and Mizoram. Its strategic location makes it a cultural melting pot and a crucial link between mainland India and Southeast Asia. The state covers an area of about 10,486 square kilometers by lush hills, forests, and vibrant tribal communities. The capital city, Agartala, is the political and cultural hub where the literacy declaration event was held. Despite its relatively small size, Tripura boasts a diverse population of various ethnic groups, including Bengali-speaking communities and several tribal groups like the Tripuris, Reangs, Jamatias, and others. Linguistic Landscape: A Blend of Languages and TraditionsTripura’s linguistic diversity mirrors its ethnic mosaic. Bengali is the dominant language spoken by the majority, serving as the primary medium for education and administration. However, the state also officially recognizes Kokborok, the native language of the Tripuri people, and several other tribal dialects, which have been preserved through cultural programs and educational materials. This multilingual environment sets unique challenges and opportunities in promoting literacy. Educational content and literacy campaigns had to be adapted to different languages to reach every corner of the state effectively, including remote tribal areas.A Glimpse into History: From Struggles to ProgressTripura’s literacy story is deeply rooted in its historical context. Back in 1961, the state had a literacy rate of a mere 20.24%, reflecting the broader challenges faced by many northeastern states: geographical isolation, limited infrastructure, and socio-economic constraints. Over the decades, Tripura steadily improved its literacy rate through consistent efforts. The 2001 Census recorded 73.66%, which further rose to 87.22% in 2011, placing Tripura as the third most literate state in the country after Kerala and Mizoram at the time. This progress was supported by government initiatives and the commitment of local communities, including retired teachers, students, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to educate the underserved populations. The ULLAS Programme: A Game-Changer in LiteracyTripura’s final leap to full literacy was done by the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society)—New India Literacy Programme, launched by the Government of India as a centrally sponsored scheme from 2022 to 2027. ULLAS specifically targets adults aged 15 and above who missed formal schooling. Unlike earlier literacy efforts focused mainly on teaching basic reading and writing, ULLAS emphasizes functional literacy, imparting practical skills such as basic arithmetic, financial awareness, digital literacy, and critical life skills. Local volunteers, youth literacy corps, and social awareness centers were activated, even in remote hill markets and village courtyards. Learning resources were developed in Bengali, Kokborok, and English to cater to diverse linguistic groups. The ULLAS mobile app facilitated digital learning, tracking progress, and certification, bridging gaps where traditional methods were insufficient. Teachers, retired educators, students, and officials received specialized training to ensure quality and inclusiveness. Looking Ahead: Tripura’s Role in India’s Vision for 2030 and BeyondTripura’s full literacy status aligns perfectly with India’s broader goals under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the National Education Policy 2020. The government aims for a fully literate nation by 2030, and Tripura’s success serves as a hope for other states. Chief Minister Manik Saha emphasized that literacy is vital to achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047,” a developed and empowered India. Tripura’s achievement exemplifies how sustained policy support, community participation, and adaptive strategies can overcome historical challenges and bring about lasting change. This milestone is not the end but a new beginning. The people of Tripura continue to learn, grow, and contribute to building a literate and inclusive society—a shining example of how targeted programs, government commitment, and community spirit can transform a state and inspire a nation.
