State-Level International Literacy Day Programme Held in Morigaon

Dalim Phukan

Hills Live News, Morigaon, September 9.
The state-level central programme of International Literacy Day was observed with a solemn function at the Morigaon District Library auditorium on September 8.
Organised by the Morigaon District Literacy Mission Authority, the programme began with the garlanding of the portrait of world-renowned artiste Dr. Bhupen Hazarika and the lighting of the ceremonial lamp.
The programme highlighted various issues under the ULLAS initiative of the Nav Bharat Literacy Programme, including bringing non-literate people into the mainstream of education, creating awareness about the importance of literacy, promoting adult education, increasing the literacy rate and taking measures to expand education across society.
At the beginning of the programme, students of Shalmari Secondary School performed a Borgeet, following which a documentary prepared by the District Literacy Mission Authority was screened.
As part of the programme, eight volunteer teachers were presented with certificates of appreciation in recognition of their services. It was stated that, as part of a special initiative undertaken by the district, certificates of appreciation would subsequently be awarded to all volunteer teachers engaged under the ULLAS programme.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Apurba Thakuria, Inspector of Schools, Morigaon and Member-Secretary of the District Literacy Mission Authority, delivered the welcome address. He presented an overview of the ULLAS programme being implemented in the district and expressed gratitude to the higher authorities concerned for providing Morigaon the opportunity to host the state-level central programme.
Director of Adult and Non-Formal Education Dr. Jayanta Kumar Sharma, who attended the programme as the chief guest, elaborated on the overall importance of literacy with facts and examples. He praised Morigaon district for its notable achievements through the ULLAS programme and described the district’s initiative to extend the programme to prison inmates as a best practice for the state.
Narmada Chetia, Deputy Director of Non-Formal Education, Government of Assam, attended the programme as a distinguished guest. While highlighting the life struggle of Morigaon’s distinguished son and Commissioner-Secretary of the Education Department, Government of Assam, Narayan Konwar, she explained the importance of literacy.
As the designated speaker, Dr. Sarat Barkataki, former Principal of Nagaon College (Nagaon University), delivered an extensive speech on how literacy can bring about transformation in individuals as well as society. In this context, he referred to Dr. Tererai Trent, a woman from a poor family in Zimbabwe, and explained how she achieved success through education and went on to become an inspirational woman globally.
Additional District Commissioner Dr. Nilakshi Baishya, Assistant Commissioner Ankita Dutta, former president of the Morigaon District Sahitya Sabha Mahendra Saikia, social worker Atanu Sharma, Training Officer Duwari Mahanta Bhuyan, State Project Officer Mokibhar Rahman, State Reviewer Dr. Wajida Q, headmasters of several schools, officials and employees of the District Literacy Mission Authority and Samagra Shiksha, neo-literates and volunteer teachers, among others, attended the programme.
More than 400 people were present at the event, contributing to the successful conduct of the state-level central celebration of International Literacy Day.