Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 19 July 2024
Mr. L. Kumar (IAS), Secretary, Education, Andaman and Nicobar Administration inaugurated a two-day ‘State Level ULLAS Mela’ on 18th July 2024 at 11:30 AM in the auditorium of Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Port Blair. The event saw the presence of the Director of Education, other senior officials, and numerous participants from across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Mr. R. K. Singh, the State Nodal Officer for ULLAS and Deputy Director (Education for All), welcomed the Chief Guest and provided an overview of the ULLAS-NILP Scheme and the objectives of organizing the mela. Following this, Mr. Aditya Kumar Jha (DANICS), Director of Education, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the significance of the ULLAS-NILP Scheme initiated by the Government of India.
ULLAS, which stands for Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society, is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at promoting adult literacy. It targets individuals aged 15 and above who have either never attended school or discontinued their education. This first-ever State Level ULLAS Mela is a significant step towards achieving 100% literacy in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and aligns with the Ministry of Education’s goals. The mela will conclude on July 19, 2024.
During the event, the Chief Guest and other dignitaries interacted with the participants, including neo-literates and volunteer teachers from various parts of the islands. In his inaugural address, Mr. L. Kumar praised the efforts of all stakeholders involved in this mission.
The event began with a warm welcome from a band troop, followed by a welcome song from students of GSSS School, Line, Port Blair. A total of 170 people participated in the two-day ULLAS Mela, including 60 learners, 40 volunteers, 40 master trainers, and 30 officials. Participants came from different parts of the Union Territory, from Diglipur to Campbell Bay.
In a symbolic gesture, the Chief Guest and the Director of Education planted saplings under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” mission in the school campus, marking the occasion’s significance and commitment to environmental conservation.