YUPIA, 8 Sep: International Literacy Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Government Primary School (GPS) in Rono, Doimukh, as part of the ULLAS - Literacy Fortnight celebrations.

The programme was attended by DDSE TT Tara, who highlighted the importance of literacy in individual empowerment and overall societal development. He called upon all sections of society to "extend active voluntary cooperation towards the collective goal of completely eradicating illiteracy from the district."

DAEO (i/c) CK Yab highlighted the significance of International Literacy Day, and presented a brief on the progress of the New India Literacy Programme (NILP), which is presently in its final phase of implementation.

Rono GPC Kuku Nabam Hina and Doimukh BRCC Nabam Bittu also addressed the gathering and reaffirmed their commitment towards strengthening literacy and educational initiatives in the district.

A cultural presentation by the students of GPS Rono added colour to the programme and highlighted the enthusiasm and creativity of the young participants.

As part of the ULLAS - Literacy Fortnight-cum-International Literacy Day celebrations, prizes and certificates were distributed to the winners of the district-level essay writing competition. The winners were: first prize - Tem Merry, Class 11, GHSS Balijan: Rs 5,000 + certificate; second prize - Kayir Gadi, Class 12, GHSS Sagalee: Rs 3,000 + certificate; and third prize - Joli Rimo, Class 8, GHSS RGU Campus: Rs 2,000 + certificate.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation of officials of the DDSE office, panchayat leaders, block education officer, BRCC, cluster resource centre coordinators, School Management Committee members, teachers, volunteer teachers, anganwadi workers, adult learners, students, and members of the general public.