PM Modi Praises ULLAS Programme for Revolutionising Adult Education in India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shared an article praising the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) programme, calling it a transformative step in advancing adult education and lifelong learning in India. The Prime Minister posted the article on social media, appreciating how the initiative has brought education to adults who were earlier left out of the formal system, helping them gain essential literacy, numeracy, and digital skills. The article highlights the programme’s success in building a more inclusive learning environment, where every citizen, regardless of age or background, can continue to learn and grow.

I am writing about this because the ULLAS programme represents one of the most meaningful educational reforms in recent years. Adult education often receives less attention compared to school or higher education, but it plays a crucial role in building a literate and self-reliant society. With India’s growing focus on inclusive development, the ULLAS initiative not only helps adults improve their literacy but also enhances their livelihood opportunities. By recognising its success, the Prime Minister has once again reinforced the idea that education is a lifelong process, and every individual deserves access to it.

ULLAS: A Step Toward Lifelong Learning

The ULLAS programme was launched by the Ministry of Education under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It aims to provide basic literacy and digital skills to adults aged 15 years and above who missed the opportunity to study earlier.

Through this scheme, learners can access study materials and learning activities via the ULLAS mobile app or through community learning centres across the country. The programme promotes the concept of “each one, teach one,” encouraging volunteers to help spread education within their communities.

PM Modi’s Message on ULLAS

In his social media post, Prime Minister Modi said that the ULLAS initiative embodies the spirit of empowerment through education. He shared the article appreciating how the programme is changing lives across India by providing adult learners with the knowledge and skills they need to participate confidently in society.

The Prime Minister also noted that such initiatives contribute directly to India’s “Viksit Bharat” vision by ensuring no citizen is left behind in the nation’s growth journey.

Key Objectives of the ULLAS Programme

The ULLAS scheme focuses on five key areas of learning:

Foundational Literacy and Numeracy – Enabling adults to read, write, and calculate basic numbers.
Critical Life Skills – Promoting awareness about health, hygiene, financial literacy, and gender equality.
Vocational Skills – Offering skill-based education to improve employability and self-employment.
Basic Education – Helping adult learners continue education up to Class 12 level through open schooling.
Continuing Education – Encouraging lifelong learning through digital resources and community libraries.

Reaching Learners Across India

Since its launch, ULLAS has reached lakhs of adult learners across urban and rural areas. The government has collaborated with State Literacy Missions, NGOs, and local volunteers to make the programme accessible to all.

The initiative also uses technology-enabled learning, allowing volunteers to register and track learners’ progress through the ULLAS app. This has made adult education more flexible, especially for those who work during the day.

Why ULLAS Matters for India

Adult literacy is essential for achieving social and economic progress. As per government data, millions of Indian adults, especially women and people from disadvantaged communities, still lack basic reading and writing skills.

The ULLAS programme helps bridge this gap by combining education with empowerment. A literate adult can better understand government schemes, manage finances, support children’s education, and make informed decisions. This leads to stronger families and more aware communities.

Success Stories from the Ground

Several states have already reported positive outcomes. In Tamil Nadu and Odisha, women’s self-help groups have joined the ULLAS initiative to learn digital banking and record keeping. In Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, volunteers are helping rural adults learn to read and write for the first time in their lives.

Many beneficiaries have expressed how literacy has improved their confidence and helped them become financially independent. These small changes together represent a big leap toward an educated and empowered India.

Puducherry CM Rangasamy Highlights How Medical Education Builds the Nation

Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy addressed the induction ceremony for new MBBS students at Takshashila Medical College, under Takshashila University in Tindivanam, and emphasised that medical education is a key pillar of nation-building. He called on young doctors to serve society with both compassion and integrity as they embark on their journey in the medical profession.

I’m writing about this because when a senior political leader highlights the value of medical education in such a way, it’s a reminder how future doctors are not just healthcare providers — they are nation-builders. In a country like ours, where healthcare and public service are deeply tied to societal progress, leaders’ messages like these matter a lot. New MBBS students often feel the weight and promise of their choice; to hear from the CM that their role goes beyond hospitals and clinics gives them a broader purpose. This also signals the government’s long-term commitment to supporting quality medical education in Puducherry, which can motivate more students to contribute meaningfully to public health.

Why Medical Education Matters for Nation-Building

Medical education is more than just learning to treat illness — it shapes the very infrastructure of a country’s health system. With strong medical training, future doctors contribute to public health, innovation in medicine, and healthcare equity. By urging graduates to use their education in service of others, the CM reinforced that these students are part of a larger mission: creating a healthier, stronger nation.

What CM Rangasamy said at the Induction Day

He praised the establishment of Takshashila Medical College, saying it aligns with the vision of building a socially responsible healthcare future.
Rangasamy reminded students that skills must be matched with values: “Compassion and integrity should guide your decisions,” he said, urging them to treat patients not only as cases, but as people in need.
He mentioned that medical education in Puducherry must serve all sections of society, encouraging graduates to go beyond personal ambition and contribute to public service.
He also called for leveraging government support and infrastructure to improve healthcare access, reinforcing that training alone is not enough without purpose.

The Prominence of Takshashila Medical College

Takshashila Medical College, under the larger umbrella of Takshashila University, represents a fresh push in healthcare education in the region. By starting a new MBBS batch, the college is playing its part in developing more doctors who can serve both local communities and national needs. For many students in Puducherry and nearby regions, this college offers an opportunity to receive good medical education without having to move far from home.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Even as the CM’s words inspire, there are practical challenges:

Infrastructure: Medical colleges need strong labs, hospital attachments, and patient inflow for effective training.
Faculty Quality: To uphold the CM’s vision of compassionate education, the institution will need teachers who are excellent clinicians as well as educators.
Affordability and Access: There is always a risk that medical education remains out of reach for economically weaker students. Government policies and scholarships will play a big role.
Public Health Orientation: Graduates must be encouraged to work in underserved areas, not just big cities, so that the promise of nation-building becomes a reality in poorer communities.

Why This Message Is Important for Students and Society

For students, this is a moral call: being a doctor is not just a profession, it’s a public trust.
For parents, it underscores that supporting a child through medical college has wider societal value.
For society, strong medical education means having trained professionals who can respond to public health crises, improve healthcare access, and innovate in medical research.
For policymakers, it’s a cue to continue investing in medical colleges, infrastructure, and ethics-driven training.