GANGTOK, May 27: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday congratulated the people and Government of Sikkim for achieving full literacy status under the Ullas – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram ahead of the national target set for 2027, while also emphasizing women’s empowerment, environmental conservation, and inclusive education during the 7th Convocation of Sikkim University held at Manan Bhawan in Gangtok.
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| President Droupadi Murmu addresses the 7th Convocation of Sikkim University in Gangtok on May 27, 2026, where she congratulated Sikkim on achieving full literacy status under the ULLAS programme. (DIO Gngtok) |
The announcement regarding Sikkim attaining full literacy status was made by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang in the presence of Governor Om Prakash Mathur, Education Minister Raju Basnet, and Sikkim University Vice Chancellor Professor Santanu Kumar Swain.
The Ullas – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram is a nationwide initiative focused on adult education, foundational literacy, and lifelong learning aimed at ensuring inclusive access to education for all sections of society. Congratulating the state, President Murmu said the achievement reflected the collective efforts of both the government and the people of Sikkim. She described literacy as a vital tool for empowerment, dignity, and social progress.
Addressing the graduating students during the convocation ceremony, the President said the occasion marked the beginning of a new phase in their lives and expressed confidence that Sikkim University had prepared them to face future challenges with knowledge and determination. She particularly praised the growing participation of women in education and public life.
President Murmu noted that nearly 60 percent of the graduating students and around 70 percent of the medal recipients were women, describing it as a reflection of women’s talent, hard work, and determination. She said the figures highlighted the transformative impact of education-led women empowerment.
She also appreciated the Sikkim government for encouraging women’s participation in various sectors, noting that women in the state were working as drivers, contractors, and serving in multiple professional roles.
Highlighting Sikkim’s achievements in environmental conservation, the President said the state had set an example for the country by becoming India’s first fully organic state while successfully balancing development with ecological preservation. She stressed that Sikkim University, located in an ecologically sensitive and culturally rich region, carries a special responsibility in preserving local languages, traditions, and the Himalayan environment.
President Murmu praised the university for conducting studies and research in Limboo, Lepcha, and Bhutia languages and for its research on Himalayan ecosystems, glaciers, and climate change. She also welcomed the establishment of the Centre for Endangered Languages aimed at preserving disappearing languages and traditions of Sikkim and North Bengal.
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Governor Om Prakash Mathur, who also serves as the Chief Rector of Sikkim University, congratulated the graduating students and linked their achievements to the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047” envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, meanwhile, urged students to become responsible citizens and active contributors to nation-building, calling education the “most powerful instrument of transformation.”
During the convocation, degrees were awarded to 13,782 students, including 195 PhD scholars, 53 MPhil scholars, 2,441 postgraduate students, and 11,093 undergraduate students. A total of 285 Gold and Silver Medals and nine Special Medals were also presented for the academic years 2023, 2024, and 2025.
