Signature achievement: Himachal emerges as fully literate with volunteer power

It took around 19,000 volunteer teachers to make Himachal a fully literate state. These teachers turned 42,578 non-literate individuals into neo-literate, paving the way for the state to become fully literate. “These teachers worked purely on voluntary basis to teach the non-literate individuals in their families and their neighbourhoods. Thanks to their selfless service, the state achieved the huge milestone of becoming a fully literate state,” said Virender Chauhan, the nodal officer for the literacy programme in the state.

The volunteer teachers came from different sections of society – home makers, professional teachers and students. While most of them found the task quite challenging initially, they were extremely satisfied when they saw their ‘students’ read and write at the end of the programme.

“We have learnt more than what we taught them. While helping them read and write, we inculcated virtues like wisdom and patience from them,” said Kusum Kumari, a volunteer teacher from Hamirpur. “Initially, it was tough to convince the elders to start learning. Many thought we were some frauds who were trying to cheat them, and turned us away from their homes,” recalled Kusum.

For Priyanka Koundal, who has just completed her MSc, the entire process has been extremely satisfying. “Most of my students were elderly people, who were dependent on others to even dial numbers on the phone,” she said, adding that it was extremely satisfying to see the elderly people doing such small things themselves, without seeking help from others. “Now, they are capable enough to fill up basic forms in banks and post offices,” she said.

Meanwhile, their elderly students are also quite happy with their newly-acquired ability to read and write. “Life has become a little easier for me and others like me. Earlier, it was embarrassing to use our thumb imprint as my signature. Now, I can sign instead of using thumb imprint. It feels really good,” said Mansa Ram. “Now, I can read the boards on the buses, which is quite helpful,” he said.