Opinion | Each One Teach Ten: The Foundation for a Literate and Educated Society

The pursuit of education has always been the cornerstone of progress in any society. Recognizing its importance, the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department, under the dynamic leadership of Principal Secretary Sh. Alok Kumar, IRS, has taken a significant step BY adopting the central sponsored scheme towards universal literacy and lifelong learning through the ULLAS initiative. ULLAS, which stands for “Understand of Life Long Learning for All in Society,” with a slogan of Jan Jan Sakshar is a comprehensive program aimed at promoting education at all levels above the age of 15 years . The slogan “Each One Teach Ten” a slogan by Principal Secretary School Education J nad K Sh. Alok Kumar (IRS) aptly captures the essence of this initiative, emphasizing the role of individuals in educating others and creating a ripple effect of knowledge and enlightenment.

The ULLAS Initiative: A New Dawn in Education

The ULLAS initiative was launched with the slogan “Jan Jan SAKSHAR,” symbolizing the commitment to ensuring that education reaches every individual in society. The two-day ULLAS Mela, held at SCERT Bemina Srinagar, marked a significant milestone in this journey. Organized by Samagra Shiksha J and K, the event was a well-structured and roadmap-based celebration of education, bringing together educators, officials, and learners from across Jammu and Kashmir.

Sh. Alok Kumar, IRS, Principal Secretary of the School Education Department, graced the event as the Chief Guest, underscoring the government’s commitment to promoting literacy and lifelong learning. The event was attended by a host of officers from the education department, district representatives, volunteer teachers, neo-literate and non-literate individuals, and six other departmental heads who shared their insights on various schemes and programs aimed at enhancing public education.

Showcasing Achievements Across Districts

A highlight of the ULLAS Mela was the district-wise stalls, where each district showcased their unique achievements in the field of education. These stalls served as the hard work and dedication of the education officers and teachers in their respective districts. Sh. Alok Kumar personally inspected these stalls, engaging in discussions with district representatives and appreciating their efforts in promoting education at the grassroots level.

The stalls reflected the diversity of initiatives being undertaken across the union territory, from digital literacy programs to health and financial literacy campaigns. Each district’s approach was tailored to address the specific needs and challenges of its population, demonstrating the inclusive and adaptable nature of the ULLAS initiative.

Prominent Speakers and their Contributions

The ULLAS Mela was graced by the presence of several high-ranking officials who shared their perspectives on the importance of education and the various initiatives being undertaken to promote literacy. Project Director Samagra Shiksha, Sh. Rakesh Magotra, JKAS, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the numerous benefits of the ULLAS scheme. He emphasized the need for a collective effort to achieve the vision of a literate society, where education is accessible to all.

Director School Education Kashmir, Dr. Tassaduq Hussain Mir, JKAS, was a special guest at the event. He inspected the district stalls and engaged with the representatives to understand the initiatives being taken for the development of education in their regions. His interactions provided valuable insights into the ground realities of education in Jammu and Kashmir and underscored the importance of continuous support and encouragement from the leadership.

Deputy Director Planning Samagra Shiksha, Mr. Bilal Rashid, played a pivotal role in the event. He highlighted the significant achievements of the ULLAS scheme and led the participants in taking an oath to work as volunteers for bringing education to the doorsteps of everyone. His leadership and commitment to the cause were evident in the enthusiasm and dedication of the participants.

The Nodal Officer of the ULLAS scheme, Mr. Imran Bukhari, delivered a detailed and comprehensive speech that enlightened the officers and the audience about the program. He also showcased a documentary that provided an in-depth look at the ULLAS initiative, its objectives, and the impact it has had on the ground. His presentation was a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of education and the role of every individual in making it a reality.

The Vision of “Each One Teach Ten”

In his detailed speech, Sh. Alok Kumar introduced the slogan “Each One Teach Ten,” a powerful call to action that encapsulates the vision of the ULLAS initiative. This slogan is more than just a catchy phrase; it is a mission that calls upon every educated individual to take responsibility for educating at least ten others. The aim is to create a chain reaction of knowledge sharing that will exponentially increase the reach of education across society.

Sh. Alok Kumar stressed the importance of digital literacy, financial literacy, and health literacy in today’s world. He highlighted the need to educate the younger generations about the concept of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and the role of digitalization in shaping our lives. His speech resonated with the audience, inspiring them to take up the challenge of spreading education and creating a more informed and educated society.

The Role of Neo-Literates and Volunteer Teachers

One of the most inspiring aspects of the ULLAS Mela was the participation of neo-literate individuals, who shared their experiences and the benefits they have gained from the ULLAS scheme. Their stories were encouraging to the power of education in transforming lives and empowering individuals to take control of their futures.

Volunteer Teachers (VTs) also played a crucial role in the event. Their dedication to teaching and their commitment to the cause of education were recognized with certificates of appreciation from the Project Director of Samagra Shiksha. These volunteers are the backbone of the ULLAS initiative, working tirelessly to ensure that education reaches even the most remote corners of Jammu and Kashmir.

Cultural Performances and Engagement
The ULLAS Mela also featured cultural performances, including a skit by students from District Budgam. The skit depicted the importance of education for their parents, highlighting the generational impact of literacy and learning. Such performances added a creative and engaging dimension to the event, making it not just a platform for discussion, but also a celebration of education.

Moreover the ULLAS initiative, with its slogan Jan Jan Sakshar and also “Each One Teach Ten,” in j and K is a beacon of hope for a literate and educated society. The two-day ULLAS Mela at SCERT Bemina Srinagar was a resounding success, bringing together educators, officials, and learners in a shared commitment to promoting lifelong learning. The event showcased the achievements of various districts, provided a platform for meaningful discussions, and inspired participants to take up the challenge of spreading education far and wide.
As the ULLAS initiative continues to grow, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a hub of knowledge and learning. The vision of “Each One Teach Ten” is not just a goal, but a movement that has the potential to uplift entire communities, break the cycle of illiteracy, and pave the way for a brighter, more educated future.

Javeed Abdullah
Writer is an Educator, columnist
and a stage-Host.He can be reached at
Javeedwrites378@gmail.com