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Delivering the convocation address at Pondicherry University a few days ago, the President, Mr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, called for the launching of a mission to realise the goal of achieving 100 per cent literacy in the Union Territory within the next two years.

The number of universities in India has increased a hundred fold after Independence, yet illiteracy remains one of the chief banes of our peoples' lives. Though the major aim of universities is higher education, they should also focus, as the President said, on achieving hundred per cent literacy in the area where they are located.

Almost all the Universities have Distance Education Programmes. A part of this activity could be diverted to literacy missions, which will go a long way in mitigating the astronomical levels of illiteracy in the country. One hopes the UGC and other education bodies take note of the President's advice and act accordingly.

V. S. Venkatavaradan

Salem

Letters to the editor and contributions can be sent by e-mail to: bleditor@thehindu.co.in

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