We decided almost a decade ago to introduce this program in which we try to make a very quick improvement in the ability of an adult to read, write and do basic mathematical calculations. We take a completely illiterate person and within 56 days, they can read, write and do basic arithmetic. However, if we leave them at that we realise that after a certain amount of time, there was a certain amount of loss of memory of what they have learnt. For this issue, we introduced a reading club called Gyan Chaupali, which is a supervised reading club where they have access to all kinds of literature, books and activities where not only can they practice what they have learnt but also improve upon it. The total amount of time taken for the course and Gyan Chaupali is around 6 months and with that we have a totally new person. A citizen who can improve their own lives, their children’s lives, ther families’ lives and contribute to the community.

Large numbers of Indians are left out of development and literacy is a way to bring them in. TARA Akshar+ truly enables women and we have to build this programme - SHE has to be empowered! With all the benefits of investing in a girl child education staring at us, why do we not invest in this cause and why do we ignore this issue. Today, i’m presenting you with an opportunity to donate generously to TARA Akshar+, an adult education program which was started over a decade ago, enabling unlettered women to read and write and do simple arithmetic with confidence and ease through a highly effective and affordable program using extremely innovative methods and digital technologies. The success of the program is further enhanced by delivering it at the door steps within the poor rural community with timings that fit into the daily routine of women and all this is possible within 56 days.

There’s a range of solutions designed around changing the system that women belong to TARA Akshar+, making sure basic literacy is absolutely powerful for a woman. I have interacted with an 80 year old woman who had become literate for the first time in her life and her confidence levels had absolutely transformed.

Every time we have evaluated TARA Akshar, we have found evidence more than just enabling women to read, write and count, this program has changed and energized their relationship with themselves, their families, and the community. Continuation of such programs is still needed as many girls still drop out from schools at a young age.

Literacy is an important factor for empowerment but consideration of the type of education according to the requirements of women is more important.

TARA Akshar+ is not just a literacy project; it goes way beyond reading and writing. This programme empowers women to start businesses, improve health practices at home, and actively participate in decision-making.

TARA Akshar+ has been doing great work for promoting literacy and is instrumental for SDG 2030. Globally, literacy forms a tool to make a difference in the lives of women.

Literacy gives women agency, it is a tool for empowering the children, family, community and nation, but it is first a way to empower the individual woman herself. She must be liberated, write her own destiny by unlocking her potential.