Shimla, Sept. 8 -- Himachal Pradesh has been officially declared a fully literate state, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu making the announcement during a celebratory event attended by Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, and other dignitaries.

CM Sukhu, in his address, said, "At the time of independence, the entire country was known as illiterate, and Himachal's literacy rate was just 7 per cent. After 78 years of independence, Himachal has become a fully literate state."

"For this, congratulations to everyone. My mother had studied up to the fifth grade, my father up to the seventh, but they were hardworking and educated us. I also worked hard and reached the position of Chief Minister," he add...