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On the occasion of World Literacy Day, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, announced the milestone completion of 25 years of its flagship social impact initiative, Literacy as a Service (LaaS). Launched in 2000 by Dr F C Kohli as the Adult Literacy program, it has evolved into a holistic platform that empowers individuals with functional, financial and digital literacy, enabling greater social inclusion and economic participation.
Over the last 25 years, TCS’ literacy program has reached 21 Indian states and union territories, as well as Africa, transforming the lives of more than 2.85 million learners through a network of 241,000+ facilitators. In FY25 alone, the program reached over 412,000 learners.
The program is powered by partnerships with NGOs, government bodies and community volunteers, and amplified through the “Each One Empowers One” initiative, where TCS and Tata Group associates are encouraged to mentor others. TCS has also partnered with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to empower 400,000 women across 26 districts with functional, financial and digital literacy.
Available in nine Indian and three foreign languages, LaaS combines graphics, sound patterns and structured learning paths with AI-powered personalization and vernacular content, making literacy accessible to diverse communities. Inadequate adult literacy continues to be a critical barrier to social mobility and economic growth. Individuals without basic reading and writing skills often face challenges in accessing financial services, understanding their rights, or benefiting from government schemes. This program addresses such gaps by providing not just literacy but also apprising learners with life-relevant skills such as financial literacy, awareness of citizen entitlements, digital literacy and disaster preparedness. These skills have enabled learners to manage household finances, access government welfare programs, adopt digital tools and build resilience in times of crisis.
Joseph Sunil Nallapalli, Global Head, CSR, TCS, said, “Literacy is more than the ability to read—it is the foundation of dignity, opportunity, and progress. At TCS, we see adult literacy not as a program, but as a movement—one that brings under-served communities into the mainstream, unlocks upward economic mobility, and instills a deep sense of self-worth. Through our literacy program, we are planting the seeds of generational change, empowering individuals to rise, contribute, and lead with confidence.”