Explanation:

- Many years ago, I met a panchayat president (1)______ a state literacy programme...

- This sentence is introducing an encounter with a panchayat president connected to a literacy program.

- ...who talked to me (2)______ Cuba’s literacy programme...

- The phrase "talked to me" is typically followed by "about" when discussing a topic or subject, such as Cuba’s literacy programme.

- They (4)______ people in the remotest of villages...

- This part indicates that they reached out or engaged with people in far villages.

- ...and were (5)______ successful in their mission.

- Describes the outcome of their work as effective or fruitful.

Let's look at options for blank (2):

- Option 1: "around" – This implies physical movement or location, not fitting for discussing ideas or topics.

- Option 2: "about" – Fits perfectly, as it indicates discussing a topic or idea.

- Option 3: "across" – Similar to "around," suggesting movement or distribution, not suitable for discussion.

- Option 4: "through" – Typically means passing in a physical or metaphorical sense, not apt for this context.