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September 08, 2024 10:06
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International Literacy Day is observed on September 08th, every year. UNESCO celebrates International Literacy Day to raise awareness about literacy and education’s importance.
International Literacy Day is celebrated globally on September 8th every year to raise awareness about the importance of literacy and education for individuals and communities. Initiated by UNESCO in 1967, this day highlights the significance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights and the need for efforts to create a more literate and sustainable society. International Literacy Day 2024 brings attention to ongoing challenges in global literacy and emphasizes the importance of achieving literacy goals for sustainable development.
Each year, International Literacy Day has a specific theme that reflects current global priorities. The International Literacy Day 2024 theme focuses on “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.” It emphasizes the significance of offering education in multiple languages to improve communication and foster mutual understanding among diverse cultures.
International Literacy Day serves as a reminder of the critical role literacy plays in achieving individual empowerment and societal development. Here is the significance of International Literacy Day:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, is at the forefront of global literacy efforts. Through various programs and initiatives, UNESCO works to promote literacy as a driver for sustainable development. It supports countries in improving their literacy rates and implementing effective educational policies. By coordinating International Literacy Day, UNESCO aims to mobilize stakeholders and the international community to take action towards achieving universal literacy.
India, with its vast and diverse population, faces unique challenges in achieving universal literacy. While significant progress has been made in recent years, literacy remains an important issue. Literacy in India is closely linked to socioeconomic factors, and efforts to improve it must address issues such as poverty, gender inequality, and access to quality education.
The literacy rate in India has shown improvement over the years. However, there is still a noticeable gap between male and female literacy rates. As per the latest available data, the literacy rate for males in India is higher than that for females. Literacy rate in India for males stands at around 82%, while for females, it is approximately 66%. Bridging this gap is crucial for ensuring equitable access to education and opportunities for all.
The literacy rate of India in 2011, according to the Census data, varied significantly across different states and union territories. States like Kerala, with a literacy rate of 93.91%, and Lakshadweep, with 92.28%, were at the top of the list, reflecting the effective education policies and high levels of social development. Check out the the Literacy Rate of India 2011 State-Wise:
| State | Literacy Rate (%) | Male Literacy (%) | Female Literacy (%) |
| Andhra Pradesh | 67.02 | 74.95 | 59.74 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 82.75 | 88.34 | 73.69 |
| Assam | 79.94 | 85.93 | 74.41 |
| Bihar | 63.82 | 73.39 | 53.33 |
| Chhattisgarh | 71.04 | 81.45 | 60.59 |
| Goa | 88.70 | 92.81 | 84.89 |
| Gujarat | 80.37 | 87.23 | 70.73 |
| Haryana | 76.64 | 85.38 | 66.77 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 83.78 | 90.83 | 76.60 |
| Jharkhand | 67.63 | 76.84 | 57.29 |
| Karnataka | 77.20 | 82.85 | 68.13 |
| Kerala | 94.00 | 96.02 | 92.07 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 70.63 | 80.53 | 60.02 |
| Maharashtra | 82.34 | 88.38 | 75.48 |
| Manipur | 84.67 | 90.94 | 76.23 |
| Meghalaya | 75.48 | 77.17 | 71.34 |
| Mizoram | 91.58 | 93.72 | 90.60 |
| Nagaland | 79.55 | 82.75 | 78.85 |
| Odisha | 73.45 | 82.40 | 64.36 |
| Punjab | 80.63 | 84.81 | 76.68 |
| Rajasthan | 66.11 | 79.19 | 52.66 |
| Sikkim | 82.20 | 87.29 | 76.43 |
| Tamil Nadu | 80.33 | 86.81 | 73.86 |
| Telangana | 72.80 | 80.92 | 63.56 |
| Tripura | 88.80 | 92.18 | 84.70 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 67.68 | 77.28 | 57.18 |
| Uttarakhand | 79.63 | 88.33 | 70.70 |
| West Bengal | 77.08 | 82.67 | 71.16 |
International Literacy Day 2024 highlights the ongoing need to improve literacy rates globally and within countries like India.
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