International Literacy Day 2022 theme, significance & history

International Literacy Day 2022 is being celebrated today i.e., Thursday, September 8, 2022. This year's theme is "Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces". The Day gives an opportunity to rethink the fundamental importance of literacy learning spaces to build resilience and ensure quality, equitable, and inclusive education for all.

Since 1967, International Literacy Day (ILD) celebrations have taken place annually around the world to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda toward a more literate and sustainable society.

As per the latest report by UNESCO, at least 771 million adults worldwide, most of whom are women, lack basic literacy skills even today. They still lack basic reading and writing skills and are faced with increased vulnerability.

Literacy Rate in India
According to the report published by the National Survey of India, the Literacy Rate of India in 2022 is 77.7 per cent. The literacy rate in 2011 was 73%.

With the new education policy aiming to achieve 100% literacy in the next decade or so, the country still has a long way to go before its population truly becomes literate.

Just about 2 in 10 Indians were literate back in 1950. In 2022, the figures have nearly reversed. From a literacy rate of mere 18.3% in 1951 to 74.4% in 2018, India has come a long way in establishing a well-educated nation.

According to figures till 2018, India's male literacy rate stood at 82.4% and female literacy rate stood at 65.8%. Though both male and female literacy have risen steadily over the years, the wide gender gap prevails even today.

However, the recent increase in primary school enrolment of girls is likely to bridge the gap between male and female literacy in the years to come. On the flip side, India is also home to the largest number of illiterate people in the world with over 25% of the population still uneducated.

Literacy is the key to lifelong education and a powerful tool against poverty: Pradhan

On the occasion of International Literacy Day 2022, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan tweeted "Literacy is the key to life long education and a powerful tool against poverty. As we mark #InternationalLiteracyDay, let us pledge to make conscious efforts to boost literacy and make quality education more equitable, affordable and inclusive for a Shikshit and Viksit Bharat."


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