Illiteracy is a global problem.  It is estimated that there are nearly 950 million illiterates aged 15 and above in the world, most of whom are living in developing countries.

International organisations like UNESCO are concerned about it.In fact, efforts towards eradication of illiteracy started receiving worldwide attention in 1965.On the 8th of September 1965 the World Congress of Ministers of Education met in Teheran to discuss the problem for the first time at international level.

The key aspect of the observance of International Literacy Day is the need to mobilise public opinion in favour of the struggle against illiteracy.

Keeping in view the magnitude of literacy in India, eradication of illiteracy has been one of the major programmes of the Union Government since independence.  Besides, universalization of primary education, efforts to promote adult literacy and adult education has been stepped up over the years.

The nation reiterated its commitment to eradicate illiteracy again on the 8th September 1998 while celebrating the International Literacy Day at the national level in New Delhi at the SiriFort Auditorium.  The function was graced by the Vice President of India, Shri Krishan Kant,  the Prime Minister of India Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee, Smt. Suman Kant, the Minister of Human Resource Development Dr. Murali Manohar Joshi and the Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Sushri Uma Bharati.

A special publication entitled ‘A decade of Literacy’ produced by the State Resource Centre, Delhi for the National Literacy Mission and UNESCO was presented to the Vice President of India by the Director General, National Literacy Mission, Shri Bhaskar Chatterjee and Director, UNESCO in India, Prof. Moegiadi.

The Prime Minister of India gave away the Satyen Maitra Memorial Awards for 1997-98 to four districts for their outstanding achievement in the field of Total Literacy Campaign.  These districts are Roopnagar in the Northern State of Punjab, Buldhana in the Western State of Maharashtra and Udaipur and Chhitorgarh in the Northern State of Rajasthan.  The winners of National Photo and Poster Competitions organised by the Directorate of Adult Education received awards from Smt. Suman Kant.

The glittering function began with the lightening of the ceremonial lamp by the dignitaries followed by Vandana rendered by  eminent vocalist Smt. Subha Mudgal.  The Minister of State for Human Resource Development welcomed the gathering  after which a recorded message received from the Director General of UNESCO Mr. Federico Mayor was played.

In their addresses the Hon’ble Vice President of India, the Prime Minister of India and the Human Resource Development Minister stressed the need for continuing vigorous efforts to achieve the ultimate goal of eradicating  illiteracy.  The dignitaries, while reiterating the national commitment to make a fully literate India, said it requires the concerted efforts of all sections of the people.

After a vote of thanks by the Additional Secretary in the Department of Education Shri M.C. Satyawadi, a colourful cultural performance by kala-jatha troupes from different States marked the glittering finale to the national level International Literacy Day celebrations, 1998.