About this stamp
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 1990 International Literacy Year (ILY), with UNESCO playing a key role:
Objectives of ILY:
- Government Thrust: Highlighting government efforts on literacy programs.
- Public Awareness: Increasing awareness about the dimensions and implications of literacy.
- Public Participation: Encouraging greater public involvement in literacy initiatives.
- International Cooperation: Enhancing cooperation and solidarity among UN Member States.
- Eradication of Illiteracy: Launching a plan of action to completely eradicate illiteracy by the year 2000 AD.
Importance of Literacy:
- Literacy is seen as a fundamental human virtue in modern society, essential for meaningful participation in socio-economic activities.
- It is crucial for keeping pace with rapid socio-economic changes and ensuring equality of human rights.
- In developing economies like India, mass literacy is particularly vital as it facilitates the effective implementation and awareness of government policies and schemes among rural populations.
National Observance:
- In India, the International Literacy Year was launched by the Prime Minister through a national function in New Delhi on January 22, 1990.
- The focus is on viewing ILY as a call to action rather than a mere celebration, with activities including:
- Environment building through mass media.
- Mass campaigns targeting complete eradication of illiteracy in specific regions like Goa, Kerala, Pondicherry, and selected districts/block in other states and union territories.
- Involvement of students, educational institutions, and various sections of society in literacy programs.
- Organizing the Bharat Gyan Vigyan Jatha to cover 70,000 villages, among other initiatives.
Overall, the International Literacy Year aims to mobilize global efforts towards eliminating illiteracy, recognizing literacy as a cornerstone for individual empowerment and national development.
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