2016-09-08 Thu

This 8th September the world is celebrating 50th “International Literacy Day”. The event was first celebrated in 1966 when the UNESCO officially proclaimed September 8 as the International Literacy Day.

It is celebrated all over the world to emphasize the great importance of literacy to the individuals, society and communities. International Literacy Day shines a spotlight on global literacy needs. In India the year of 1990 was celebrated as literacy year, the then Indian Prime Minister Shri V P Singh declared Ernakulam as the most literate district in India

Each year this day is celebrated with different themes. The theme of the golden jubilee observance is "Reading the Past, Writing the Future”. Like previous years, this year also is marked with prize distributions, conferences and many events held all over the world.

Besides, the day is honoured on many commemorative stamps. Each year new stamps are released celebrating this day. India Post has commemorated International Literacy Day on a Re.1.00 stamp. Issued in the year of 1990 this stamp features a child being taught to write by an adult.

Countries such as Iran, Niger, and Algeria etc. have given their own contribution to the world of philately. Many stamps have been issued by these countries depicting different themes on the stamps promoting and encouraging adult literacy.