International Literacy Day is observed every year on 8th September to emphasize the importance of literacy to individuals, society and communities. The theme of this year's International Literacy Day, is 'Literacy in a Digital World'. <br/><br/>The 2017 UNESCO International Literacy Prizes awards ceremony will also take place to recognize and reward excellent literacy practices from around the world in connection with this year's theme. <br/><br/>Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu today presented the Saakshar Bharat Awards at an event organized to mark International Literacy Day in New Delhi. The awards were given to the best performing State, Districts, Gram Panchayats and NGOs. <br/><br/>Speaking on the occasion, Mr Naidu said, a country can not be called developed unless it is literate. He said, a life is incomplete without education and it is crucial for any nation's progress. The Vice President said, India still have the challenge to achieve 100 per cent literacy. He said, education empowers people and it is an ammunition to fight discrimination and injustice.<br/><br/>Addressing the gathering, Human Resources Development Minister Prakash Javadekar said, Government will launch School Chalo Campaign next year for children who are not able to attend schools due to various reasons. The Minister said, literacy rate in the country has reached upto 81 per cent from 74 percent during 2011 Census. It was 18 percent when India got independence. <br/><br/>Ministers of State Upendra Kushwaha, Dr Satyapal Singh, Secretary Anil Swarup and Country Representative of UNESCO was present on the occasion.