The international Literacy Day observed on Saturday. The objective of this day is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies.

This year the theme of this day is Literacy and Peace. Various programmes including Sarva Siksha Abhiyan and Saakshar Bharat are being implemented by the government to enhance the literacy rate in the country.

AIR Correspondent reports that a series of functions were oraganised across the country to highlight the importance of literacy among the people.

Addressing National Literacy Award ceremony in Lucknow on Saturday Vice President, Mohd. Hamid Ansari emphasized on the quality of education being imparted through National Literacy Mission. Mr. Ansari said that this mission should be measured by the job opportunities it provides to neo literates which will bring a palpable change in their lives.

The best “Shakshar Bharat Literacy Award” for the state was given to Andhra Pradesh by union Human resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal.

Sarguja of Chhattisgarh was awarded with best district for literacy mission, while village Anantapur of Andhra Pradesh was awarded as best gram panchayat.