India today called for enhanced cooperation in the field of literacy and education among South Asian countries. Inaugurating the International Literacy Conference on alliance for peace and development in New Delhi, Vice President Hamid Ansari said, nations through mutual cooperation, sharing of experiences and best practices can together fight the scourge of illiteracy, remove ignorance and build modern, educated and enlightened societies in the region and beyond.

He said, literacy is a necessary condition for peace to prevail to tackle the very roots of conflicts arising due to ignorance, intolerance, economic hardship, social injustice and political oppression.

The Vice President said, though some cooperation in education sector was under taken under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), a lot more needs to be done for betterment and welfare of the people in the region. Mr. Ansari pointed out that though SAARC has been in existence for three decades, the physical and economic integration of the region has not progressed to the desired extent for various reasons.

Mr. Ansari reminded that South Asian nations cannot afford to miss out on the benefits of mutually beneficial regional cooperation which is clearly a win-win proposition for all. He emphasised that, it is incumbent upon South Asian countries to work towards realising the common destiny of peace, progress and prosperity for the people.

Mr. Ansari said, mutually beneficial regional cooperation and shared prosperity is the logical destination for South Asian nations that share the same geography, history and strong cultural affinity between their people.