International Literacy Day is observed every year on September 8. In 2026, the occasion marks its 60th anniversary under the theme “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.” The day highlights the importance of literacy and the need to make learning accessible to everyone.
India has made progress in expanding access to education. However, literacy is about more than school enrolment. It also involves helping people develop essential skills and access better opportunities.
According to figures cited in the source material, India’s literacy rate rose to 81% in 2024, compared with 77% in 2023. This progress highlights the importance of continuing efforts to improve access to education and support learners from different backgrounds.
Global Literacy Challenges Continue
Despite progress in many countries, literacy remains a global challenge. UNESCO figures cited in the source material show that 739 million young people and adults lacked basic literacy skills in 2024.
The same figures indicate that four in 10 children could not achieve minimum reading proficiency. In addition, 272 million children and adolescents were out of school in 2023.
These figures show why access to education remains important. At the same time, education systems must help learners build strong reading skills and continue learning throughout their lives.
Shiksha Kendra Focuses on Long-Term Educational Support
Education initiatives are also working to help children move beyond basic access and towards higher education and employment. One example is Shiksha Kendra, an initiative supporting children from underserved communities.
Devyani Jaipuria has been involved in education initiatives for more than two decades. Through Shiksha Kendra, the focus has been on helping children continue their education and access opportunities for the future.
According to the information provided, the initiative has supported more than 25,000 students over the years. Some beneficiaries have gone on to pursue higher education and professional opportunities at organisations such as Deloitte, Amazon, SpiceJet, ICICI Bank, Tata Solar and Decathlon.
Another student is pursuing nursing studies in Georgia with support from the initiative.
Jaipuria said the aim was to create a lasting institution that could continue to support students over time.
“Our intention was always to build something lasting, an institution rather than a programme. An institution keeps creating opportunity year after year, touching more lives than any single effort ever could,” said Devyani Jaipuria, Pro Vice Chairperson of DPS and Director on the Board of RJ Corp.
Organisations Support Foundational Learning
Alongside individual initiatives, organisations are working to improve foundational learning across India.
Central Square Foundation works with governments across 11 states on foundational literacy and numeracy. Its work includes teacher training, learning resources and assessments. These efforts support programmes designed to strengthen early learning in schools.
Strong reading and numeracy skills help children build a foundation for further education. Therefore, improving the quality of early learning remains an important part of the wider literacy effort.
Community Libraries Encourage Reading
Access to books and reading materials also plays an important role in developing literacy skills. Food4Thought Foundation works in this area by setting up school and community libraries.
The organisation has established 622 libraries and reached more than 70,500 readers, according to the information provided. These libraries offer communities greater access to books and help encourage regular reading.
Such efforts complement classroom learning by giving children and other readers more opportunities to explore books and develop their reading habits.
Moving from Literacy to Opportunity
India’s progress in literacy provides an important foundation for future development. However, the next step is to ensure that more people gain the skills they need to continue their education and pursue meaningful careers.
International Literacy Day offers an opportunity to look beyond literacy rates. It also highlights the role of schools, community organisations and education initiatives in supporting long-term learning.
By improving learning outcomes, expanding access to reading resources and helping students continue their education, these efforts can support a future in which literacy leads to greater participation and opportunity.
