International Day of Literacy observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 08 2015 : As celebrated worldwide in September 8 every year, the International Day of Literacy 2015 was celebrated in the State at Maharaja Chandrakirti hall, Palace Compound today under the aegis of the Department of Adult Education and State Literacy Mission Authority.

Attending as chief guest, Social Welfare and Co-operation Minister AK Mirabai Devi, during her speech, said literacy is one of the most essential elements in life.

Majority of the NREGA workers, being illiterate, undergoes difficulties withdrawing money from their credited accounts, the Minister said.

As such there arises a need to invest more efforts in ensuring basic literacy for all.

Commenting on the low literacy rate of women in the State, Mirabai said that although women play major roles in the State affairs, majority of women still illiterate.

"During my tenure in the co-operative society, I came across elderly women who had to use thumb impressions because they cannot write their names", Mirabai said.

Spreading literacy is not solely the responsibility of the Education Department, the Minister said.

Up-to-date education system and people's support and needed to achieve satisfactory literacy rate.

New technologies, including mobile telephones, also offer fresh opportunities for literacy for all, she added.

Agriculture Minister Abdul Nasir presided over today's celebration.

During his speech, Abdul Nasir lauded the Centre's initiative to ensure access to education to four hill districts - Senapati, Chandel, Thoubal and Churachandpur.

Maintaining that the step by the Government of India has increased the literacy rate in these areas, the Agriculture Minister further expressed desire to launch similar initiative in other parts of the State.

Thoubal Zilla parishad Adhyaksha and chairperson Kh Surnalata Devi, ADC and DLSS, Senapati chairperson ML Markson and Commissioner (AE) and vice-chairman (SLMA) BB Sharma attended the celebration as guests of honour.

Rotary Club of Polo City Imphal also observed the World Literacy Day under the theme "Total Literacy Mission" at Laiphrakpam Junior High School, Lilong today.

The programme was attended by the members of Rotary Club of Polo City Imphal, teachers and students.

As part of the observation, stationery items were also distributed to the students.

Department of Adult Continuing Education and Extension (ACEE) of Manipur University observed International Literacy Day 2015 under the theme, 'literacies and sustainable societies' at the lecture hall of the department today.

ACEE HOD in-charge Dr Lamalu Thaimei presided over the function.

School of Social Science Dean Prof E Bijoykumar, Economics Department Assistant Professor Dr Chinglen Maisnam spoke at the function as resource persons, said a press release.

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