Folk School at Belwa

Varanasi villagers learn to demand civic

rights on World Literacy Day

From our ANI Correspondent

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Sept। 8: As educational institutions celebrated World Literacy Day in different parts of the country on Saturday, a school in Varanasi educated villagers on their basic civic rights.

Led by Lenin, a human rights organisation has been setting up makeshift classrooms out in the open in Uttar Pradesh, telling villagers to stand up and fight for their rights.

Lenin says many villagers sometimes find it difficult to question the authorities.

"If they learn what their rights are, what the law says about their rights, and they are able to speak about their needs, fight for their rights instead of asking for them in charity, this is the kind of education we need to spread across the country," he said.

Villagers say the classes are a boon for them and their children.

"No one in my family is educated. So, we did not know about our rights. Now, I am studying, I will teach my children. When they have knowledge, it will equip them to fight for their rights," said Kismati, a student.

Lenin's efforts have been appreciated by a visiting Korean group.

The literacy rate in Uttar Pradesh is higher for males than for females.

Census figures show that the number of illiterates in the country has reduced by 32 million in the last one decade.

The National Literacy Mission, launched in 1988 by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, has increased the rate of literacy in the country.

Besides the universalisation of primary education, steps are being taken to promote adult literacy.


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