400 children participate in literacy march to spread awareness

Shouting slogans to highlight the importance of literacy and education, school children from government and private schools took part in a march on Saturday to celebrate International Literacy Day ( ILD), observed on September 8 every year, in South Delhi’s Saket area.

Showcasing this year’s ILD theme of “Literacy and skill development”, nearly 400 students, supported by NGO Aarohan, assembled at a park near Select City Walk and pledged to help the unlettered and out- of- school kids in acquiring literacy.

“The children were excited about the march and the idea that they would help others,” said Aarohan president Rani Patel, who was recently named as a core member of the National Human Rights Commission.

The march was flagged off by Bimal Mawandia, vice chairman, Indian Silk Export Promotion Council ( ISEPC) and director of Vineetaz Export, by lighting the wisdom lamp. “Literacy is the most precious gift that one can give to a fellow human being,” said Mr Mawandia, urging all to join efforts for achieving 100 per cent literacy in the country.

Ms Patel said that even the UN has declared that the concept of literacy needs to go beyond books and offer concrete and immediate benefits, like income generation, to motivate learners.

“Literacy is the key to a satisfying and productive life. We must help the underprivileged to acquire literacy and contribute to the nation’s development,” she said.

Ms Patel said on the occasion of the 52nd ILD street children were given notebooks and pencils by volunteers of Aarohan and given basic training by student volunteers.

Volunteers from the Lady Shri Ram College, board members of Aarohan and other luminaries participated in the event that included the staging of a “nukkad natak”. Painter Ganga Narayan Maharana, who hails from Odisha, painted the event’s colours on canvas to lend support.

NGO Aarohan works with impoverished children and supports their efforts to acquire literacy. “We ensure that no child gets dropped out of school and prepare them for better future. Regular academic support is provided to school- going children during after- school hours as per the needs of children,” said Shashi Sahai, an Aarohan functionary.