IS THIS LITERACY WE ARE BOASTING ABOUT?
In India, we have our own standards to measure literacy. States are vying with each other to reach on top in paper. Since long the state of Kerala is on top with about 96.2% literacy followed by Delhi (88.7%), Uttarakhand (87.6%), Himachal Pradesh (86.6%), Assam (85.9%) and Maharashtra (84.8%) on top of the list.
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The parameter for literacy now is, one should know to read and write ones own name. To start with it is good, but this standard should not remain for ever. This is LKG standard. We must review this every two years and raise this to the next level. In our case it is UKG. Next levels should be Class I, II, III and so on. We must have a minimum target of Plus II. If we can progressively achieve this, the next generation can call themselves literates.
The parameter for literacy now is, one should know to read and write ones own name. To start with it is good, but this standard should not remain for ever. This is LKG standard. We must review this every two years and raise this to the next level. In our case it is UKG. Next levels should be Class I, II, III and so on. We must have a minimum target of Plus II. If we can progressively achieve this, the next generation can call themselves literates.
South Korea with 97.9% in 2024 is the most literate country in the world. In 2022 70% of the population of South Korea between the age of 25 and 34 reached graduation level. In India this is 10.6% (2017-18). In rural India it is only 5.3%. Canada, Japan, Luxembourg, Ireland and UK are on top of the list.
What we are doing is not acquisition of knowledge but show pieces to decorate ourselves. Let us get out of this mythical concept. Literacy should be recognition, understanding, knowledge and wisdom. Without these there is no meaning in proclaiming that we are the most literates in the country.
KV George
KV George
kvgeorgein@gmail.com
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