Speaking after inaugurating a function organised by Jilla Loka Shikshana Samithi as part of International Literacy Day here, he said under ‘Sakshar Bharath’ programme, the Centre has selected districts where women literacy rate is less than 50 per cent and Mysore is one among the districts. The aim of this programme was to make every single woman literate in next two years. If blind beliefs and unhygienic practices are prevailing in society, it is because of illiteracy. It was a matter of regret that illiteracy still exists in the country even after six decades of independence and despite launching several schemes including free and compulsory education for all children up to 14 years of age.
Siddartha noted that illiteracy is more in rural areas than urban centres and need of the hour was to identify people who have no access to education system and educate them. Atrocities were taking place because of illiteracy.
The solution to all these social maladies is education. Ravindra Bhat, chief of bureau of Prajavani, Mysore who delivered a special lecture regretted that illiteracy among women is still high in the district even though the rulers of Mysore laid emphasis on education especially for women. There needs a change in the approach as far as teaching women is concerned. Awareness should be created by explaining the importance education to women.
Sheela Khare of the Rice Foundation who spoke on the subject ‘role of literacy in women empowerment’ said whatever development scheme that are formulating now had been formulated at international level. Although, their ancestors were not educated, they chalked out the programmes and ensured its success. She said seven agendas are being set at international level to take the country to the path of progress in 21st century.
They are elimination of poverty, universal education, gender equality, checking mortality rate among pregnant women and infants; and preventing deadly diseases like the HIV and AIDS.
Since India is a developing country, more stress should be laid on educating women illiterates.
ZP Vice-President Nandini Chandrashekar presided. Member-secretary, District Adult Education Officer Devaraj, Vasanthkumar, Jainahalli Satyanarayana, T C Visvesvaraiah and M R Anuradha were present.
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