Published: 11:54 PM, 12 September 2026
International Literacy Day: History, Tradition, Evolution and Variations of Literacy
Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain
1.
This joy of recognizing letters is basically the foundation of human civilization. It removes the darkness of ignorance and shows the way to light. Literacy is a unique and powerful tool in human life. The original source of the word literacy comes from the ancient Sanskrit word 'sakshar'. Its lexical meaning is a person who has knowledge of letters or knows letters. In the Middle Ages, the scope of this concept was limited. At that time, only people who could write their names were considered literate. However, this definition has changed a lot over time. In the present era, only recognizing letters is not the only criterion of literacy. Now the ability to understand is mainly considered its main foundation.
At the dawn of human civilization, the first writing system was developed in Mesopotamia. The Sumerians introduced cuneiform writing around 3400 BC. In that era, various symbols were engraved on clay tablets. This was the first formal form of literacy in human history. Hieroglyphic writing began to be used in ancient Egypt at about the same time. They used this writing to keep state and religious records. That ancient system is the basis of the modern writing system today.
UNESCO declared September 8, 1966, as International Literacy Day. Since 1967, this special day has been celebrated worldwide. The main goal of this initiative was to enlighten the world with the light of education. Its aim is to establish literacy as a fundamental right of every human being. The day comes every year with a different theme around the world. The theme of International Literacy Day 2026 is: “Kharavatdhapu Bharath Dhavaddhashava, (Literacy for people, planet and prosperity).
2.
The concept of literacy has undergone a revolutionary change in the twentieth century. Around 1950, only the ability to read was considered literacy worldwide. Later, the ability to write was seriously associated with it. In the 1970s, UNESCO introduced a new concept of functional literacy.
In the twenty-first century, the face of literacy has completely changed with the touch of information technology. Today, no one can be called fully literate simply by having traditional literacy knowledge. Along with this, it is now necessary to have minimum skills in using digital technology. The general knowledge of using computers and the Internet is being called digital literacy.
Many major steps have been taken internationally in the history of the literacy movement. In 2000, the United Nations Conference on Education for All set the goal of 'Education for All'. As a result, there was a momentum in increasing the rate of education in underdeveloped countries. Later, in 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs were announced. The issue of quality education has been included as its goal number 4.
3.
In ancient times, people used to express their thoughts by drawing pictures on the walls of caves. This was one of the most primitive and effective methods of human literacy and communication. Various signals and signs were engraved on stones. Later, the method of writing with sticks on soft clay tablets was invented. The Romans wrote with metal sticks on special tablets made of wax. These ancient methods were the earliest attempts to preserve human thoughts. This is how the development of human writing skills began.
In the Middle Ages, tree bark and animal skin were the main means of writing. Papyrus and parchment have been used as predecessors of paper for a long time. Books were prepared by hand using special ink on these materials. At that time, the method of writing books was very popular and traditional. Royal decrees and religious books were preserved in this way with utmost care. This method was expensive and time-consuming. However, it played a role in preserving knowledge.
After the invention of paper in China, a huge revolution took place in the literacy system. In 105 AD, Sung Lun invented the first modern papermaking method. Then in the fifteenth century, Gutenberg invented the affordable printing press. As a result of this invention, book production became very easy and much more affordable. It became much easier to reach the light of education to the common people. This development of the printing system rapidly increased the literacy rate around the world.
By the middle of the twentieth century, the institutional classroom system had become widespread. The use of chalk, duster and blackboard became a familiar form around the world. The alphabet was taught through direct interaction between teacher and student. This traditional method was the mainstay of education for a long time. Through this, crores of people were freed from the curse of illiteracy. This method was unique in creating social order and a collaborative learning environment. Its effectiveness is still appreciated worldwide.
In the present modern era, electronic learning or e-learning method has become very popular. It is now possible to learn the alphabet through computers, tablets and smartphones. Various educational apps and multimedia projectors are now being used in classrooms. As a result, learning has now become much more interesting for children. Distance learning method has also become much easier through internet connection. This modern scientific method has opened a new horizon in the spread of education.
The ancient Inca civilization had a unique system called 'quipu'. They kept complex calculations by tying knots in different colored threads. The distance and color of each knot expressed different meanings. This was a unique and exceptional literacy without any script. Through this system, they stored state messages and census information. Modern researchers call it a special ancient coding system. It is known as a wonderful and amazing example of human intelligence.
The Braille system is a great and revolutionary discovery for the education of blind people. In 1824, Louis Braille invented this special writing system. It uses different arrangements of six high dots on paper. Blind people can read and write effortlessly with the touch of their fingers. This exceptional system has brought light to the lives of millions of people around the world. As a result, disabled people are also contributing to the mainstream of society today.
There is also a special type of literacy system based on hearing and speaking. This tradition is especially seen among some tribes in Africa. They remember history through complex rhymes, songs and stories. This knowledge is transferred from one generation to another orally. They preserve their traditions without any written form. This oral literacy method reveals the power of human memory.
Currently, the method of acquiring literacy through games or games is quite popular. Educators call it 'gamification' or a game-based learning method. Children are now happily learning languages through various video games. By passing different stages of the game, the knowledge of letters is fully matured. This is an excellent and modern alternative to traditional rote learning.
Learning by seeing different elements of the environment is called environmental literacy or eco-literacy. Indigenous people learn a lot by seeing plants, rivers and changes in nature. They can read the language of nature which is not found in ordinary books. This is a kind of exceptional and life-oriented realistic literacy method. This knowledge helps people to live in harmony with nature. This literacy is essential to ensure a sustainable environment in the modern era.
4.
The history of literacy in Bangladesh is very old and quite rich. In ancient times, education was provided through tolls and pathshalas in this country. Gurumashais used to teach students to recognize and write letters by making marks on the ground. At that time, much emphasis was placed on oral education. In the 19th century, modern institutional education spread during the British era. Since then, modern education has mainly replaced the traditional system.
After independence, the Constitution of Bangladesh in 1972 emphasized mass education. Article 17 clearly mentions the issue of free and compulsory education. In 1991, primary education was made completely compulsory in the country. As a result, the enrollment rate of children at the grassroots level increased significantly. In 2001, an organization called the Bureau of Non-Formal Education was formed. This organization is working for the education of dropouts and elderly people.
5.
Literacy not only spreads the light of education, but also eliminates poverty. The economic prosperity of a country directly depends on the literacy rate. An educated population can easily use modern agricultural and industrial technology. As a result, national productivity and per capita income increase significantly. The role of literacy in increasing health awareness is also unique and immense. It directly helps in reducing maternal and child mortality. Therefore, literacy is one of the main keys to social development.
In current scientific research, literacy is called a complex process of the brain. A special part of the human brain is activated while recognizing and reading letters. This helps in developing human thinking and logical intelligence. After being freed from the darkness of illiteracy, people find a new world. It plays a role in keeping human nervous skills active and healthy throughout life.
In conclusion, it can be said that literacy is not just a festival or day. It is an absolute path to freedom of thought and overall liberation of people. Starting from primitive cave paintings to the transformation of today's modern digital age. During this long journey, the literacy system has improved a lot. There is no alternative to it in building a progressive and non-discriminatory society. Let us all work together to build a beautiful world free from illiteracy. Only then will the main objective of International Literacy Day be meaningful and successful.
Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain is an
essayist and an anti-narcotics
campaigner.
