Illiteracy is not merely the absence of reading and writing skills; it is one of the most persistent
barriers to human development, social equity, and economic progress. Across centuries and
civilizations, the ability to read and write has determined access to knowledge, participation in
governance, opportunities for employment, and the overall quality of life. Yet, even in the modern
world—despite technological advancement and unprecedented access to information—millions of
people remain excluded from the basic tools of literacy.
This book, Illiteracy in India and the World, is an attempt to explore this global challenge in a
comprehensive and structured manner. It examines illiteracy not as an isolated educational issue
but as a deeply interconnected phenomenon shaped by history, culture, economics, politics, and
technology. By situating illiteracy within these broader contexts, the book seeks to provide a
clearer understanding of why it persists and how it can be addressed effectively.