New Delhi [India], September 8 (ANI): AAP national convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday extended greetings on International Literacy Day, asserting that literacy is the single best tool to break the cycle of poverty and subsequently create a brighter future. 

In a post on X, the AAP Convener stressed the necessity of universal education, highlighting that every child must have access to quality education, regardless of their economic background. 

'Happy International Literacy Day. Literacy is our single best tool to break the cycle of poverty, reduce unemployment, and create a brighter future. Every child should have access to quality education, irrespective of their economic background, giving them the power to compete and win,' said Kejriwal. 

Meanwhile, Congress president and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge praised the theme for the 60th International Literacy Day, "Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity," emphasising that education forms the bedrock of an empowered society and a sustainable future. 

In a post on X, the Congress chief lauded the Right to Education Act, 2009, noting that the landmark law significantly expanded access to education across India, while asserting that delivering quality education with a dedicated focus on learning outcomes represents the nation's next challenge to be conquered by the country.

'Kharge further reiterated his party's pledge to double the education budget and increase public expenditure on education to 6 per cent of the country's GDP, placing enhanced focus on technology-driven learning and skill development. 

'The theme of the 60th International Literacy Day, "Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity," reminds us that education is the foundation of an empowered society and a better future. The transformative Right to Education Act, 2009, expanded access to education across India. The next frontier must be quality, with a sharper focus on learning outcomes. The Congress party remains committed to doubling the Education Budget and raising public spending on education to 6% of GDP, with greater emphasis on technology-enabled learning and skill development. On #InternationalLiteracyDay, we reaffirm our resolve to invest in education and empower India's aspiring youth to shape their brighter future,' said Kharge. 

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Pawan Kalyan also extended greetings on the occasion of International Literacy Day,  emphasising that literacy serves as the fundamental power to enable individuals to comprehend and shape their own future. 

'Literacy is not just the ability to read and write. It is the power to understand, to think, to question, to create and to shape one's own future. On International Literacy Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every child, every young person and every adult has the opportunity to learn, grow and participate with dignity in society. As we mark the 60th anniversary of International Literacy Day, this year's theme, "Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity," reminds us that literacy is a foundation for inclusive societies, sustainable development and shared prosperity. From the classroom to the digital world, empowering people with knowledge is one of the strongest investments we can make in the future of our Nation. An educated mind can transform a life. Empowered minds can transform a Nation. My heartfelt greetings to everyone on International Literacy Day,' said Pawan Kalyan. 

Former Union Minister of Civil Aviation Praful Patel also extended his greetings on International Literacy Day, calling for concerted efforts to encourage education across all sections of society.

'On the occasion of International Literacy Day, let's encourage education for everyone around us, young and elderly, to ensure that the foundation of our future society is built on a strong sense of literacy. For a strong foundation shall ensure that the future is bright, self-reliant and prosperous,' said Patel. 

International Literacy Day is celebrated globally every year on September 8 to highlight the value of education in building a fair, peaceful, and sustainable world. The year 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of its official declaration by UNESCO in 1966. The official theme is "Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity". (ANI)