September 8 was declared by UNESCO as International Literacy Day. The day was declared on 26 October 1966 at the 14th session of UNESCO's General Conference and was celebrated first in 1967. It aims to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society. 
Visit Global Centre for Development of Whole Child for details
Theme of International Literacy Day
"This year’s International Literacy Day will be celebrated worldwide under the theme, Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces and will be an opportunity to rethink the fundamental importance of literacy learning spaces to build resilience and ensure quality, equitable, and inclusive education for all" (UNESCO).
Literacy
Literacy is the ability to read, write, speak and listen in a way that lets us communicate effectively and make sense of the world.
According to UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), the global literacy rate for all people aged 15 and above is 86.3%. The global literacy rate for all males is 90.0%, and the rate for all females is 82.7%. According to the 2011 Census, the average literacy rate in India stands at 74.04%. While Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India at 93.91%, Bihar has the least literacy rate in India of 63.82%.
See the literacy infographic below