The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Indian school girls on an outing in Delhi, India, pose for a tourist’s camera.

Despite India’s rapidly growing economy and increasing need for an educated population, the country with the world’s second largest population (1.19 billion, 2011) faces challenges in education, especially for females. On average, girls stay in school for only 10 years (primary to tertiary education) and males stay in school for 11 years. According to the 2001 census, the literacy rate in India stands at 64.84 per cent—75.26 per cent for males and 53.67 per cent for females.

The High Commission of India in Ottawa has declared 2011 as the Year of India in Canada. Celebrations to mark this event will offer Canadians opportunities to learn about India’s rich culture, to taste Indian food and to gather information about travelling to India. Events have been scheduled throughout Canada all through 2011. Visit www.hciottawa.ca for a list of events.