The conference is hosted by Laura Bush and supports programmes of literacy across the globe.

One of the panelists at the New York Public Library was Krishna Mohan Rao (below), deputy director, directorate of adult education, government of Andhra Pradesh.

Rao, along with speakers from Afghanistan, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkino Faso, Egypt and Mali presented models of literacy.

He has worked out a system whereby in the space of 42 days he was able to teach rural Telugu women in East Godavari district basic proficiency in reading. The ability to read helped them gain other skills quickly and gain economic self-sufficiency.

Photograph: Paresh Gandhi