Thiruvananthapuram:An inspiring figure and poster girl of Kerala's adult literacy programme, Karthyayani Amma, passed away at her residence in Cheppad, Alappuzha, at the remarkable age of 101 in the early hours of Wednesday.
Amma came to limelight in 2018 by becoming the oldest learner, at 96 years old, to successfully clear the Aksharalaksham literacy examination, where she achieved an impressive 98 marks out of 100, finishing at the top among the 40,363 candidates who participated in the examination.
Expressing condolences on her demise, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday recalled meeting her after she won the award and indicating her desire to study further and get a job after clearing the 10th standard.
"Deeply saddened by the passing of Karthyayani Amma, who made history by becoming the oldest learner under the State Literacy Mission. She served as an inspiring role model for many, showing unwavering determination to pursue education despite challenges. Her demise is a significant loss to our literacy movement, which helped shape modern Kerala. Heartfelt condolences," Kerala CM posted on X.
Hailing from Muttom near Cheppad in Alappuzha, Karthyayani Amma's extraordinary journey in the field of education began in her later years. Her dedication and determination to achieve a remarkable feat in literacy was truly inspiring. Not only did she achieve academic success, but she also exhibited a desire to further her knowledge by expressing interest in learning about computers through the Literacy Mission.
In recognition of her exceptional achievement, the Kerala government presented Karthyayani Amma with the prestigious Nari Shakthi Award. Moreover, she was appointed as the Commonwealth Learning Goodwill Ambassador, highlighting her remarkable efforts in promoting distance education within the 53 member states.
In a heartfelt gesture of encouragement, former education minister Prof. C. Raveendranath visited Karthyayani Amma's home and gifted her a laptop, to make her aspiration of learning easy.
Karthyayani Amma's accomplishments were celebrated at a national level, including a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, marking a momentous occasion. Her inspiring journey of determination and will was acknowledged during the Republic Day parade, where a float in her honour as the Nari Shakti award winner was featured.
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