Karthyayani Amma, Oldest Learner Under Kerala’s Literacy Mission Passes Away at Age 101 – News18

Karthyayani Amma, who attained the top rank in the state literacy mission’s flagship adult literacy programme Akshara Laksham at the age of 96 has passed away. She was 101 years old. She passed away at her home on Tuesday at 12 pm. She was bedridden for a year due to paralysis. Karthyayani Amma was the winner of the 2018 Narishakti award. She received the Narishakti Award from President Ram Nath Kovind in Delhi while studying in the fourth-level equivalence class. She was also selected as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, while expressing his condolences, said Karthyayani Amma was an inspiring role model for many people. “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,” posted the chief minister on microblogging site X.

She was not able to complete schooling as she worked as a domestic help. In 2017, she took the Akshara Laksham exam that was held at Kanichanellur LP School near her home. She later secured the first rank in the exam. Kartyayani’s mother also had the distinction of being the oldest literate student in the country.

She was appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador of the Commonwealth of Learning for the promotion of distance education among 53 member countries. Kartyayani Amma had earlier said that she wanted to get a job after passing class 10.