Karthyayani Amma, the poster woman of Kerala's adult literacy programme, passed away in Kerala. She was 101 years old at the time of her death. Karthayayani Amma, who attained top rank in the state literacy mission's flagship adult literacy programme at the age of 96, passed away after being bedridden for a year due to paralysis.
She also scored the highest marks in the 'Aksharalaksham' test, a fourth standard equivalent examination. Karthyayani Amma is also a winner of Narishakti Award and she got the award from President Ram Nath Kovind In Delhi. She was the oldest candidate among the 43,330 people who took the test. She became a Commonwealth of Learning Goodwill Ambassador in 2019.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said, "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," he said.
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State General Education Minister V Sivankutty also condoled the death of Karthyayani Amma. "Amma, who grew up under circumstances where she could not study and became literate at the age of 96, is a symbol of determination," the minister said.
Karthyayani Amma, a widowed mother of six from Haripad municipality in Kerala, supported her family by sweeping the streets near temples in her village.