Karthyayani Amma, Kerala’s oldest learner who topped in state’s literacy mission test Aksharalaksham, no more at 101

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Became the top scorer at the age of 96

Karthyayani Amma being awarded by then President Ramnath Kovind. (Wikimedia Commons)

She became the top scorer in the state literacy mission’s flagship adult literacy programme, scoring 98 out of 100 marks in the exam that tested writing and mathematical skills.

The nonagenarian, hailing from Cheppad village in Alappuzha district, was the oldest among the 43,330 candidates who appeared for the test.

She worked as a domestic helper and cleaner and had never been to school. Her husband died in 1961. Her daughter Amminiamma, also a school dropout, inspired her mother to join the classes.

Karthyayani Amma with Malyalam actor Manju Warrier. (Supplied)

She also received the Nari Shakti Award from former president Ram Nath Kovind on Women’s Day in March 2020.

In 2019, she became a Commonwealth of Learning Goodwill Ambassador.

Chef-writer Vikas Khanna directed a critically acclaimed documentary on the inspirational story of Karthyayani Amma and an illustrated children’s book on her remarkable life journey.

Barefoot Empress, the title borrowed from the documentary, has been published by Bloomsbury.

Related: A book for children on ‘Barefoot Empress’ Karthyayani Amma

‘An inspiring role model’

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.

“There was confidence and determination in those words,” Vijayan said in a Facebook post.

He also posted a condolence message on the social media platform X where the CM said that Karthyayani Amma served as an inspiring role model for many through her unwavering determination to pursue education despite challenges.

“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.

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 widow and mother of six hailing from Alappuzha’s Haripad municipality in Kerala, swept the streets outside temples in her village to bring up the children.

(With PTI inputs)