Karthyayani Amma, the iconic 101-year-old woman who made history by becoming the oldest learner under the Kerala State Literacy Mission, has passed away at her residence in the coastal Alappuzha district. The legendary learner had been bedridden after suffering a stroke and, sadly, she breathed her last on Tuesday.
The Alappuzha district administration has announced that Karthyayani Amma will be cremated with state honors, with an ADM visiting her residence in Cheppad village to offer a floral wreath.
Karthyayani Amma’s remarkable journey to literacy began at the age of 96 when she enrolled in the Kerala State Literacy Mission. Not only did she become the oldest student to participate in the ‘Aksharalaksham’ test, a fourth-standard equivalent examination, but she also achieved the highest marks among the 43,330 candidates who appeared for the test.
In recognition of her incredible dedication to learning, she received the Nari Shakti award from former President Ram Nath Kovind on Women’s Day in March 2020. In 2019, she was named a Commonwealth of Learning Goodwill Ambassador.
News of her passing spread on social media, where people from all walks of life expressed their condolences and paid tribute to her remarkable journey.
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan expressed his heartfelt condolences on Facebook, acknowledging Karthyayani Amma’s inspirational impact. “Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Smt. Karthyayani Amma, honored with #NariShaktiPuraskar for determination to learn and pass the literacy exam at the age of 96, inspiring many people to learn and to continue their education. May her soul attain mukti,” Governor Khan said.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan shared his memories of meeting Karthyayani Amma and her determination to study further and aim for a job even after passing the 10th standard.
Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly V D Satheesan recognized her as a testament to what one can achieve through determination and willpower.
State General Education Minister V Sivankutty paid tribute to her unyielding determination, while former Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala remembered her with a poignant Republic Day parade float.
Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed his condolences, highlighting her inspirational impact on those seeking literacy later in life.
Karthyayani Amma, a widow and mother of six from Alappuzha’s Haripad municipality, faced challenging circumstances, yet she became a beacon of determination by achieving literacy at the age of 96. Her remarkable story will continue to inspire generations to come.