Karthyayani Amma, the remarkable Indian woman who captured the nation’s heart by achieving top marks in a literacy examination at the age of 96, has left an indelible legacy. Born around 1922 in Cheppad, Haripad, Travancore, India, Karthyayani Amma led a life of extraordinary resilience and determination.
As a child, her educational journey was cut short due to the demands of work. Despite facing adversity, she married and raised six children, working diligently as a street sweeper and maid. Her unyielding spirit and commitment to education remained steadfast throughout her life.
In 2018, Karthyayani Amma resided at the Laksham Veedu Colony, a social housing facility for the elderly. Her inspiring journey into literacy was triggered by her daughter’s accomplishment, who had passed an examination at the age of sixty.
In August 2018, she embarked on a remarkable journey by participating in an examination as part of the Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority’s Aksharalaksham (“Million Letter”) program. The test, encompassing reading, writing, and mathematics, was undertaken by 40,362 individuals. Remarkably, she was the oldest candidate in her district, a testament to her unwavering determination and thirst for knowledge.
During the examination, Karthyayani Amma achieved an astounding score of 98 out of a possible 100 marks, securing the top grade. Her humility was evident when she commented on the ease of the test: “I learned so much for no reason. The tests were way too easy for me.”
Her remarkable accomplishment catapulted her into the national spotlight, drawing attention from various corners of society. Renowned film star Manju Warrier paid her a visit during Diwali, and she was honored with a laptop by C. Raveendranath, the Keralan education minister. Pinarayi Vijayan, the chief minister of Kerala, presented her with a certificate of merit.
Karthyayani Amma’s ambition continued to soar. She aspired to pass the next level examination at the age of 100, showcasing her insatiable thirst for learning.
In recognition of her extraordinary journey, Karthyayani Amma was appointed a Commonwealth of Learning Goodwill Ambassador in 2019. Her achievements reached a pinnacle in March 2020 when she was bestowed with the Nari Shakti Puraskar 2019 award, presented by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind. It was her first flight experience, and she took solace in the reassuring words of a former awardee, M.S. Sunil, in the days leading up to her flight to the Presidential Palace in Delhi.
This indomitable spirit inspired not only those around her but also filmmaker Vikas Khanna, who created a documentary called “Barefoot Empress” to chronicle her extraordinary journey and unwavering determination.
On October 10, 2023, Karthyayani Amma passed away in Alappuzha, Kerala, at the age of 101. Despite her physical departure, her story and legacy of resilience, determination, and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge continue to inspire generations to come.
Karthyayani Amma is survived by her six children and leaves behind an enduring legacy as an exemplar of what can be achieved through determination and a lifelong commitment to learning.