“Karthyayani Amma’s remarkable life journey from illiteracy to topping literacy exams is a testament to the indomitable human spirit.”

In the world, where stories of triumph over adversity inspire and amaze, one name stands out – Karthyayani Amma. Her life, which spanned over a century, was a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Her story, one of determination and resilience, captured hearts and minds alike. In a society where education is often associated with the young, her journey was an extraordinary exception.

Born around 1922, Karthyayani Amma lived an ordinary life, defined by the extraordinary circumstances she found herself in. She was not privileged with the opportunities many take for granted, like going to school. Instead, she took on the role of a mother and worked as a domestic helper and cleaner to support her six children after her husband’s passing in 1961. Yet, the thirst for knowledge never left her.

In 2018, Karthyayani Amma found her chance to chase her dream of literacy. Inspired by her daughter’s achievement in passing an examination at the age of sixty, she embarked on a journey of learning. It was her time to shine, to break the shackles of illiteracy that had confined her for years. She enrolled in the Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority’s Aksharalaksham (“Million Letter”) program, alongside more than 40,000 other eager learners. She was the oldest among them, but age was just a number for her.

Karthyayani Amma’s passion and dedication shone through as she tackled the subjects of reading, writing, and mathematics. When the results came in, she stood as a shining example of what the human spirit can achieve. She scored a remarkable 98 out of a possible 100 marks. Her modesty showed when she remarked, “I learned so much for no reason. The tests were way too easy for me.” But her success was a testament to her unwavering spirit and the power of determination.

Following her extraordinary achievement, Karthyayani Amma became a national sensation. She was showered with recognition and honors from all corners. Film star Manju Warrier celebrated Diwali with her. The Keralan education minister, C. Raveendranath, gifted her a laptop, and the chief minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, presented her with a certificate of merit. Her fame reached international heights, and in 2019, she became a Commonwealth of Learning Goodwill Ambassador.

The pinnacle of her journey came in March 2020 when she was honored with the prestigious Nari Shakti Puraskar award. President Ram Nath Kovind himself presented her with this award, a recognition of her unwavering spirit and a celebration of the power of education and determination. This award was the crowning achievement of a woman who, in her own words, learned so much “for no reason.” Karthyayani Amma’s story didn’t just inspire those in her native India but resonated with people worldwide. Renowned chef-writer Vikas Khanna directed a critically acclaimed documentary called “Barefoot Empress,” chronicling her incredible journey. Her remarkable life also led to an illustrated children’s book by Khanna, titled “Barefoot Empress,” which continues to inspire children globally.

Karthyayani Amma’s journey serves as a beacon of hope for people of all ages, proving that it’s never too late to pursue knowledge and realize dreams. She shattered the boundaries of age and circumstance, reminding the world that education is a lifelong journey, and determination knows no limits.

On 10th October 2023, India mourned the loss of this remarkable soul. Karthyayani Amma, the woman who showed the world the transformative power of education, passed away at the age of 101. Her legacy lives on as a symbol of unwavering determination, inspiring generations to come. In the words of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, “Her demise is a significant loss to our literacy movement, which helped shape modern Kerala.” Her journey will forever be a shining testament to the potential of the human spirit.

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