It was her mothers prompting that women should be learned and financially independent that set Mariamma on the quest for higher education and academic achievements. After being a rank holder in SSLC, she completed her graduation from Lady Irwin College, New Delhi and masters from M.S.University, Baroda besides doctorate from Iowa State University, USA. Starting her teaching career as a reader in M.S.University, she went on to become Principal, UGC member and Vice Chancellor. After completing a 5-year stint as Vice Chancellor of S.N.D.T.University, Mumbai, she retired in 2001, only to become a consultant for NAAC in 2002.

As someone at the decision-making level of higher education in India, she is in a position to influence the future of academic courses. She insists that educational institutions provide forum for teacher-student interaction - especially for girl students - by arranging seminars, discussions etc.

She and her husband Cheeran Varchese have 2 children. Vivek Abraham and Mathew Abraham. Both are doing research in USA.

To her mother advice about learning and financial independence, Mariamma would add the following for the women of the present: they should have the will power to lead them through life.