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| Karthyayani Amma, Muttam, Alappuzha |
Age is just a number for anyone with the will to achieve. This was amply proved by 96-year-old Karthyayani Amma of Muttam, Alappuzha who topped the literacy exam of Kerala, Aksharamuttam, by securing 98% marks.
Karthyayani Amma, who took to sweeping in a local temple for a living could not afford to study during her younger days. But her thirst for knowledge came to the fore when her youngest daughter cleared the literacy exam at the age of 60.
A vegetarian, she has not visited any hospital all these years except for an eye surgery.
She received her certificate from Chief Minister at a function in Thiruvananthapuram.
Later, the District Collector of Alappuzha visited her home and presented her a pen as token of appreciation. She was initially curious about the gadget, but soon realized its real worth. And Karthyayani Amma immediately took out a sheet of paper and penned a complaint to the District Collector about the drinking water problem in her neighbourhood. Not to lag behind the nonagenarian in prompt action, the District Collector immediately telephoned the Kerala Water Authority engineer and directed him to do the needful.
Karthyayani Amma had understood the use and power of literacy.
Earlier she had surprised many by her statement that she intends to study further up to graduation so that she could obtain a job. She further expressed her urge to learn computer in her ‘spare time’.
Courtesy: The New Indian Express, November 1, 2018
