Age is just a number when the desire to learn remains alive. Karthyayani Amma from Kerala proved this with an extraordinary achievement. After being deprived of education as a child due to poverty, she became a student again in her 90s and, at the age of 96, topped a state-level literacy examination with an impressive 98 out of 100 marks.

Karthyayani Amma was born in 1922 in Cheppad in Kerala’s Alappuzha district. Poverty prevented her from attending school during her childhood. She spent much of her life working in households and cleaning temples to support her family.

She was married at a young age and went on to raise six children. Yet, her desire to learn never disappeared.

Her daughter, Amminiyamma, became a major source of inspiration. Amminiyamma had also discontinued her education as a child but later returned to learning through continuing education classes and successfully cleared an examination equivalent to Class 10.

Seeing her daughter’s achievement, Karthyayani Amma gained confidence and decided to pursue education herself. Her determination was simple: if her daughter could do it, why couldn’t she?

A Remarkable Achievement at 96

In 2018, Karthyayani Amma appeared for the Aksharalaksham literacy examination conducted by the Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority.

She was 96 years old at the time.

The examination tested candidates in reading, writing and mathematics. Karthyayani Amma stunned everyone by scoring 98 out of 100 marks.

She secured the first rank among 40,363 candidates who appeared for the examination. She scored 38 out of 40 in writing and secured full marks in reading and mathematics.

Her achievement quickly became a national inspiration.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan personally congratulated her and presented her with a certificate. Then Education Minister C. Raveendranath also met her and gifted her a laptop.

But Karthyayani Amma did not stop there. She later successfully completed an examination equivalent to Class 4 conducted by the Kerala State Literacy Mission.

From Literacy Student to National Inspiration

Karthyayani Amma’s extraordinary journey soon attracted national attention. She was selected as a Commonwealth of Learning Goodwill Ambassador.

In March 2020, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, she received the prestigious Nari Shakti Puraskar from then President Ram Nath Kovind in recognition of her determination and contribution to the cause of education.

Her story also found a place in Kerala’s tableau highlighting women’s empowerment and folk traditions.

She Passed Away at 101

Karthyayani Amma passed away on October 10, 2023, at the age of 101. She had been bedridden after suffering a stroke.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his condolences and described her as a pride of Kerala, noting the inspiration she had provided to countless women.

A Life Lesson for Generations

Karthyayani Amma’s story is about much more than scoring 98 marks.

She never had the opportunity to attend school as a child. Yet, decades later, she picked up a book, became a student at the age of 96 and topped the state-level examination.

Her life carries a powerful message:

It is never too late to learn. Age may limit opportunities, but determination can create new beginnings.

Though Karthyayani Amma is no longer with us, her remarkable journey continues to inspire generations.