Kuttiyamma, a 104-year-old woman from Kerala’s Kottayam district, scored 89 out of 100 in the Kerala State Literacy Mission exam. The literate exam was conducted in the Ayarakunnam panchayat of the district. Notably, Kuttiyamma has never attended any school. She can only read but cannot write. Kuttiyama was taught how to write by being a literate inspirational person.
Kerala Education Minister V Sivakutty lauded Kuttiyamma’s achievement. He tweeted, ‘104 year old Kuttiyamma from Kottayam has secured 89/100 marks in Kerala State Literacy Mission exam. Age is not a barrier to enter the world of knowledge. With utmost respect and love, I convey my best wishes to Kuttiyamma and all other new learners.”
Classes were conducted in the morning and evening at home for Kuttiyamma. After clearing the exam, she is eligible to appear in class 4 examinations. Kuttiyamma was married off at the age of 16. Her husband TK Konthi worked at an Ayurveda shop and passed away in 2002. Their children are Janaki, Rajappan, Gopalan, (late) Gopi and Ravindran. Kuttiyamma is currently living with her son Gopalan. The Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority is funded by the state government and aims to promote literacy, continuing education and lifelong learning for all citizens. At present, it offers equivalency programs for classes 4th, 7th, 10th, 11th and 12th.