Kerala’s oldest learner, who handed the State Literacy Mission examination on the age of 105, died in Kollam district on Friday. Bhagirathi Amma was 107 years outdated and left behind an inspiring story of her ardour for studying.
Bhagirathi was awarded the Center’s Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2020 for her contribution in the direction of ladies empowerment. That yr, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised him within the Mann Ki Baat episode, saying: “He is a great source of inspiration and I respect him.”
Hailing from Trikkaruva village in Kollam, Bhagirathi had solely faint recollections of her faculty days – her formal training got here to an abrupt finish in Class 3 when she misplaced her mom and was burdened with the duty of elevating her youthful siblings . She misplaced her husband in her mid-thirties and was left with six youngsters to take care of.
Bhagirathi Amma together with her household. (File picture: Literacy Department, Kerala)
By the time Bhagirathi started attending literacy courses – on the encouragement of a literacy mission employee – considered one of her six youngsters and three of her 15 grandchildren have been lifeless. She was then residing with the fifth era of her household.
He handed class 4 equal examination, which had papers of Environment, Mathematics and Malayalam carrying 75 per cent marks. She was the oldest individual to clear it.
Literacy ‘motivator’ SN Shirley stated Bhagirathi had expressed her intention to check additional and even take part within the Literacy Mission program equal to Class 10.
Governor Arif Mohammad Khan condoling his loss of life stated that Bhagirathi confirmed willpower to develop into literate.
Hon’ble Governor Shri Arif Mohammad Khan stated: “Mrs. Bhagirathi Amma’s unwavering will to succeed in learning at the age of 105 was an inspiration to all who aspire to learn. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Their souls May be liberated”: PRO, Kerala Raj Bhavan (T2/2) pic.twitter.com/eW1DDmeRTJ
— Governor of Kerala (@KeralaGovernor) 23 July 2021
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that she was an inspirational character who stood as a logo of girls empowerment and literacy motion within the society.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
