The saying that age is just a number has been proved right by this 105-year-old lady from Kerala, Bageerathi Amma, who appeared for a class IV history exam. Thus, she became the oldest learner of the Kerala State Literacy Mission.  The grandmother, who belongs from Parakulam in Kollam district of Kerala, has six children and 16 grandchildren.

Amma had to stop her education when she was nine in Class 3 as she had to take care of her younger siblings. But her yearning to continue studies remained unfilled. But not anymore. It was with the help of officials of the Literary Mission who helped her to achieve her lifelong dreams.

CK Pradeep Kumar district co-ordinator of State Literary Mission said, “The exam started on Sunday and finished yesterday. She is a real motivation for others who want to learn.” The Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority is an autonomous institution under the General Education Department, Government of Kerala.

She currently stays with her youngest daughter, Thankamani Amma (70) and depends on financial support from her eldest son Thulasidhara Pillai (84).

The program aims to develop literacy skills through continuing education, provide chances of each and everyone interested in learning, enable the learners to make use of their learning in their daily life and ensure Secondary-level education to the whole of Kerala. The main beneficiaries of this programme are illiterates, neo-literates, school drop-outs and those interested in life long education.

Source: ANI