Dreams have wings

Rabiya, the shining symbol of Kerala literacy, who fought against fate through words has bid adieu to the world. The 59-year-old Padma Shri awardee had to finally concede defeat in her battle with cancer the other day. Although she was paralyzed by polio while studying in the ninth grade, she completed her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees with an unwavering spirit.

Rabiya gained attention all across Kerala in the nineties when she became a front-runner in the literacy movement. Her zest for better education despite being a paraplegic inspired many illiterate people to think otherwise.

There are fewer roads in the rural sector of Kerala that Rabiya has not travelled. She set up a spacious library in her own home, took tuition for children and even delivered books to every home in the village. She paved the way for women's empowerment by making reading compulsory among women. She also led self-employment initiatives and was at the forefront of development activities in the country.

Rabiya Foundation Trust was formed to provide relief to the homeless. Rabiya's Pain and palliative care and her work for society remain unparalleled. Despite health trying to roadblock many initiatives, Rabiya surpassed and survived all challenges with a smile.

Recognitions including the UN Award for Best Literacy Worker, the State Government's Vanitha Ratnam Award, the State Literacy Award, and the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development Award came Rabiya's way for her yeoman’s work.

Despite the laurels and recognition, an idyllic life was farfetched for Rabiya, who was repeatedly haunted by health scares. After narrowly surviving cancer at the age of thirty-two, she fell in the bathroom and injured her spine. Rabiya was then completely bedridden for several years before cancer knocked on her doors again for one final time.

One can soar like a phoenix through willpower, without being constrained by limitations. This message would best suit what Rabiya did for society. Her autobiography, "Dreams Have Wings," vindicates it. Rabiya’s contribution to Kerala was monumental and will forever be etched in history.