THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has condoled the demise of the country's oldest literacy teacher Karthiyani Amma. At the age of 96, Karthiyani Amma participated in the Aksharalaksham scheme implemented by the Literacy Mission and secured the highest marks. ‘Karthiyani Amma received the Nari Shakti award while studying in the fourth level equivalence class. She had told the chief minister her desire to study further. Karthiyani Amma had said that she wanted a job after passing the tenth. There was confidence and determination in her words. Even after receiving the Nari Shakti Award, she had gone to meet the chief minister in person. She was an inspiration to hundreds of women who, regardless of their age, volunteered to do so when she got a chance. Karthiyani Amma is the pride of Kerala. ‘We have lost an exemplary personality through his demise,’ said the chief minister in his condolence message.

Ramesh Chennithala said that Karthiyani Amma, who participated in the Aksharalaksham project of the Literacy Mission at the age of 96 and secured the highest marks, was an epitome of determination unworried by age. Chennithala informed that he is deeply saddened by the passing away of Karthiyani Amma, who was also a native of Haripad, his constituency, who is a perfect example that anything can be achieved with indomitable will.

Karthiyani Amma passed away on Tuesday night in Alappuzha Muttam Chittoor Padeetttam. She was bedridden for quite some time due to stroke. Karthiyani Amma was an inspiration to the nation for securing the first rank in the Aksharalokam exam of the Saksaratha Mission.