Ageism is stereotyping of people on the basis of their age and limiting their goals, activities and possibilities. Many old people are themselves “ageists” having bought into the negative stereotypes of old age after a lifetime of internalizing limiting concepts on age. It is in this context that we derive immense inspiration and energy when we hear about the 96-year old from Kerala who studied and passed an exam to qualify herself as “literate”.
Kerala is the state with the highest literacy rate in India. As part of their continued efforts to push towards 100% literacy, the government of Kerala conducts an exam called “Aksharalaksham” which is the equivalent of 4th standard for declaring those passing that as fully literate.
Karthyayani Amma, aged 96, from Alappuzha district, became the latest graduate of the Aksharalaksham program, scoring 38 out of 40 in writing and 100% in reading and mathematics. What is amazing is that she is reading and writing at her age, without using glasses.
Karthyayani Amma had never attended school in her younger days and had worked as domestic help to support her family. She was inspired by her daughter Amminiamma, who at the age of 51 years cleared the 10th standard exam after studying with the help of continuing education classes. Now Karthyayani Amma also aims to take 10th standard exams and is confident of clearing it.
Her story is an example of strength and determination and a positive attitude that defies society’s stereotypes and limitations.
