Learning does not end when we complete academic degrees. It’s a continuous process that starts from our birth and it comes to the end at last breath. More over learning is not only a thing that we learn in classrooms but also lifelong learning is about enriching our minds, refresh our skills, and changing to see the world around us. At age of 97, Kerala’s Karthyayani Amma is a Commonwealth of Learning Goodwell Ambassador. Her learning and methods are found in the Commonwealth of Learning Member States worldwide. This is proof that there is no age gap or limit for those who are interested in learning.

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HOW SHE ATTAINED THIS?

Commonwealth of Learning is a Canadian inter-governmental organization. It aims to promote its 5 countries. The Vice-President of the organization had met Amma. Previously, she had not had a chance to go to school. The test was administered by the Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority. she scored 38 out of 40 for writing, 28 on 30 for mathematics. And 30 out of 30 for her reading test. At this age, she has achieved her educational qualifications with her full strength and hard work. It is a celebration of inspiration for people of all classes. Her achievement is inspired to all young people.

The Kerala State Literacy Mission conducts various levels of testing for people who cannot afford schooling at the right time. when the Literacy mission teacher came to collect data about illiterates, at that time she expressed her willingness and urge to learn. Karthyayini Amma enrolled in the literacy mission, she passed the literacy mission course which is equivalent to 10 the class informal education. She is now learning English.

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AMMA’S EARLY LIFE.

During those days school education was a dream to her. She dropped her school at the age of 12. she was married at 13. Amma’s life was not a Bed of Roses. Although a mother of six children. Widowed at an early age. In addition, she had the biggest responsibility for raising children. After the death of her husband in order to bring her children, she worked as a helper at temples – washing vessels and sweeping. If we determine to reach goals, nothing is an obstacle. Her enthusiasm inspired all youngsters as well as old people. She has an interest in computer learning, whenever she sees his grandson.

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SHE WAS AWARDED THE HIGHEST CIVILIAN AWARD.

98-year-old Karthyayani Amma, a native of Alappuzha, received the Union government’s Nari Shakti Puraskar, a national award to recognize exceptional work for women empowerment for the year 2019 in Delhi on Women’s day. She was awarded by the President of India Mr. Ramanath kovind. When she is interacting with the prime minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi, she expressed her desire to study further. Karthyayani Amma had scored the first rank in the ‘Akshara-laksham’ equivalency exam organized by Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority., After clearing the Class 4 and Class 8 equivalency exam, is all set to give her class 10. In the initial stage, her grandchildren and daughter helped her to read but later once she learned Malayalam she started reading and writing without the help of others.

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AMMA’S LIFESTYLE.

She had not gone to the hospital once and had not taken a single tablet once. She doesn’t use even a reading glass. She washes her own clothes. and cleaned the courtyard of her home every day. Self motive and healthiness make her gain something in her life. It’s from her deep spirit of learning, she is recognized by the Commonwealth of learning. She gets up at 6 am in the morning and have black coffee. Her disciplined life and zeal for learning have inspired everyone. Even Literacy Mission officials are happier with Karthyayani Amma’s passion for learning at her old age. We could complete the academic studies but the learning doesn’t complete ever. Life is full of learning.

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LAST WORDS.

Learning is not restricted to classrooms or university or whatever. It’s a practice, part, and parcel of our daily life. Learning keeps us more updated in changing the world. Never stops learning because life never stops teaching us. . But there must be a learning mind and willingness as Karthyayini Amma has. The facts we learned in every situation of life will never be void. We need to transform ourselves into new knowledge in these rapidly changing circumstances.