From 3rd grade dropout to aspiring author: Sathi Devi's journey

Sathi Devi, who had to leave school after the third grade, began her journey into reading at the age of 50, transforming her life in ways she could never have imagined. Living a humble life by raising goats, reading, and writing, her path to this life was ignited unexpectedly by fate. Her son, Radukrishnan, while a student at Kolathur Govt. High School, brought home a goat. This seemingly simple act opened the doors to a world of books and words for this mother. From there, Sathi Devi's love for reading blossomed during breaks when she went to graze the goats on the hill near her home. Starting with the simple task of reading letters at the age of 50 and by the time she turned 63, she had not only read thousands of books but also embarked on her own writing journey.

Now, Kolathur Kallali Komaveetil Sathi Devi is dedicated to writing her own book, with 50 pages already penned. This inspiring person from Kasaragod district have her name immortalized in the U.K. Kumaran’s short story Aadukale Valarthunna Vayanakkari, published in Mathrubhumi Weekly, where she was featured as the main character. However, the goats she once raised are no longer part of her life. After struggling with body aches and severe back pain, which made it difficult to climb the hill as before, she was forced to sell her goats last June for immediate treatment.

Her loyal pet dogs, Kaiser and Diana, who once served as the guardians of her goats, remain by her side, providing her with companionship as she continues her reading. She used to read during the breaks when the goats would graze, with Kaiser and Diana looking after them. Sathi Devi’s reading journey has been nurtured by the books from the T. Kunjambu Nair Memorial Library in Kallali. Her literary voyage began with Vaikom Muhammed Basheer’s Pathummayude Aadu, and since then, she has immersed herself in countless works, many of which were gifted to her by friends and authors. In turn, she has shared stages with many of the writers whose works she admires.

Once confined to a life of working as a wage labourer and making beedis (small, hand-rolled cigarettes), Sathi Devi’s world has now expanded into one filled with friendships born from her love of literature. She shares her reading experiences with Ilayamma Padi K. Bhavani of Thattanmoola and Nalini of Kaniyankund, both of whom consider her a source of inspiration. Recently, Sathi Devi visited her 76-year-old friend Bhavani, bringing along a book to read and share insights.

Now, Sathi Devi dreams of having goats again, hoping to return to the routine that once brought her so much joy — reading while her goats grazed. However, without the money to purchase new goats, she remains unable to fulfill this wish. If someone helps her buy a goat, she plans to climb the hills once again, resuming her beloved routine of reading and writing. Sathi Devi’s family consists of her husband, T. Ramakrishnan, a wage laborer, and her son, Radukrishnan, who works at a petrol pump.