Kerala's oldest student Bhageerathiyamma, 107, passes away

Kollam: Leaving behind her strong passion towards letters and learning, Keralites’ own grandmother Bhageerathiyamma (107), who is known in the title ‘Aksharamuthassi’, passed away. She was also the senior most student of Kerala Literacy Mission’s equivalency examination.

Bhageerathiyamma of Nand Dham house at Prakkulam in Kollam was in a critical condition due to geriatric issues.  She died at 11.55 pm on Thursday in her house. The funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Friday.

Bhageerathiyamma had to abandon her formal education after third standard and resumed her studies as part of the Literacy Mission after her 100th year. She was the winner of the ‘Nari Shakti Award’, the highest honour given to women in the nation. 

She had passed Class IV Equivalency Examination with 75% marks and also scored 100% marks in Mathematics. In February last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Bhageerathiyamma through the ‘Mann ki Baat’ programme for her achievement. She passed away without fulfilling her desire to pass 7th standard and attend 10th standard examination. Also, she wished to meet actor Suresh Gopi in person.

Bhageerathiyamma was born in 1914 in Prakkulam, Kollam district. After her mother died, she had to drop out of school at an early age as she had to take care of her younger siblings. She passed the equivalency test with a score of 205 out of 275 at the age of 105. She proved that age is not a barrier in learning.