Alappuzha: Veliyil Subhashini, a native of Mannanchery is on cloud nine after scoring 100 percent mark in Kerala Literacy Mission’s Good English Course. At the age of 70, Subhashini is happy to continue her studies which was interrupted during childhood.
“I am Subhashini,” she introduced herself in English with confidence. “Everything is God’s grace. If not, I would not have been able to study English and clear the exams,” said Subhashini.
She had passed plus two equivalency exam of the literacy mission before scoring 100 percent marks in Good English course. Interestingly, Subhashini is the oldest student who completed Good English Course in Alappuzha district.
Along with literacy classes, this 70-year-old -woman manages to continue vegetable and goat farming and works at her coir weaving loom.
School dropout at 7th standard
“Though I cleared the exams of 7th standard in 1963, I failed to join 8th standard due to the financial issues at my home. My father Gopalakrishna Panicker who was a soldier was imprisoned after participating in Punnapra-Vayalar revolt. He breathed his last at my young age. I am the youngest one among the 7 children at my home," said Subhashini.
“After father’s demise, our mother looked after us by doing manual labour. For continuing my studies after class 7, I needed to pay Rs 6.25 every month. It was a huge expenditure for my family. So, my mother used to console me that I will be allowed to continue my studies later. But that promise was never fulfilled,” she added.
Subhashini moved to Ambanakulangara after her marriage at the age of 23. For many years, she worked in coir industry and grass cutting. Later, she joined Kudumbashree and employment guaranteee scheme.
Decision to continue studies
“I realized the value of education while interacting with people during ADS activities. So, I joined the SSLC equivalency class in 2016. In 2018-19, I passed plus two humanities. Now, I cleared the Good English course too. Now, I have applied for ‘Pacha Malayalam’ course too. The classes will commence from April 10 onwards," Subhashini explained her plans.
Support to continue studies
On the first day of my SSLC exam, all in my family except husband Gopalan wereaffected with chickenpox. So, I was tensed that I will miss my exams. But literacy mission officials and my family supported me to attend the exams, said Subhashini.
Her granddaughter Krishnapriya, a calss 8 student, has been assisting her in the studies. Subhashini said that her husband, son Jayaprasad and daughter Kavitha motivate her to continue education.
