the inspiring story of an 81-year-old couple in Palakkad who aced their literacy exam from home, proving age is no barrier to learning
Palakkad: “My hands shake when I hold the pen. I wondered whether all this was really needed at this age… but when I wrote the letters, I felt happy,” says 78-year-old Lakshmi Amma of Anappara, Kottekkad, beaming after writing the literacy exam. Lakshmi wrote the exam from home along with her 81-year-old husband, Mani.
When writing the exam was mentioned, both of them had just one condition: they would not come to school to write. “We have back pain,” they said. Ward literacy motivator Jayanthi assured them that the exam could be written at home. After that, training classes were held at home under the supervision of their grandchildren, Rithul Ramesh and Rijul Ramesh.
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Finally, on Sunday evening around 4 pm, a team led by District Literacy Mission Coordinator Saji Thomas and Assistant Coordinator PV Parvathi reached their home at Anappara and conducted the exam for Mani and Lakshmi. They are the oldest literacy learners in the district.
On hearing about it, Mission Assistant Director Rashmi Anil, who was on a district-level visit, also came to Mani’s house. With family members and officials around, both of them began writing with great enthusiasm.
Though there was hesitation and slight trembling on seeing so many people, the officials lightened the mood with jokes and casual conversation. Once the ‘vibe’ set in, 81-year-old Mani picked up the pen and started writing.
Lakshmi Amma, who had been shy at first, also began writing her name. With Mani’s sons Ravindran and Ramesh, and daughters-in-law Rachitra and Jalaja standing by their sides, both Mani and Lakshmi grew more confident and excited.
Mani, who had earlier worked in a medical shop and later at a tea stall, has been resting for a long time due to breathlessness and age-related ailments. Lakshmi, who used to do daily wage work, has not gone out anywhere for over 10 years.
The exam was conducted by the District Literacy Mission as part of the New India Literacy Programme – ULLAS.
Published: 26 Jan 2026, 11:21 am IST
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