#OldestScoresHighest: Scoring 98%, 96-year-old woman tops Kerala literacy exam
Proving that age is no barrier for learning, a 96-year-old woman has secured highest marks in a literacy examination held in Kerala. Karthyayani Amma, the oldest candidate who appeared for the 'Aksharalaksham' program of the State-run Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority, scored 98 marks out of 100. The nonagenarian is a native of Cheppad village of Haripad in Alappuzha district.
She scored full marks in Maths and reading
As a token of recognition for her achievement, Karthyayani received the 'Aksharalaksham certificate' today from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. She scored 38 out of 40 in writing, and full marks of 30 each in Mathematics and reading, said P S Sreekala, Mission Director. She has become a role model for thousands who wish to be a part of the literacy programs, Sreekala added.
'Aksharalaksham' program to now join hands with local bodies
Sreekala explains that the present phase of the initiative has covered 2,000 wards in Kerala. "In the next phase, we're planning to join hands with local bodies and expand the program," she said, adding the aim of the Literacy Mission is to make the state fully literate in four years. According to the 2011 census, there were around 18.5L illiterates in the state.
99% candidates cleared the literacy exam
Aksharalaksham is one of the flagship literacy programs of the LDF (Left Democratic Front) government to achieve 100% literacy in the state. Of the total 43,330 candidates, who appeared for the test, 42,933 candidates have cleared the examination across the state, Sreekala noted.
The mission had tested reading, writing, mathematics skills of candidates
The 100-mark initiative had tested the reading, writing and mathematics skills of the candidates. To pass the exam, one should secure at least nine marks out of 30 in reading, 12 out of 40 in writing and nine out of 30 in mathematics. Those who have cleared the examination can now enroll the fourth standard equivalency course of the Literacy Mission.
Highest number of winning candidates from Palakkad
Palakkad has the highest number of winning candidates, a whopping 10,866, followed by Thiruvananthapuram at 9,412 and Malappuram at 4,065. To wipe out illiteracy completely, the Mission has chalked out several programs, especially among the marginalized groups like tribals, fisherfolk and slum dwellers.
