Kerala's pioneering literacy advocate K.V. Rabiya passes away
K.V. Rabiya, 59, a village woman who empowered hundreds of illiterate men and women with education despite being confined to wheelchair for life, died at Tirurangadi on Sunday (May 4, 2025) morning. She received palliative care at Almas Hospital, Kottakkal, for a month before passing away at her sister's home at Mamburam, Tirurangadi.
Known as the 'ambassador of literacy movement', Ms. Rabiya defied adversity her entire life. She illuminated countless lives with the power of knowledge.
Ms. Rabiya was celebrated as Kerala's Aksharaputri (meaning 'daughter of letters') for her pivotal role in the State's total literacy movement. Despite being wheelchair-bound due to polio since age 14, she taught hundreds of people, spanning ages 8 to 80, as part of the literacy movement.
In 1994 she founded Chalanam, an organisation that drove social transformation for thousands in her native Vellilakkad village and beyond. Its pioneering women's empowerment programme mobilised 60-odd neighbourhoods even before initiatives like the Kudumbashree became popular.
Ms. Rabiya founded schools for physically challenged children while also promoting libraries and women's empowerment. Her efforts brought essential infrastructure to Vellilakkad village, including roads, power and water supply.
She fought against social injustices and mediated in family and social disputes, earning her both admiration and adversaries.
Ms. Rabiya's remarkable work earned her widespread recognition, including the prestigious Padma Shri in 2022. Her earlier accolades included the National Youth Award (1993), Kannagi Sthree Shakti Award (1999), UNDP Award (2000) and Joseph Mundassery Award (2010).
Challenges and resilience
Ms. Rabiya's life was marked by significant challenges: polio left her unable to walk at 14, breast cancer led to a mastectomy at 32 and a spinal injury confined her to bed for over 25 years. She also battled gastrointestinal and lung issues for over a decade and survived two COVID-19 infections, which left lasting effects. She finally succumbed to cancer, bringing an end to her remarkable yet challenging life.
Her inspiring story of resilience has entered into school textbooks. Though the literacy movement she spearheaded more than two decades ago has slowed, its impact still persists.
Ms. Rabiya wrote an autobiography titled Swapnangalkku Chirakukalundu, which translates to Dreams Have Wings in English. Some cultural leaders even drew parallels, suggesting she would have been considered for sainthood if she were Christian.
Her body was brought to PSMO College, Tirurangadi, where people from different walks of life paid their last respects to her. She was buried with State honour at Naduvil Juma Masjid graveyard, Tirurangadi, in the evening.
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