Kariveppil Rabiya, Literacy activist
It might be God’s own country, but it is run by men and women. Kerala’s 100 per cent literacy rate wasn’t a gift from nature, it was made possible by the efforts of its people. One such person is Keriveppil Rabiya. She had to face the first impediment when her legs began to give away when she was in school. Not just her education, even her future was uncertain, but that did not stop her from learning or spearheading the adult literacy programme in Malappuram district, that revolutionised the entire state. Rabiya’s mission began in June 1990 when she began a campaign for adult literacy for illiterate people of all ages near her locality. Her drive gained popularity with the entire illiterate population of Tirurangadi backing her by attending her classes. Though the enormous work she undertook deteriorated her physical condition, she continued with her drive, garnering support from both the public at large and the authorities. Rabiya also started a voluntary organisation called Chalanam that was at the forefront of the universal literacy campaign in Kerala. It runs six schools for the disabled and for mentally challenged children. Rabiya also participated in the Akshaya: Bridging the Digital Divide project that made Malappuram the first e-Literate district in India.