K.V. Rabiya
| Photo Credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN

K.V. Rabiya, a village woman who empowered hundreds of illiterate men and women with education despite being confined to wheelchair for life, passed away at her home at Vellilakkad, Tirurangadi, on Sunday (May 4, 2025) morning. She was 59.

Known as the “ambassador of literacy movement”, Rabiya defied adversity her entire life. She illuminated countless lives with the power of knowledge. In her later years, she was bedridden and received palliative care at Almas Hospital, Kottakkal.

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).

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 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.

Her organisation, Chalanam, continues to influence the region, particularly through a women’s empowerment programme that mobilised 60 neighborhoods before initiatives like Kudumbashree gained popularity.

The village of Vellilakkad also benefited from her efforts, gaining facilities like roads, power and water supply.

She was widely hailed as a champion for the underprivileged. Some cultural leaders even drew parallels, suggesting she would have been considered for sainthood if she were Christian.