NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday mourned the death of KV Rabiya, a distinguished social worker from Malappuram, who passed away at a local hospital on Sunday after a brief illness. She was 59.
Affected by polio at the age of 14, Rabiya continued her education from home, confined to a wheelchair, but refused to let physical limitations hinder her mission.
In June 1992, Rabiya, a prominent figure in Kerala’s literacy movement, launched an adult literacy campaign in Tirurangadi, near her native village of Vellilakkad in Malappuram district. Her unwavering efforts enabled hundreds of people to embrace literacy, transforming lives across generations.
In recognition of her contributions to social work, Rabiya was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2022. She had earlier received the national youth award from the ministry of human resource development in 1994, marking her first national recognition. Over the years, she was also the recipient of numerous accolades from the Kerala government and various social organisations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned her passing and said, “Pained by the passing away of Padma Shri awardee, KV Rabiya Ji. Her pioneering work in improving literacy will always be remembered. Her courage and determination, particularly the manner in which she battled polio, was also very inspiring. My thoughts are with her family and admirers in this hour of grief.”
In her commitment to social change, Rabiya founded a volunteer organisation named Chalanam (meaning “motion”), which focused on continuing education, health awareness, and the rehabilitation of physically challenged individuals. Even after being diagnosed with cancer in 2002, she underwent chemotherapy and returned to her activism with renewed strength.
In 2009, she penned her autobiography titled ‘Swapnangalku Chirakukal Undu’ (Dreams Have Wings), chronicling her journey of resilience and service.
