Granny embarks on a literacy mission

Bespectacled, Aanjanamma's face is marred by wrinkles reflecting the many summers she has seen and the number of vagaries she has braved in the life and yet determined to bring about a change.

Working on a dream

Fondly called ‘Sakshara Ajji’ (literate grandmother), Aanjanamma teaches alphabets to children and other people alike. Aanjanamma dreams of building a literate nation and is contributing in her own ways to improve literacy among people.

It has been 15 years since she started teaching alphabets and her determination is as solid as she started. She conducts classes in morning and in evening.

Born into a humble family of Bailamma and Hanumanthappa on May 16, 1932 in Doddaballapur, Aanjanamma has studied only till standard V. After her marriage Aanjanamma shifted to Chintamani. She has five daughters and a son. Interestingly, Aanjanamma lives independently and is not dependent on any of her children.
Aanjanamma embarks on her teaching passion after completing all the daily chores all by herself.

When asked how she developed a passion for teaching others, the grandmother recalled that in the year 1987 she had attended a meeting of ‘Aksharatene’ and was deeply influenced by it. Aanjanamma said that she was motivated to teach illiterate people.

Aanjanamma has not only motivated the drop outs take up studies but has also guided many children to perform well in studies.

She would meet the principals of the children who have performed poorly in academics and would help them in improving the child’s performance.

“The I peace derive by teaching is unparalleled,” she said. Aanjanamma has also been responsible for the good health of many children by providing them treatment at government hospitals. She also spreads awareness about education even when she is visiting a relative.

Literary achievement

Aanjanamma’s humble education has not stopped her from embarking on the field of literature. She has penned many poems and bhajans and has recited them at many literary events. Aanjanamma proudly recalled that it was she who thought alphabets to her mother-in-law.

Awards

Recognising Aanjanamma’s contribution many awards have come her way. She was felicitated by District Literacy Committee in 2004 during the Kuvempu’s 100th birth anniversary. Aanjanamma has been felicitated by Kannada Sahitya Vedike, Readers Forum, Taluk National Festival Celebration Committee, Human Rights Commission and other organisation.