Overview

• K.V. Rabiya, a champion of Kerala’s literacy movement, died on May 4, 2025, at the age of 59 after a brief illness.
• Rabiya, who was paralyzed by polio at 14, overcame significant health challenges, including cancer and spinal injuries, to lead impactful social initiatives.
• She founded the Chalanam Charitable Society in 1992, focusing on adult literacy, women’s empowerment, and the rehabilitation of differently-abled individuals.
• Her contributions earned her numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 2022 and the National Youth Award in 1994.
• Tributes poured in from Kerala’s socio-political leaders, recognizing her as a symbol of resilience and a transformative force in education and community development.