Slices of Kerala Life

Thrissur: The cultural capital of Thrissur is all set become 100% e -literate soon, with the akshaya project gaining momentum through the various centres operating all across the state. People from all walks of life and social strata are included in its fold. The second phase of the project would include MS office package and Intel learn programme for school students.

In the year 2007, Annamanada Grama Panchayat became the first e-literate panchayat and Kunnamkulam the first e-literate municipality. Another feather was added to the Cap of Thrissur when Chettichal was named the first e-literate village devoid of any  alcoholics in the whole of Asia. The e-literacy drive is targeted to cover almost all sections of the society from policemen to jail inmates, fishermen and head load workers.

Tribals living in remote hamlets such as Anappantham, Kadikadavu and Erappanpara among others will be covered in this literacy drive. The best part is that people have endorsed this programme by ensuring mass participation to help this district bag the coveted title of the first e-literate district in Kerala.

This people friendly programme has cut across all barriers including physical impairments and handicaps, to make it one of the most popular drives in the history of Thrissur. A 102 year old woman, Ponnara became the oldest e-literate person while enthusiastic students like Vinod, who cannot speak nor hear has become e-literate through sign language, with the assistance of his wife.

It shows the sheer determination of the participants and the mass appeal of this programme which has percolated right into the grass root levels of the society. Akshaya e centres have been started in tea estates and deep interiors to cater to tea estate workers of Malakappara in Athirappilly panchayat and tribal families living there.

Akshaya project is fast grabbing international attention as well. Recently a 25-member strong Srilankan delegation visited the Akshaya centre here to know more about this project. Kerala is all set to become a 100% e-literate State- another milestone for this progressive State.