Overcoming Odds: K V Rabiya's Journey of Courage and Compassion
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In today's era, women often encounter significant encouragement to pursue new endeavours, a stark departure from historical norms. However, this wasn't always the case. Decades ago, a woman with disabilities hailing from Vellilakkad in Kerala's Malappuram district faced not only physical challenges but also societal prejudice in her aspirations to make a meaningful contribution to society.
Undeterred by obstacles, K V Rabiya, honoured with the Padma Shri for her social work in 2022, remained steadfast in her dedication to social welfare. Rabiya's notable involvement in Kerala's literacy campaign during the 1980s significantly impacted the progress of Malappuram. Her remarkable life and accomplishments have been acknowledged in academic curricula, including those at Calicut University, attesting to her enduring legacy.
M N Karassery, Malayalam writer, said Rabiya inspired countless people, especially women. “It has been over 25 years since she has been teaching. She began to educate people in the backward areas of the district. Malappuram was not so developed then… she ventured into pockets and educated the residents. The remarkable factor is that she is a specially-abled woman from the Muslim community. Now, literacy is a common thing and people barely talk about it. However, fighting the odds at that time deserves recognition. At a time when women in the Malabar region are fighting for equal inheritance rights and equal seats in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, remembering Rabiya is inevitable,” he said, as per the Indian Express report.
Struck by polio when she was just 14 years old, Rabiya summoned the courage to persevere with her education. In her translated autobiography, "Dreams Have Wings," Rabiya reflects on how the lively girl who once enjoyed climbing trees was profoundly affected by the onset of illness.
"I felt a tremor in my legs, a slow realisation creeping over me," Rabiya recalls. "I reassured myself that it was just a passing illusion. 'Nothing to worry about,' I whispered to myself." She recounts falling on her way to school as the polio first struck. Despite this setback, she managed to complete her 10th grade. Though she harboured ambitions of furthering her education after completing her pre-degree course, her physical condition confined her to the confines of her home.
Continuing her love for learning, the determined Rabiya delved into books with fervour. Eventually, she began offering tuition classes, affectionately earning the moniker 'children's Rabiyatha' (elder sister). Word of her teaching prowess spread, attracting students from distant locales. While she provided instruction free of charge to most, she modestly charged a nominal fee for those who could afford it.
In the 1980s, when the state government initiated the Literacy Mission, Rabiya eagerly desired to impart knowledge to her community. However, official instructors were required to possess a college degree or formal education.
Unexpectedly, a local instructor named Subair sought her assistance. With Subair preoccupied with exams, Rabiya assumed the responsibility of teaching the Mission's classes.
On June 17, 1990, she commenced her classes with just seven students. Soon, intrigued elderly women and housewives joined in. Rabiya recalled the challenges of persuading particularly women from her community to embrace education. She emphasised the significance of literacy and drew inspiration from figures like Abraham Lincoln, Kasturba Gandhi, and VT Bhattathirippad to motivate them. Gradually, the classes grew in size, and without pause, Rabiya dedicated herself to teaching them daily.
“My learners and I never liked to come second! We must come first – that was our motto. There were dark nights when we used to team up around a kerosene lamp, gearing up for such competitions,” Rabiya mentioned in her autobiography.
Rabiya devoted herself to teaching with unwavering dedication, earning recognition from then IAS officer Kuruvilla John. Reflecting on her teaching style in an interview with Indian Express, Rabiya said, "I was very strict...I insisted on perfection, striking down answers until my students wrote them impeccably." She recounted an examination where another instructor was astonished by the uniformity and neatness of her students' handwriting.
In her autobiography, Rabiya shared a story about how her passionate speech during a visit from bureaucrat John to her class resulted in the installation of road and electricity connections in the area, eventually leading to the naming of the road as Akshara Road.
She further contributed to the community by establishing a library in Vellalikkad and a separate reading room for women. This sparked her interest in various social activities.
Rabiya initiated awareness campaigns on women’s empowerment, infant mortality rates, and consumer rights. Her efforts led to the formation of Mahila Samajam, a group dedicated to supporting women from disadvantaged backgrounds. Additionally, she played a crucial role as the convener of Aksharasangham, a government initiative aimed at raising awareness about welfare schemes. Through her charity organisation, Chalanam, she continues to advocate for the welfare of disabled individuals through rehabilitation and training programs. Rabiya also founded six schools for disabled children.
Talking about challenges faced by specially-abled people, the 58-year-old woman said, “There should be reservations in jobs for the specially-abled. They should be able to avail the best treatment and more avenues of education. For those who are confined to home, resources and training should be made available in their houses. They should be equipped to gain skills and earn a livelihood. When a person faces adversity, they become stronger. If one loses both legs, then he or she uses their hands to move. When I am lying down, I am a bedridden woman. But, when I move into a wheelchair, I become a social worker. Still, I manage everything and continue to do my work.”
At the age of 38, Rabiya became paralyzed from the neck down after a fall in the bathroom. Prior to that, at 32, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment.
“I have endured all adversities by concentrating on education… I write books and do many other things to keep myself motivated,” concluded the social worker.
