Kerala - Thrissur   

Over 4,000 attend class four equivalency test

— Photo: K.C. Sowmish

Together to knowledge: Xavier, 76, and his wife Pushpa, 66, appear for a fourth standard equivalency course examination, conducted by the State Literacy Mission, at a centre in Kolazhy near Thrissur on Thursday.

THRISSUR: As many as 4,298 candidates in the district took their examinations on Thursday under a three-month course (‘Athulyam') conducted by the Kerala State Literacy Mission that was equivalent to fourth-standard studies, according to the latest official figures.

193 centres

There were 193 examination centres. Mattathur panchayat had the largest number of candidates (912), according to latest figures. The candidates appeared for written tests in ‘Nammalum Chuttupadum' (social studies), ‘Ganitham' (mathematics) and Malayalam language.

Viva voce

Viva voce tests in English and local-specific topics were also conducted.

Ammini, 87, of Pandallur in Chovannur grama panchayat, was the oldest candidate.

“Elderly people showed keen interest in taking their tests. They wanted to compensate for the opportunities they lost in their childhood,” said Saji Thomas, coordinator of the District Literacy Mission.

Many panchayats had provided slates, pencils and spectacles to those who joined for the course.

Eight inmates of the Viyyur Central Jail too sat for the examinations.

Scenes at many centres evoked curiosity. Siblings were seen exchanging notes during last-minute preparations, and aged women getting help from their children and daughters-in-law in tackling examination blues.

Elderly couples were seen at many centres.

Among them were M.S. Krishnan, 75, of Nadathara and his wife Sarada. At a centre in Kolazhy, Xavier, 76, and his wife Pushpa, 66, were the cynosure of all eyes.

‘Athulyam' course was launched in the district in November.

The District Literacy Mission chose to conduct the course in 14 grama panchayats.

Results on May 7

The results of the examination are expected to be released on May 7. Those who fail the examination may appear for a re-test to be conducted later.

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