Minister M B Rajesh Visits Centenarian Digital Learner

Kochi: Kerala Local Self Government Department (LSGD) Minister M B Rajesh on Monday visited M A Abdullah Moulavi, a 104-year-old man who recently became digitally literate through a state government programme, calling him the "hero of the real Kerala story'.

Minister M B Rajesh presents a smartphone to Abdullah MoulaviA native of Asamannoor panchayat in Ernakulam district, Moulavi has shown that age is no barrier to learning. "Maulavi is Kerala's pride. He is the hero of the real Kerala story," Rajesh told reporters. He added that achieving digital literacy at this advanced age demonstrates exceptional willpower and determination, and highlights Kerala’s journey toward becoming the first fully digitally literate state in India.

Moulavi is among nearly 22 lakh people in the state who have gained digital literacy through the path-breaking "Digi Keralam" programme. His son, Faizal, said his father now selects his favourite social media reels and watches important news on YouTube independently, thanks to the training.

With 99.98 per cent of participants achieving basic digital skills under the initiative, Kerala is on the verge of being officially recognised as India’s first fully digitally literate state. Launched on September 22, 2022, by the LSGD, Digi Keralam follows the model of Kerala’s 1991 total literacy campaign. The programme identified digitally illiterate individuals through a survey and trained them in skills ranging from basic smartphone use to accessing government services online.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will formally declare Kerala as fully digitally literate at a function at Central Stadium on August 21, officials said.