Assam Native Overcomes Odds, Excels in Kerala's Inclusive Education System

In 2025, Ashadul Haq, a 24-year-old migrant worker from Assam, stands as a success story of Kerala's inclusive education system. Seven years ago, Haq, then just 17, had dropped out of school after Class VII due to economic hardship and left home with little hope for education, only the desire to earn a living.

However, Kerala's proactive literacy initiatives have transformed Haq's life. After joining a hotel job in Aryanad, Haq spent six months immersing himself in the Malayalam language, encouraged by the local ward member and a literacy instructor. He then enrolled in the Changathi (Friend) literacy program under the Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority, designed specifically for migrant workers.

Today, Haq not only completed the Class X equivalency exam but also attempted the higher secondary equivalency course. His fluid Malayalam and confidence are a testament to Kerala's inclusive educational frameworks. In a celebratory video, Haq expresses his gratitude, saying, "What I never received in Assam, Aryanad panchayat, the Literacy Mission and the Kerala government have given me."

Haq's journey is a testament to the power of education and the transformative impact of Kerala's proactive approach to literacy. With his family still back home, Haq hopes to continue his studies, driven by the dignity and opportunities Kerala has extended to him.