Mariyumma Maliekkal: Kerala's Pride for Women's Learning and Social Unity

By Afroz Khan, New Age Islam 29 September 2025 Maliekkal Mariyamma, born in 1925 in Kerala, defied conservative norms to pursue English education. Facing harassment, she persevered, becoming a champion for women's education and empowerment. She fought social evils like dowry, promoted harmony, and left a lasting legacy until her death in 2022. Main Points: 1. Mariyumma defied conservative norms to learn English in 1938. 2. Faced harassment but persevered with family support. 3. Championed girls' education and adult literacy programs. 4. Established self-help groups for women's financial independence. 5. Fought dowry and promoted social harmony. ----- "She always stood with progressive forces and emerged as an icon of secularism," Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said these words about Maliekkal Mariyamma. Maliekkal Mariyamma was born in Kerala in 1925. Her father's name was O.V. Abdullah, and mother's name was Manjumma. O.V. Abdullah was a learned man, fluent in six languages, and a respected religious scholar and leader of the Muslim community. He, along with his wife, actively participated in the Khilafat Movement. O.V. Abdullah enrolled his daughter Mariyumma in an English convent school. In today’s context, this might not seem like a significant step, but in 1938, this decision was regarded as highly courageous. During that era, within Muslim society, learning only the Arabic language was permitted and studying any other language faced opposition. Initially, Mariyumma struggled with the English language, but her father arranged tuition for her, and within a short period, Mariyumma mastered the English language. She Said “Having studied in a Malayalam-medium school in the lower primary section, the English language troubled me awfully in the initial days,” Mariyumma was the sole Muslim girl among 200 students at Sacred Heart High School, Thalassery. Her pursuit of English education led to numerous challenges for her. While speaking about this in her interview, she shared that when she used to walk to school, people along the route would harass and insult her greatly. When Mariyumma visited her aunt’s house for lunch, people in the vicinity would throw stones at her. To resolve this ordeal for his daughter, Mariyumma’s father arranged for her meals to be provided at the school itself. The school management also extended full support and provided her with a separate room for prayer. Mariyamma’s father, O.V. Abdullah, and her grandmother, Puthiyamaliyakkal Kunhachumma, were her rock-solid support, giving her the courage to tackle the difficulties in her education. They stood like a protective shield between the conservative society and their daughter’s pursuit of learning. In 1943, Mariyamma successfully cleared the fifth grade through the English medium, a significant achievement, as during that era, the fifth grade was considered equivalent to today’s tenth grade. As Mariyumma grew older, her social work also widened in scope. Mariyumma became the torchbearer of Kerala’s progressive Muslim community. She spearheaded numerous campaigns to promote formal education for girls and put in tireless efforts to ensure their enrolment in schools. She also initiated adult education programmes for women, offering those who missed out on education in their childhood a second opportunity to learn. Besides focusing on women’s education, Mariyumma set up self-help groups to provide them with employment opportunities and encourage community participation, empowering them to develop skills and become self-reliant. These self-help groups served as a platform for women, enabling many to achieve financial independence. Through Mariyumma’s efforts, women not only acquired financial skills but also contributed financial support to their families. These groups also acted as hubs for women to sharpen their skills. Mariyumma always took an active role in addressing women’s issues. The dowry system, a widespread curse in Indian society, has ruined the lives of countless women. She also spearheaded movements against this social evil and motivated people to steer clear of it. Mariyumma also worked tirelessly to promote social harmony by rooting out discrimination prevalent in society. Her entire life was devoted to the service of society. Mariyumma’s home, ‘Tharavadu’, was a bustling centre of social activities, and eminent personalities like K.P. Keshava Menon, Panampilly Govinda Menon, and A.V. Kuttimalu Amma were regular visitors. Mariyumma delivered a speech in English at Mananchira in Kozhikode in the presence of a distinguished leader like Sheikh Abdullah. She passed away on August 5, 2022, at the ripe old age of 95. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on her demise, “We have lost a towering figure who left an unforgettable mark on the history of Thalassery. Overcoming the shackles of conservatism, she mastered English and became a beacon of inspiration for others. She fought tirelessly for the education rights of Muslim girls. Always a progressive soul, she was also a symbol of religious harmony. Her passing has cast a pall of grief over a generation and a region.” Mariyumma was a prominent and influential figure in Kerala. She was a leading light in women’s empowerment. She faced numerous challenges in her pursuit of education and, having become educated, worked relentlessly for the education of other women. She campaigned vigorously against social evils, provided self-employment opportunities to many women, and dedicated her life to building a more equitable and just society for all. Her contributions will continue to inspire generations to strive for social justice and empowerment. ---- Afroz Khan is a teacher by profession, focusing on writings about women and Islam. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/mariyumma-maliekkal-kerala-women-social-unity/d/137017 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism