Meet Thaikkatt Annamma of Kottayam celebrating 104 years of an extraordinary life

Kottayam; Born a quarter of a century before India gained independence, Thaikkatt Annamma has lived an extraordinary 104 years without ever wearing footwear and never having watched a movie. Since the country opened its doors to freedom, she has celebrated her birthday alongside the nation on every August 15. This year, as India marked its 79th Independence Day on Friday, Annamma, a resident of Malloossery in Chungam, celebrated her 104th birthday.

Her life alone is awe-inspiring, but discovering two more remarkable facts about this centenarian will leave everyone in deep admiration. Despite never having watched a movie, Annamma acted in a documentary at the age of 96. And her performance in the film earned her an invitation to the New York International Film Festival in the documentary category!

The documentary, `Chemanna Petti', was shot in 2016 by businessman Pius Scaria Potenkulam and narrated the story of the Indian postal system. “When I was living near Chungam, Annamma was my neighbour. I decided to cast her after seeing her beautiful smile and innocence. She transformed completely won wearing the traditional costume comprising chatta and mundu, with earrings atop her ears, ” recalled Pius. He added that the jury had cited her stellar performance as a key reason for the documentary’s selection at the New York Film Festival.

`Chemanna Petti' went on to win several awards at both national and international levels. Even in her later years, Annamma remained industrious. Until she turned 100, she used to make brooms from coconut leaf midribs, which her relatives sold for household use in countries including the US and the UK. She also excelled in braiding coconut leaves.

Born in Chengalam, Annamma moved to Malloossery at the age of 13, holding her husband Chacko’s hand. Her husband, T K Chacko, passed away at 94. Annamma is survived by her children: T C Sunny, Mathew Jacob, T C Thomas and Moly Jacob.