Jayalalithaa — the iconic actress and one of the strongest women politicians in Indian history — remains one of Tamil Nadu’s greatest leaders. She touched every domain with grace, intelligence, and an instinctive sense of purpose.
Apart from being celebrated as a gifted actor, young Jayalalithaa was also a brilliant student, a fact that many remain unaware of. Her academic journey features milestones that shaped her deep commitment to education as Chief Minister. Jayalalithaa won the State Gold Medal for topping the Class 10 exams in Tamil Nadu, a clear reflection of her exceptional academic brilliance.
At Church Park Convent in Chennai, she excelled in every sphere, whether academics, arts, or sports. She was a graceful Bharatanatyam and Kathak dancer, an adept singer, and a natural actor even in her school days. Fluent in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, and English, she was known for her eloquence and command of classical languages. As head girl, she carried out her duties with diligence and leadership that left a lasting impression on her teachers and peers.
After school, she earned a government scholarship for higher education and enrolled at Stella Maris College, Chennai, with plans to study law. However, life had other plans. At her mother’s request, she discontinued her studies to enter the film industry and support her family financially during difficult times.
Though her academic journey was cut short, it played a vital role in moulding her intellect and discipline — qualities that later defined her as a political leader. Her deep respect for education was evident in her policies as Chief Minister, where she made learning accessible, equitable, and empowering.
Jayalalithaa consistently championed quality education, skill development, and equal opportunity, particularly for children from marginalised backgrounds. Having experienced the loss of her own academic path, she worked to ensure that no child was denied education due to circumstance.
Her government launched several welfare programmes providing essential school supplies and infrastructure. To promote digital literacy, she distributed free laptops to higher secondary students, a landmark step in bridging the digital divide. She also introduced schemes that provided free uniforms, bags, notebooks, and geometry boxes to students in government schools. Recognising the challenges many girls faced in reaching school, she implemented the Free Bicycles Scheme to improve access to education.
Jayalalithaa also prioritised improving school infrastructure, launching projects for new buildings and smart classrooms across Tamil Nadu.
Among her most impactful initiatives was the Amma Education Loan Scheme, designed to help unemployed youth repay student loans and continue pursuing their dreams without the burden of debt. The introduction of the Amma Call Centre offered counselling and career guidance, transforming such support from a privilege into a right, giving every student a voice and direction. During her tenure in the 1990s, she also fortified the 69% reservation in education and employment, granting it legislative protection and ensuring continued inclusivity.
Jayalalithaa’s legacy extends far beyond cinema and politics. Her contributions to education reshaped the opportunities available to millions in Tamil Nadu. Her strong academic foundation became the cornerstone of her visionary policies. A brilliant student who understood the transformative power of learning, Jayalalithaa remains an enduring role model for future generations.