A 96-year-old woman begins 1st grade | 'Barefoot Empress' Presented by Dr. Deepak Chopra

A 96-year-old woman in a Kerala village pursues her lifelong dream of getting an education. Having never gone to school, she must start at the beginning...first grade.
BAREFOOT EMPRESS
Executive Producer: Dr. Deepak Chopra
Director: Vikas Khanna
Producer: Doug Roland
Inspired by director Vikas Khanna’s own grandmother who was not given an opportunity at an education, Khanna has partnered with non-profit Leap to Shine to use the film to raise funds in service of providing high quality education for girls in underserved communities in India. To date, BAREFOOT EMPRESS has helped rehabilitate eleven classrooms in India, with many more on the way.
Speaking about the film, Dr. Chopra said, “Barefoot Empress carries a universal message of hope and perseverance that has the power to move viewers, and the momentum to impact the lives of thousands of girls in India.”
The film is produced by Academy Award nominated filmmaker Doug Roland.

[@barefootempress]

Thank you for taking the time to watch our film. Feel free to ask us any questions here. And please share the film with others 🙏

[@rashmi_r3]

Its Awesome🙌 Thank you for this magic sharing with us...🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤❤🙌

[@barefootempress]

@@rashmi_r3 thank you 🙏

[@nikitasharma6713]

Thankuu so much team Especially to Bindu aunty on whose demand we are fortunately able to feel this beautiful documentary… Hats off to Amma.. Really touched soul

[@ourworld4we]

Why only targeted sabarimala!!nit about any mosques , for the sake of Muslim women's who are supressed community.who will raise their touge

[@veenaaneesh2220]

Super. Ariyathe kannu nanaju poyi

[@RaashiKulkarni]

Honored to have composed the music for this inspiring documentary. 🙏🏽

[@asifgalachar7429]

U've created masterpiece , music when amma gave her final exam is exceptionally composed. Haven't heard anything like this ever. Big congratulations to you and my fav. Chef , and pure soul Mr. Vikaas Khanna !

[@LIFEYouOnlyLiveOnce]

You have done justice 🙏👍🌹❤️

[@ppj9834]

Thank You Raashi

[@Lover_1431]

💚💜💛❤️♥️💙

[@barefootempress]

Forever grateful!

[@rijutabagchi]

"It is okay that I can't enter God's home, but God enters my home every day" This line shook me to the core. Thank you Amma for inspiring thousands. We are grateful to you. #chefvikaskhanna thank you! Thank you BarefootEmpress for making us witness her journey and be inspired!

[@deepalishirgave2642]

Thank you Team Barefoot Empress for making this documentary...Salute to Amma .

[@barefootempress]

Thank you for your love and support for Barefoot Empress.

[@ourworld4we]

Why only targeted sabarimala why there are not showing women's entrance to mosque as men?????politics matters.,religion matters.,funding matters.,white washing matters

[@PrakritiPandey0208]

Its 2 am & am weeping like anything 😭 Amma is a Goddess & I am blessed to see her story

[@marinedrive9409]

Very touching words by Amma. "I can't enter place of God. But he is welcomed to enter at my home everyday". A great inspiration for dignity of women and that everything is possible if we strive hard for it. Also such a great state of Kerala giving opportunity for literacy to all. One day we hope all states attains 100pc literacy in which people of all age and background are empowered and encouraged for learning.

[@theresaaloysius273]

When we think life ends at 30 this woman proves that all wrong ❤

[@prajaktabagde4532]

Amma is truly inspirational. I salute her will power and guts. Tears were rolling down my eyes throughout the documentary. Thank you Vikas Khanna for making this heart touching documentary. 😊

[@jayeshpatil9231]

She has innocence and resolve of a child. 😊 It was moving to see her uphold her faith despite her experiences. 🙏

[@IAmMakaylaMcIntosh]

I forget how much we take education for granted, especially women. It's a miracle that without education, she could run a household as a widow with 6 children. What amazing strength and trust. She's an inspiration and a reminder to not take things for granted.

[@barefootempress]

Every aspect of Amma's life is an inspiration and learning for all of us. Thank you.

[@anupritapawar9934]

This is phenomenal 👍🏻. It's example of the saying "Age is just a number" for those who dream and want to achieve something. Thank you Vilas Khanna and group for making the world meet this amazing inspiring Amma. Kudos 🙌🏼

[@barefootempress]

Nothing is impossible where there is a will.

[@pawanpreetkaur7651]

Wow .. such a great inspiration for those who give up their studies just because of bad conditions of their homes

[@er.anusaxena]

Heart touching Documentary!!! Cried and felt motivated at the same time… Thank you for making such wonderful piece of work 🙏🏽

[@barefootempress]

Amma's story is so inspiring and motivating. So much to learn from her.

[@zvigier]

Basically we have no excuse when it comes to improving and growing your soul. So happy for her. Her humility level is at 1000.

[@Sam-_004]

It's okay that i can't enter God's home but God comes my home every day This quote just given me goosebumps 🥰 Exceptional effort by Amma💜

[@barefootempress]

Yes, Sameer, such beautiful wisdom from Amma

[@inspirationalgurus3168]

Yes it gave me goodbumps as well. What wisdom and humility! Feeling humbled🌷💐

[@GayatrisCookingClub]

what a masterpiece i m in tears what an inspiration and motivation and hard work and what a thought to bring this to everyones notice by making such a wonderful film a big salute to the entire team and a very big salute and thankyou to @Vikaskhanna sir for making this wonderful movie 🙏

[@barefootempress]

These are the unsung heroes whose stories need to be told more often.

[@shivammanchanda8774]

Amazing. Literally cried till the end..

[@Vhs888]

I never see this type of hardwork and determination in anyone...... Great inspiration to all...god is always with you,all the best grandma🫂

[@katciemiega7499]

As a fellow filmmaker, what a wonderful material and shots! Well done for introducing such a wonderful and inspiring human. I cried.

[@umamarthandan1824]

Inspirational Amma...Inspiring documentary... !

[@cfctz1665]

Age is never a barrier for learning. This story is truly inspiring for mankind and a lesson that will echo for the coming years that a modest beginning can be made at any age. Our sincere appreciation for #chefvikaskhanna for sharing this inspiring story that resonates with #india's mission #sakshartaabhiyan, education for one and all.

[@barefootempress]

Absolutely agree. Barefoot Empress is a movement for education of girls.

[@itsvarsha]

Such a beautiful film/rather message by Chef Vikas Khanna. Amma is really an inspiration for everyone at any age. Age is just a number, she just proved it ....would love to watch again...🙏

[@nithyanandnagmanagh5435]

Wow...proud to be keralite.. congratulations to her...Amma rocks...women power...very good movie...

[@ladishawsingh]

No words, Truly Inspired.. 🙏🏻 Rest in Peace Amma.. ❤

[@kuttysanaasar]

Wonderful attempt to highlight learning is not restricted to age... Its a process and can happen at any stage of life...

[@ashukusum4260]

A very encouraging movie . Thank you so much Vikas ji

[@NoMeWithoutYou1]

What a truly inspiring woman! I bow my head to her. Thank you to the team that put this together. It was succinct and impactful with careful attention to storytelling, beautiful videography and evocative music.

[@barefootempress]

Thank you for your kind words of appreciation.

[@bhartibhandari8709]

Excellent movie by excellent Human being excellent chef

[@rajeshgopalwikr8518]

Beautiful Film, Truly inspirational ❤

[@singhamit8451]

Brilliant.. Outstanding .. heart touching and inspiring documentary . 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@anujaagarwal5791]

Lovely. This is a real life hero story

[@momson.....2458]

Getting tears in my eye,I don't know why....in this young age I am trying but satisfying my self with bloody reasons for wasting my time....thank u all for giving this wonderfully inspiration....

[@barefootempress]

We all have one life, should make the most of it. No time for excuses or regrets.

[@meghaag1953]

An inspirational story by an inspirational author

[@riyasharma-se4dp]

I got goosebumps this s a splendid piece of work 👍🏻

[@jayasuresh7106]

This proves that age is just a number. Hats off amme. Thanks to all who helped her achive this

[@shubhamgawas3505]

Congratulations to each and every person involved with the making of this short film. She is an inspiration for all, and you guys have done a brilliant job to get this to us. Thank You!❤❤❤

[@sangita21k]

The great thing is that she is still studying very well and determined to reach the 10th grade 🙏

[@vanitakumar4992]

It is a very inspirational documentary for all of us. Many thanks to Chef Vikas Khanna for his efforts in bringing this inspirational fact in the form of book and documentary to the world. Looking forward for more such heartfelt facts! Prof. Dr. Vanita, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar

[@meenakumari865]

Outstanding vikas ji. How natural act done by AMMA .I solute this motivational short film that no age for learning.thanks for sharing

[@Miio60]

Wowwww this needs to watched world over..""""needs world attention "" 👏👏👏👏

[@ishusharma4617]

Thankyou so much Vikas sir for making this masterpiece🙏🙏

[@anjuk0922]

Heart touching documentary.karthyani amma is inspiration to all, and symbolizes the success of firm decision. I'm proud to be a Malayali.

[@barefootempress]

Never give up on your dreams is the biggest takeaway from Amma's life story.

[@ritabehl]

🙏🏻Bro, Amma👵proved there is no age barrier for learning 📚. Very classic movie 🎬😊🙋🏻‍♀️.

[@kiddiecorner.]

Really incredible ❤️ it made me cry.... she is really inspiration for thousands of womens who wants to study but they can't because of social prejudice..... Thank you verry much chef vikas for bringing this masterpiece 🙏

[@kirandas1287]

Best documentary and proud of you Vikas ji🙏🙏🙏

[@RaghavSharma-1806]

This is just so beautiful!

[@SatyamSingh-ch6wu]

Thank you for making this beautiful documentary.

[@jindia1594]

This is not just a movie its a inspiration for all human beings heart touching movie 💙 ❤

[@barefootempress]

Absolutely!

[@drgeetadigra4057]

Awesome movie...a big salute to her

[@-Kadapakavenu]

Karthyayani Amma's dedication and commitment towards studies at that age is very Inspirational to today youngsters.Its just beginning..i hope many others make there dream come true!

[@drsujatasingh4527]

Thankyou so much for this inspirational story🙏

[@akhilrajendrakurup7524]

Karthyayani amma pride of Kerala😘 Proud to be Malayali ❤️

[@simranvijaywargiya8919]

Beautiful story to tell,had tears by the end.

[@naimishjoshi1525]

Thank you so....much...for this great life come to know us,👌👌👌

[@rlittlu3955]

Amazing 🙏🏼 I got so inspired by this story. Thank you Chef Khana for sharing this invaluable piece of art with us

[@sharmilapadmanabhan3725]

Awesome just Awesome. Hats off to Amma. God bless her with Good Health always. 😍😍😍💖💖💖👏👏👏👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@smaranikasarkar5513]

Outstanding.. 😘😘Such an inspiring documentary.. 💞"Amma" proved that age is just a number and it has nothing to do with acquiring Knowledge..💕💕 Thank you so much for making such an amazing documentary.❤

[@barefootempress]

Will power and never giving up is everything.

[@devanshidave4385]

Wow! This made me emotional. Age is never a factor to start again in life. Learning goes at every age., young, old is just a state of mind.

[@RituRathee-el6vb]

Best documentary proud of u

[@wolfmangoland7972]

It is due to atrocities of Hindu Brahmins on lower caste, people changed their religion.

[@supravasahoo2293]

Wonderful 🎉❤

[@chitradesai8]

I can’t believe what I just watched, heart touching & very inspiring 🙏🏽

[@raagbahaar8973]

This is so inspiring...this story should reach to every Indian....the extraordinary story of an ordinary woman..God Bless her.

[@ELITELAUNCHER]

Wow wow wow I did namaste to her watching this so many times . Thank you Vikas Khanna and entire team . Love and blessings 🥰🙏🙌

[@manasiborse]

Outstanding Vikasji. What a Masterpiece. Karthyayani amma is truly an inspiration for everyone, especially women. Amazing. Thanks for making such a documentary & sharing with us. Thank you🙏🙏🙏

[@rinzususanrajan]

With roots in Kerala, I have heard the stories of countless such women who wanted to recieve education but didn't because of circumstantial limitations. I was reminded of my own grandmothers who of course were literate but wanted to go for higher studies. This rockstar ammachi will become the face of girls education in India. Thank you for bringing this beautiful story to us.

[@kavyasingh1390]

Such a beautiful inspiring documentary. Loved every bit of it. ✨💫

[@mariyakhatoon1455]

Wow 😱

[@me58v]

🙏🙏🙏😍 motivational... God bless karthyaniamma with health and long life.

[@kulbhushansinghwadhwa8389]

Couldn't control my tears towards the end of the video. My दंडवत प्रणाम to Amma. 🙏.

[@amritatripathi5498]

Amazing, very inspiring, thank you 'Barefoot Empress' team for making such inspirational documentry!

[@desh.mere3]

Heart touching and inspiring movie 💕. Thank you Vikas Khanna for making Barefoot Empress ☺️

[@meeravarma9251]

Inspiring.

[@kaladwarakanath5503]

Is there anyone raising money to help her with expenses?

[@renukakammadath]

🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹♥️

[@kishorkrishnan653]

Kudos to team whoever took pains to release the vedio. There were people who believed ignorance is okay .But karthyanimmma proved it wrong.being illiterate is not okay we should come out the shell subsequently we will part of the world we wanted to be. I'm part of literacy mission for the past 3 years and still it continues. when we teach they love to listen, Nd what not they love when we appreciate for their small changes.🙏🙏🙏.. Anything can be captured from you, your wealth, possessions,,.etc Any one can move away from your life .But your education will be there for you to hold you back ,to revive you to help you define yourself. She is the queen of knowledge whom we should admire🙏🙏😍

[@raghumpl]

Inspiring life. Kudus to the VK and Team for thinking different

[@arifkabeer]

Education is the foundation upon which we build our future.

[@barefootempress]

Totally agree.

[@rashmi_r3]

My morning motivation ...🙌❤ I daily watch this magic and smile 😊 Long live Amma🙏 thank u chef for this magic💫💫💫 Keep inspiring us ❤❤❤

[@samarmahmood5865]

Here after watching Vikas Khanna's podcast with Bharti and Harsh. What a guy with such diverse passions.. and what a beautiful story this is!

[@shrutisinghchouhan8474]

Just wonderful

[@manishamehta7247]

Brilliant!!Thanku so much for sharing!!!❤

[@nayanikabarua5859]

Excellent piece of inspiration where people at today’s time give up so easily if things dont turn up the way one thought😇😇.

[@barefootempress]

That is the beauty of Amma. She never gave up on her dream even at the age of 96.

[@harshulgupta695]

Very nice

[@LIFEYouOnlyLiveOnce]

This is one of the best inspiring tale which will motivate the nation 🙏👍

[@cookingbymanisha]

90 year old lady and walking without any support. 🙏

[@barefootempress]

Salute to her spirit!

[@cookingbymanisha]

@@barefootempress yes truely.

[@rajshreeanand1470]

Congratulations...the passion with which you made this documentary chef touched my soul ...kudos to her discipline and her enthusiasm ..Indeed a very befitting title ..Barefoot Empress

[@barefootempress]

The title came from her walk as she went to school with so much confidence.

[@CHEFMOHIT598]

Chef Vikas only you can make this heart touching master piece in the form of documentary...and Umma is in our heart....actually there are may old age people who need little attention but most of us igone them..Once again love you Vikas for this.

[@funways786]

Apni education start krne pr Ayesha ki taraf se b Mubarak

[@hets16]

Wow...masterpiece...cant explain in words how much i loved it....thats words frm amma..i cant go to gods place but god comes to my home everyday...wow i mean speechless

[@ushaiyer5477]

Brilliant..there is no age to learn ..and the quest for knowledge never ends..Thank you for making this film ..it tugged my heart strings ..hope to see more..

[@barefootempress]

Thank you.

[@ChefVikasKhannaKiDeewani_Divya]

❤️

[@anisshachhabria1974]

Vikas ji..this is so inspiring...wonderful documentary...Aamma we all women look upon you🙏🙏🙏

[@tersicoreswati3521]

She is a true inspiration... ❤️

[@SalMad_NishaLovesPrem]

Omg!Motivational story......

[@shilpamathkari5285]

I love you my barefoot empress ❤❤❤

[@kusumprasad21]

Why am I crying...tears of emotion and love for Katyayani Amma

[@anjalisha389]

Woow tears were rolling from my eyes all the time … more than anything I miss my grandma when I saw woman her age …I wish my Granny was alive today …. But yeah it’s such a nice work and thanks to makes to bring such hidden gems to the world … we want more ❤

[@jennytvaz]

Beautifully crafted storytelling. Amazing woman! God's with her.

[@AnchorGirish]

The background music touched my heart