India's oldest unmarried woman aims for Guinness World Record

Age does not deter Kunjannam from aiming high.

At 111 years, she is helping her family members browse through the photographs and certificates that will establish her exact age so that she finds a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the oldest surviving unmarried woman on earth.

A resident of Thrissur district of Kerala, Kunjannam's name and age is recorded in the church where she was baptized.

The baptism records show her date of birth as May 05, 1903, which is issued by Rosary Church at Eranellur village, established in 1861.

"We knew that she was over 100 years old but we did not know her exact age. We have been trying to identify this for the past two to three years. Ours is a newly built church, so we approached the old church. They had records from the 1800s. We got her records from the register of 1903," said Kunjannam's grand niece, Jissy George.

A sturdy woman, who regularly went for walks and led a disciplined life, Kunjannam decided not to get married as she had to shoulder the responsibilities of her younger siblings after her parents passed away early.

Adding that her records have been confirmed with the Limca Book of World Records, George said her grand aunt was never hospitalised or under medication except for common cough and cold.

"We have applied in both Guinness Book and Limca Book of Records. Limca Book has confirmed the records. It will be officially certified in January," said George.

A strict vegetarian, Kunjannam loves light food. At this ripe age too, she does not suffer from hearing impairment or loss of sight.

Respected by family and friends for the dependability she has shown in every aspect of life, neighbours say Kunjannam is a loving woman.

"She talks to us with a lot of love. She is very nice to all. I always come to visit her," said a neighbour, K. V. Mohan.