Literacy rates in Kerala exceed Indian national average
Despite the poor numbers, one Indian state has done remarkably well. The southern state of Kerala boasts nearly universal literacy - 91% as opposed to the Indian national average of 65%. It's also one of the fastest growing states in India, second only to the tourism-rich state of Goa.
Kerala's infant mortality rate is about 16 deaths per 1,000 births, or half the national average of 32 deaths per 1,000 births.
Kerala invested heavily in government-financed healthcare. The state now boasts 160 patient beds per 100,000 people, the highest rate in the country.
Shirin Shirin, "Kerala sets example for world", Asia Times Online, December 17, 2008, http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/JL17Df01.html