‘My Malayali Acchan’: Priyanka Gandhi recalls emotional bond with Cheruvayal Raman

Wayanad: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has paid an emotional tribute to Cheruvayal Raman, the Padma Shri award-winning tribal farmer and conservationist who dedicated his life to preserving indigenous rice varieties in Kerala. Recalling their bond, Priyanka said Raman had called her his daughter when they first met, prompting her to affectionately address him as her “Malayali Acchan”.

Raman died at the age of 74 on Wednesday (October 14) while undergoing treatment for age-related ailments at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. His death marks the loss of a pioneering custodian of Wayanad’s traditional paddy seeds and indigenous agricultural knowledge.

In a post on X, Priyanka expressed regret over missing a planned meeting with Raman during her recent visit to Wayanad. She said they had last spoken about a month ago, when he asked her to visit him. Although she had promised to meet him, she had to cut short her trip because of developments in Delhi.

Describing Raman as wise, dignified and bold in his thoughts and actions, Priyanka said he wanted a better life for his community and could not accept discrimination or injustice.

She recalled how Raman showed her his awards and honours with sadness, explaining that they meant little to him until his people could live better lives.

“He was a genius in his knowledge of paddy and agriculture and he understood the great value of his own culture and tradition. He was proud of his heritage and lived it with every breath,” she said.

“I will miss my wise friend and keep his teachings in my heart for always. India has lost a noble son,” Priyanka added.

Rahul Gandhi remembers ‘Ramettan’

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also mourned Raman’s death, remembering him as a dedicated preserver of Wayanad’s indigenous paddy seeds and Adivasi knowledge.

In a Facebook post, Rahul described Raman as their beloved “Ramettan” and said he had devoted his life to keeping traditional agricultural knowledge alive across generations.

“I join the people of Wayanad in mourning him. My heartfelt condolences to his family and all who loved him,” Rahul wrote.

Cheruvayal Raman: The guardian of Wayanad’s traditional rice varieties

Raman was widely recognised for his efforts to conserve indigenous paddy varieties and sustain traditional farming practices. He was described in a March 2025 report as the guardian of more than 65 indigenous rice varieties.

Having begun farming at the age of 10, Raman spent around 65 years cultivating and protecting traditional rice seeds. He championed agricultural methods that avoided pesticides and chemical fertilisers, emphasising the importance of preserving local varieties for future generations.

He repeatedly warned that abandoning rice cultivation could lead to the permanent loss of traditional varieties. He also spoke about the impact of changing rainfall patterns on farming and health, highlighting the need to understand climate change and its effects on agriculture.

At a climate adaptation and resilience conference in Kochi, Raman called for deeper research into the oceans to improve understanding of climate change and its influence on rainfall, wind patterns and agriculture.

His work earned him national recognition, including the Padma Shri, but his concerns extended beyond personal honours. As Priyanka’s recollection underscores, Raman remained deeply committed to the welfare of his community and the preservation of its cultural and agricultural heritage.

His legacy lies not only in the rice varieties he helped protect but also in his efforts to ensure that traditional farming knowledge and Adivasi heritage continue to be valued and passed on to future generations.