Thevalakkara weeps for Midhun; Thousands bid tearful farewell as grief-stricken loved ones watch him one last time

Kollam: A heavy pall of sorrow hung over Thevalakkara Boys High School on Saturday morning as the body of Midhun was brought to the school premises where he once laughed, learned, and lived as a student. His classmates, teachers, neighbours, local residents, and public representatives gathered in solemn silence, each face bearing the pain of a life lost far too soon. 

A young dream silenced

Midhun, who aspired to become a soldier in the future, had even given his uniform to be sewn by the school NCC cadets. He stood in the yard where the parade was to be held, wearing that uniform, and the school's NCC cadets took him on a road march to the school yard. Hundreds of people had come to the school yard to catch a glimpse of Midhun, including Kodikunnil Suresh MP. Among them were people who had never seen or known Midhun before.

The school yard witnessed heartbreaking scenes. A friend of Midhun said that sweets were distributed in celebration of his selection in football. Everyone, regardless of age, remembers Midhun as a helpful, intelligent young man who behaved with maturity beyond his years.

A mother’s return to tragedy

Just hours earlier, Midhun’s mother Suja had landed in Nedumbassery from Kuwait, returning not to the embrace of her children, but to the unimaginable heartbreak of her son’s death. Clutching her younger child close, Suja broke down the moment she stepped out of the airport terminal. Her wails of grief tore through the stillness of the morning, silencing onlookers who could only watch, powerless, as a mother crumbled under the weight of her loss.

Supported by her sister, Suja sobbed inconsolably, not just for her son, but for the hug she would never receive, for the reunion that had turned into a funeral.

She had left for Kuwait only four months ago, forced by mounting debts and the foreclosure of her home and land. With hope in her heart and the future of her children in mind, Suja took up work as a domestic helper. But the life she set out to rebuild was shattered with one phone call.

While on vacation in Turkey with her employer’s family, Suja received the devastating news through a late-night video call on Thursday. Her voice cracked with disbelief as she asked her son, Suji, “What happened to your brother, my son?” The sobs that followed needed no translation.

With help from her employer, she rushed back to Kerala. Her sister and son were waiting for her at the airport on Saturday morning. From there, they made the heartbreaking journey back to their village in Kollam.

Grandmother broken by loss

Maniamma was deeply shattered by the sudden loss of her grandson. Although relatives and others had been urging her for days, she refused to eat or even drink water. On Saturday afternoon, she began feeling unwell and was taken to the hospital by her family.

The boy who once dreamt of a better future now lay motionless in the very place where his dreams began.

The funeral is scheduled to be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday.