Thodupuzha: Kerala Congress leader and former minister P J Joseph and wife Dr Santha are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on September 15. The love story that bloomed during a mango season later culminated in marriage.

The duo had fallen in love in 1967 when PJ Joseph was an MA student in Thevara SH College and Dr Santha a doctor at Purappuzha primary health centre. She used to stay at Joseph’s house as she was the college junior of his elder sister. He first met her near the mango tree in his house.

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PJ Joseph and Dr Santha on wedding day
PJ Joseph and Dr Santha on wedding day

Joseph used to sing songs at nights. Once when he sang the song ‘Jalte He Jiske Liye’, he noticed someone listening to it secretly. ‘Santha was pretending of not listening while actually she was enjoying the song,’ Joseph said.

Later, she was transferred. They met again at Muvattupuzha government hospital when Joseph brought an employee of his farm for treatment. Thus, their relationship took a new turn. Following this, Joseph and Santha started exchanging letters.

They tied the knot on September 15, 1971. By the time, Joseph was elected as MLA. Joseph always says that Dr Santha was his pillar of support ever since. Dr Santha retired as the additional director of health department. The couple has four children – Apu, Yamuna, Antony and late Joe.