Puthuppally (Kerala): Puthuppally and the wider state of Kerala on Saturday profoundly commemorated the third death anniversary of Oommen Chandy, the deeply revered former Chief Minister who was widely celebrated as a true leader of the masses.

For decades, Chandy’s residence in Puthuppally served as a unique sanctuary where anyone, regardless of their constituency, could directly voice their grievances without the hindrance of middlemen. From the southernmost tip of Kerala to its northernmost borders, thousands experienced his legendary compassionate touch.

Even after his passing, the steady stream of visitors to his tomb continues unabated, with people from all walks of life arriving daily to offer a flower, light a candle or bow their heads in silent prayer. He remains integrated into the collective consciousness of the state, with many families still referring to him affectionately as an elder kin.

The memorial services and public gathering

To mark the third anniversary, a massive crowd converged on Puthuppally for a series of commemorative events designed to pass Chandy's enduring legacy of public service, compassion and development down to the younger generation.

The day’s observances commenced at 6.30 am at the St George Orthodox Old Church in Puthuppally with special morning prayers, followed by a Holy Communion (Kurbana) at 7.00 am. Immediately after the service, a special incense prayer (Dhupa Prarthana) was offered at his tomb, led by the Metropolitan of the Kottayam Diocese of the Orthodox Church, Yuhanon Mar Diascoros.

Later in the morning at 9.00 am, a major memorial meeting was jointly organised by the Puthuppally Congress Constituency Committee and the Oommen Chandy Foundation. Held at a specially erected pavilion on the church grounds, the gathering was officially inaugurated by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary KC Venugopal MP. Metropolitan Yuhanon Mar Polycarpos delivered the keynote address.

Reflecting Oommen Chandy's lifelong commitment to uplifting the underprivileged, the foundation executed several welfare initiatives during the event. Title deeds for four cents of land each were handed over to five landless families, and educational scholarships were distributed to 1,200 deserving students. In addition, food was distributed across various orphanages, and local schools were presented with bicycles, cricket kits and footballs.