Puthuppally, Kottayam : During the second death commemoration of former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, a poignant moment unfolded on stage that captured the emotional depth of the day. As Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stood beside Mariamma Oommen, the late leader’s wife, his eyes were drawn to the watch on her wrist. The dial of the watch has a clear image of Rajiv Gandhi.

With gentle curiosity, he leaned closer to Mariamma’s wrist to get a better look. Seeing the image stirred a blend of emotions on Rahul’s face. “Where did you get this?” he asked softly. Mariamma responded with a few quiet words, and the story of the watch slowly came to light, a story dating back to 1990.

Oommen Chandy was never one to bring home ceremonial gifts or shawls from political events. But one evening, he arrived home with a token of love, a wristwatch featuring Rajiv Gandhi’s image and the letters “INTUC” engraved on it. It wasn’t a luxury brand, just a modest piece from a regular company.

35 years ago, when presenting it to the love of his life, without giving it to any one else, Oommen Chandy may be sure that Mariamma will not misplace it and will remain in their family forever as an ever shining memory of Rajiv Gandhi. Oommen Chandy’s intuition was right. Today, it still ticks on her wrist, as clear and steady as the memory of Rajiv Gandhi himself.

This was Rahul Gandhi’s second visit to Puthuppally, the first was to attend Oommen Chandy’s funeral two years ago, where he stayed throughout the final rites. This time, on the 2nd death anniversary, he returned to offer floral tributes to the leader’s grave and share heartfelt memories.

Addressing the gathering, Rahul reflected on the two decades he had known Oommen Chandy, describing him as a leader who redefined the essence of politics. With empathy and sincerity, he always stood by the people, Rahul said. The crowd listened in rapt attention, often responding with applause.

He also recounted an intimate moment from the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Kerala. Oommen Chandy, despite his health concerns, insisted on walking with Rahul. "I asked him not to walk. But he refused to stay behind. In the end, I had to convince him to get into the car," Rahul recalled.

Rahul concluded by calling Oommen Chandy “the true expression of Kerala’s political spirit”. The large turnout at both the memorial grounds and the church premises reminds that Oommen Chandy still lives in the heart of Puthuppally.