IDUKKI: Centenarian Kalappurackal Pappachan, whose official name is Antony Devassya, cannot imagine a single day without working on his farmland.
Working by his side, is his octogenarian wife Thressyamma. He was also a freedom fighter. For Pappachan, who left his native place in Pala and moved to the high ranges of Idukki in 1952, life has not been a bed of roses. He stuck to his passion for farming even when his near and dear ones refused to support him. “Farming helped me live through thick and thin. So I cannot imagine a day without working on the land,” says Pappachan. However, his better half was supportive of his path and has been by his side for the past 60 years.
Seeing him harvest success despite farming on leased land, his four younger siblings decided to buy some land together in the high range. Even at 100, he has no ailments due to his tough schedule.