For the residents of Kodikunnil, the stature gained by Suresh, as they fondly call him, as a Union minister is a recognition for his capabilities.
The neighbours and friends, of this quiet village, a couple of minutes drive from Pothencode town, still remember Kodikunnil Suresh as a talented person who had a genuine love for the downtrodden people.
According to Kodikunnil residents, acceptance that awaits Suresh in the national political platform is a late recognition for his abilities.
“He is a talented political leader with great oratory skills. As youth, we worked together and I had the opportunity to recognise his organisational skills,” said Satheesh Kumaran Nair, INC(I), Kazhakkoottam block panchayat secretary.
When the news of Kodikunnil Suresh becoming a Minister went viral in the media, party sympathisers, friends and relatives began to flock into his ancestral home, where his mother Thankamma and brother Susheelan are now living.
His 87-year-old mother, who is suffering from age-related ailments, was glad when asked about her son’s achievement. All she could ask was when would he return?
Kodikunnil Suresh, being viewed as A K Antony’s protege acknowledged that the Defence Minister played a great role in his life and political career. But he drew inspiration from his mother, who painstakingly took care of her son after being widowed when Suresh was in Class VI. “I was looked after by my mother who did laborious jobs. Whatever I am it is because of her,” Kodikunnil said.