KOTTAYAM: Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was remembered on his first death anniversary on Thursday with special prayers, commemorations and charity events. Thousands from across the state attended the events jointly organised by the KPCC, DCC, and the Oommen Chandy Foundation in Puthuppally and Kottayam.
The day commenced with special prayers at Puthuppally St George Orthodox Church and at Chandy’s tomb within the church grounds. Governor Arif Mohammed Khan inaugurated the remembrance meeting organised by the Oommen Chandy Foundation at the church in the morning. He praised Chandy as one of the finest public servants Kerala has produced. “I have no doubt that Oommen Chandy gave a unique model of leadership. Either he was blessed with an abundance of compassion or he worked very hard to become an embodiment of humanitarian values,” Khan said.
AICC general secretary K C Venugopal MP opened the meeting organised by the KPCC at Mammen Mappillai Hall in Kottayam in the evening. Venugopal said Kerala had recognised Chandy’s exceptional qualities over the past year. He described Chandy’s life as a testament to what people expect from a politician, beyond mere electoral victories and defeats. Venugopal also formally inaugurated the Oommen Chandy Foundation, chaired by the former CM’s son Chandy Oommen.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called Oommen Chandy “a true leader of the people.” In his post on X, Rahul highlighted Chandy’s lifelong dedication to serving the people of Kerala with unwavering commitment. “A true leader of the people, Oommen Chandy ji spent his life in the service of the people of Kerala with unwavering dedication. His journey and the legacy of the Indian National Congress are intertwined. As a people’s representative, a minister, and as Chief Minister, he believed deeply in serving those he had the privilege to represent, embodying the essence of a Jananayak,” he wrote.
Oommen Chandy’s wife Mariamma, children Chandy, Achu and Mariya attended the events held in Puthuppally and Kottayam. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, MPs, MLAs, and leaders of various political parties were also present.