Kerala Pays Heartfelt Tributes to Oommen Chandy on First Death Anniversary

People from different backgrounds gathered in Puthuppally, Kottayam, to honor former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on his first death anniversary. The Oommen Chandy Foundation organized a commemoration meeting, inaugurated by Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. Tribute was paid by various politicians, including Rahul Gandhi, who acknowledged Chandy's service to the people.

Cutting across political lines, people from all walks of life gathered at Puthuppally in Kottayam on Thursday to pay tributes to former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on his first death anniversary.

The Oommen Chandy Foundation organized a commemoration meeting, inaugurated by Governor Arif Mohammed Khan at St George Orthodox Church in Puthuppally.

Hundreds of people, including senior politicians, paid their respects at Chandy's final resting place at the St George Church compound.

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also took to social media to say Chandy, a true leader of the people, 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,' Gandhi wrote.

'His life stands as a testament to leadership with vision, dedication, and care. I offer my humble tributes to Shri Oommen Chandy ji on his death anniversary, celebrating him as a compassionate, humble, and committed people's leader, an indelible part of Kerala's history,' Gandhi said in a post on 'X' accompanied by a musical video on Chandy.

The official handle of the Congress party also paid tribute to the former CM of Kerala, noting his award from the UN for public service and his lasting contributions to the state & nation.

At the commemoration meeting, Governor Khan mentioned Chandy's unwavering support for the people.

Speaking in Malayalam, Khan remarked that Chandy was always available to those who approached him with petitions and complaints, and was affectionately known as 'kunjukunju' among family and friends.

The Governor also awarded scholarships to students during the event.

Earlier in the day, leaders including the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, V D Satheesan, IUML leaders, and various religious leaders, laid floral wreaths on Chandy's tomb.

(With inputs from agencies.)