Shri Mathai was born as the eldest son of Thomman- Rebecca couple in the year 1887 at Kandanad in the ancestral Thazhathu tharavadu. During 1908 his family, consisting of parents, Shri Thomman and Smt Rebecca, wife Kochunniannam and brother Chackkochen (A.T Chacko) shifted to Kadungamangalam, where they built Athappillil house. The fortunes of the family rose quickly due to the hard work and frugal life style. Shri Mathai, being the eldest son, played the lead role in this. As the family grew in size Shri Mathai’s family shifted to Kaniavilli in 1932.
Shri Mathai was an ardent devotee of Kandanad Church. He served as the trustee of the Church for 5 years. He, jointly with his brother Chackkochen, conducted the August 15 perunnal. It was during this festival that the perunnal procession came to Kureekkad junction for the first time. The two brothers had extra ordinary affection to each other, setting the right example for amicable and sustainable family relation. They took decisions together on all important family matters. At a time when Shri Mathai was tormented by severe domestic crisis due to the premature demise of his daughter Kochuvitha, her husband Shri Patrose, son Kunjumathew and wife Kochunniannam the moral support of his brother, coupled with his own innate will-power, saw him successfully coming out of the crisis. He took up the care of the orphaned children of Kochuvitha and brought them up; giving more care them than he gave to his own children.
Shri Mathai had a rare distinction of having the mind of an innocent child. He was very much at home with youngsters far below his age. He enjoyed playing with children and often identified himself with one among them. It was sheer fun watching him playing and fighting with his grand children.
In the final phase of his life he was tormented with health problems, which got aggravated as a result of his preoccupation with building a new house. He became bed-ridden when the house was just completed. After a brief illness he was called to Lord on 3rd May 1951 at the age of 64 and was interned in the new cemetery of Kandanad Church.
Shri Mathai married Smt Kochunniyannam of Eramath family. They had 4 sons and 3 daughters. The sons are late Shri A.M.Thomas, former Union Minister and founder President AFF, (married to late Smt Thanky Vettathu), Late Shri Kujumathu, late Shri A.M.Abraham (married to late Smt Mary Onasseril) and late Shri A.M.John (married to late Smt Annamma Mekkamkudi). His daughters are Smt Kochuvitha (married to Shri Patrose Kavanal), Smt. Kujappulla (married to Shri Yacob Puthusseril) and Smt Elizhuba (married to V.Rev. Fr. Sleeba Pattasseril).
Shri A.T.Chacko (G V, Br.1)
(1903-1998)
Chacko (Chakkochan) was born as the youngest son of Thomman-Rebecca couple, in 1903, at Kandanad. He had his primary education at Kandanad LPS and secondary education at Mulanthuruthy HS. After matriculation he joined as a teacher in the LPS at Kadungamangalam and obtained his TTC from the Basic Educational Training Center at Trichur in 1943.
As a teacher Shri Chacko was a role model. He is remembered by his old students as an endearing character and a disciplinarian. His old students nurture nostalgic memories of his studious character. He was a voracious reader. English classics were his passion. His favorite authors were William Shakespeare, Leo Tolstoy, Thomas Hardy, Victor Hugo, Wordsworth and others. He not only read all the works of Shakespeare but also copied down, by his hand, the entire works of the celebrated author. He retired from service in 1958. Shri Chacko also served as Head Master of the Mor Osthathios Sunday School at Kadungamangalam during the 50s and served as Director of Sunday schools. His large photo adorns the walls of the Kadungamangalam Sunday school.
His spiritual life was meticulously planned and role model for true believers of Church. He had immaculate timings for his daily prayer. The whole family wakes up to the sound of his prayer in the morning. Reading the scriptures, Old and the New Testament, was a time tested routine for him. He read the Holy Books twice daily, in the morning and night (bed time), not only in a chronological order but also all the relevant portions specially marked for Sabbaths and other occasions. His favorite book was “Imitation of Christ”, however, he kept at bay all neo- theology of various faith groups. He discouraged non-traditional rites, believes and teachings smelling their potential to pollute the real faith. In this respect his approach proved to be prophetic as evidenced by later developments in our society. His had meticulous preparation for Sabbath days. After reading all the Bible portions marked for the day he would straight away proceed to his ancestral Church at Kandanad to attend the Morning Prayers there. The 4km walk to the Church was through slushy paddy fields, sometimes wading through waist-deep water. He would be the first person to reach the Church, even before the arrival of Priest. He never missed the midnight prayers and Holy Mass, on occasions such as Easter and Christmas and ensured that the whole family accompanied him. An ardent follower of Jacobite Syrian Church and the throne of Antioch he never compromised on his ancestral faith. He served the Kandanad Church as Trustee for 5 years from 1950 to 1955. It was during his time that a new concrete façade was built for the church keeping intact the century-old Greco-Persian style front arch.
A traditional farmer, Shri Chacko toiled in the farm like any ordinary labor. He would work in the field up to 9 am, before leaving for his teaching job. This routine is repeated in the evening when he labored in the fields, after the school hours, till dusk. Agriculture was the major livelihood for the family.
He was a highly respected person for his astute character, truthfulness, austerity and unbiased approach to issues. He was rated as a true Gandhian in the village. He shunned all types of publicity and preferred a peaceful solitary life, devoted to prayer, work and reading. Age took its toll on his health. He suffered a hip fracture and was hospitalized. His health deteriorated fast. He received his last Holy Sacrament in the hospital bed and breathed his last on the early hours of December 26, 1988, a day after Christmas in the rare tradition of the venerable old Simeon (Luke. 2.26). He thus joined the fold of his ancestors in the Kandanad Church cemetery at the age of 85.
Shri Chacko married late Smt Annamma, daughter of Shri Paily of Padath house, Kottayathupara. He had 2 sons and 3 daughters. They are late Shri A.C.Thomas, late Smt Mariamma Abraham, late Smt Annakkutty Gheevarghese, Dr. A.C.Paul (Paulosekutty) and Smt Molly Jacob. His sons-in-law are; late Shri K.P.Abraham, late Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese and Dr. Jacob Paul (Jaby). His daughters-in-law are: Smt. Mary (Moolan) and Late Smt. Lovely (Kunnathuparambil).
Shri A.M.Thomas (G V1, Br 1)
(1912- 2004)
Thomas was born as the eldest son of Mathai-Kochnniyannam couple on 4th June 1912. He had his school education at Kadungamangalam and later at Mulanthuruthy. His Inter-mediate course was at St. Thomas College, Trichur. Shri Thomas graduated in Economics from Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam and subsequently obtained B L degree from the Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram.
After getting enrolled as a lawyer Shri Thomas became one of the leading legal luminaries at Ernakulam. He also got enrolled at the Bar in the Supreme Court.
He entered politics in 1948, winning the election to the Travancore-Cochin Legislative Assembly. The same year he was elected as the Speaker of the House and had the distinction of being the youngest Assembly Speaker. In 1952 he was elected to the first Indian Parliament as a Congress MP from Ernakulam constituency. His oratorical skills and brilliant performance in the Parliament attracted the attention of Shri Jawaharlal Nehru who made him the deputy Minister in the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, in 1957. At a time when food shortage and starvation stared the Nation he successfully implemented several measures, the most important of which being strengthening the public distribution system. His own state was the major beneficiary under his Ministerial tenure as he saw that Kerala had ample food supplies. His contribution to the growth of coffee, rubber, fisheries, livestock, minor irrigation, etc within and outside the State deserves special mention. As a mark of recognition of his outstanding work he was awarded “Krishi Ratna”, the most covetous National honor for a person whose family background was agriculture. Shri Thomas later served as Minister of State for Defense, under Shri Lal Bahadur Shastry and Smt. Indira Gandhi. His political carrier came to an end after he lost the Parliament election in 1967.
Afterwards, he served as the High Commissioner to Australia and then Zambia, during the period 1967-75.
The true Gandhian in Shri Thomas came to the fore during his prestigious assignment as Chairman, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) in1976. He continued in this assignment for a decade. His term in KVIC is rated as path-breaking in the annals of the Commission. He was able to realize the vision of Mahatma in empowering villages by providing employment to the rural poor, especially members of the weaker sections and women. The employment potential in rural sector doubled from 16 lakhs to about 30 lakhs during his tenure. He was responsible for establishing a series of innovative rural employment opportunities in bee-keeping, leather industries, etc.
Shri Thomas had pivotal role in the development of large industries in Kerala such as the Refineries, Shipyard, HMT, FACT, Premier Tyres, Cominco Binani, etc.
Advancing age did not deter Shri Thomas in taking an active role in many social forums such as Kerala Prohibition Council, Gandhi Peace Foundation, Kala Bhavan, Chavara Cultural Center, Ramakrishna Mission, etc.
Shri Thomas was an ardent follower of the traditional Jacobite Syrian Church. While in Delhi he used to don the attire of the kapyar and participate in the Holy Qurbana. He was a steadfast believer in ancestral Antiochian faith and played the key role to bring about unity in the Church during 1972. He facilitated the Patriarchal visits to India twice and escorted the visiting Patriarchs Moran Mor Aprem 1 and Ignatius Zaka 1. The latter honored him with the title of “The Commander” of the Church in 1986, in recognition of his valuable service. He was personally very close to His Beatitude Catholicos Paulose 11, the Head of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church. The fact that he served as the President of the Renovation Committee of his ancestral Kandanad Church, in his ripe old age, speaks volumes for his abiding interest and enthusiasm in the Church affairs. The factionalism in the Church pained him all through his life.
Shri Thomas was a family man in every sense of the word. Enthused by his leadership and vision, the youngsters in the family assembled under his ripe leadership and gave shape to the Alunkal Family Fellowship in 1995. He served the Fellowship as its founder President.
Shri Thomas was plagued by chronic health ailments after he passed his prime youth. It was only God’s grace that propelled him in his long and arduous journey in life. Time took its toll when he reached the ripe old age of 94. After a brief illness he passed away peacefully to his eternal life on 27th April 2004. In the midst of Holy benediction and full state honors the distinguished son of Alunkal Family joined his forefathers at his ancestral Kandanad Church cemetery, the following day. AFF routinely conducts “A.M.Thomas Memorial Lecture” in the Annual Meets to honor his memory and has instituted scholarship in his native school at Kadungamangalam.
Shri Thomas married late Smt. Akkamma of Elur family, Kolenchery in 1934. She passed away after their daughter, Smt. Molly was born. He then married late Smt. Thankam (Thanky) of Vettathu family at Arakkunnam in 1940. Thomas-Thankam couple has four sons and four daughters. They are Smt. Santha, Smt. Sucy, Dr. Thampy, Dr. Rajan, Smt. Jaya, Dr. Ravi, Smt. Mini and Dr. Viju. His sons-in-law are: Shri A.V.Mathew (Ancheril), Shri George Peter (Pattasseril), late Rev. Fr. C.V.Mathews (Chakkittedathu), late Dr. George (Thukalassery) and Cdr. Keerti Kurians (Pookkoyikkal). His daughters-in-law are: Smt Deepa (Puthiaveettil), Smt Rani (Mulamoottil), and Smt Suzy ( Kizhakkeveettil ).
Prof. A.O. Mathai (G V, Br 1)
(1916- 1984)
Prof. A.O. Mathai was born on September 23, 1916 as the only son of Kunjulonan-Mariam couple. He had his primary education at Kandanad and secondary education at Mulanthuruthy.
Mathai graduated from Madras University in Physics, in 1940. He stood first in the Madras Presidency for which he earned the gold medal from the Maharaja of Travancore. This is considered a rare achievement, first in our family.
His scholarly accomplishment in later years came in the form of his unique scientific research work, while he was teacher in the University at Trivandrum. Prof. Mathai carried out pioneering work in the area of radioactivity in the coastal sands of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. His work, published during early 1940s, is considered path-breaking as the science of radiation and radioactivity were in their infancy then. He himself assembled the scientific gadgets for measurement of radioactivity. His work on radioactivity in the coastal sands and waters is regarded as the first of its kind ever undertaken in the country by an Indian. It is rare tribute to his studiousness, intelligence and hard work that the results reported by him, 60 years ago, are still considered as valuable scientific data. His thesis entitled “Radioactivity of Travancore Minerals and Mineral Waters” was accepted in 1943 by Madras University for awarding the degree of Master of Science.
Prof. Mathai’s teaching carrier spanned nearly 40 years. He rose from the position of a demonstrator to Professor of Physics at the University College, Trivandrum. Later he got transferred to the Maharaja’s College Ernakulam as the Head of the Department of Physics, a post he held till retirement. After retirement from Government service he continued his teaching carrier in the Mar Athanesious College, Kothamangalam for a few years. He had to give up his professional service owing to progressive deterioration of health due to Parkinson’s disease.
As a great teacher, scholar and humanist Prof. Mathai was eulogized by all his students and associates. Dr. P.K.Iyengar, former Chairman Atomic Energy Commission and his old student, was all praise for his unique teaching talents. His colleagues and students at Maharaja’s College adore his memory. They have kept his photograph in the Physics Department in memory and tribute to him.
Prof. Mathai used to broadcast lectures on science and technology through the AIR station at Trivandrum during early 1960s and it was considered as a rare feet in those days. His untiring efforts to transform the Church School at Kandanad as a High School, with a new building, also bore fruit during that time. He is still remembered by some veterans at Kandanad for taking the lead in initiating literary programme for members of the scheduled caste at a time (during late 1930s) when education was considered a taboo for them. This social revolution initiated by him along with late revered Shri Paulose master of Thozhuppadan family is a land-mark in the history of Kandanad. He gifted a piece of land measuring 8 cents in the prime area at Kandanad for building a charitable dispensary. Hundreds of poor people residing in nearby areas are benefited by this humanitarian gesture.
Prof. Mathai possessed an impeccable character, so also was his physical appearance and body language. He could be easily distinguished in his spotlessly clean white jubba and mundu. He was embodiment of the proverbial Gandhian- a person of high thinking and low living. He always had an unassuming nature and would never pose on his vast knowledge and experience. However, whenever he is provoked into a talk the clarity in his expression and the rare intensity in his eyes revealed the genius in him. He was incorruptible in his dealings and would rather go an extra mile to reach out to the genuinely needy.
After retirement from active teaching service he led a quiet life with his family, caring his aged and ailing mother, in his ancestral house at Kandanad. His health deteriorated rapidly and the disease became more aggressive in nature. It was mainly due to this condition that he took the painful decision to leave Kandanad to be in the care of his children, all settled in US. The Parkinson’s disease unfortunately sapped all his vital powers and denied him of a quiet retired life. The disease showed no relief, in spite of advanced treatment at US and he passed away in sleep on November 26, 1984 to his eternal abode. He was 68 then. Our family, the community and the people at Kandanad lost a guide, mentor and support due to the rather abrupt end of his worldly life.
His wife was late Smt Martha of Vayaliparambil family. They got wedded in 1943.
Mathai- Martha couple had 5 children, 3 sons and 2 daughters. The sons are Johnkutty, Davy and Issac and the daughters are Valsa and Silvy. His sons-in- law are: Shri Thambi (Mookenchery) and Shri Paul Mathew.
Smt. Saramma Kurian (G V, Br 11)
(1913-2004)
Saramma was born as the elder daughter of Thomas-Sara couple on 20th October 1913. She had her primary education at the Church school at Mulanthuruthy and secondary education at Kadungamangalam. She completed her high school education at Mulanthuruthy. During her school days she also learned music. She joined the Maharajas College, in 1932, for the Intermediate course and took her B.A degree in Zoology in 1936.
Smt. Saramma had the distinction of being the first woman, in the Manakunnam revenue village, to obtain the degree; sharing this honor with her younger sister late Smt. Sosamma Mathew. The ancestral Parish church at Kandanad honored the sister duo, with gold medals, in a rare function held at the church. Smt Saramma was versatile in Shakespearian plays. It may be amusing to the present generation to know that she, along with her close cousins, used to play harmonium on the eve of the marriage of their close relatives.
Her professional life started as the Head Mistress of the Church school at Kandanad, an honorary post she held till her marriage in 1940. After marriage she shifted to Cochin to be with her husband. Reared in a rural background, Smt Saramma was quick to adjust to the city life. She soon became very active in the social life of the city and was elected as the President of the Cochin Ladies Club. She cultivated friendship with all sections of the society, including some prominent Jewish families, then residents in the city.
Smt Saramama and family moved back to Kandanad in 1954 when her father Shri A.V.Thomas expired. Once in Kandanad, she could instantly adjust her life-style to the rural setting. Her relationship with other family members was one of extreme warmth, care and affection. She played an excellent hostess, not only with her delicious dishes but also with personal love and affection. Her house was a neatly laid structure; which bore the marks of aesthetic identity during those days. She utilized her leisure time to teach the children of the backward community, who were denied formal education in schools due to their poor economic background and cast distinction.
She utilized her good educational background to write memoirs on her life and that of other family members. It was in her habit that she noted down these observations in a systematic and chronological order. Her diary thus became a treasure book on family relations and heritage aspects. It was a chance observation, made on late Smt Lovely Paul, which spurred Smt Saramma Kurian to chronicle, in detail, the family ties and relationships. She did this job with a rare enthusiasm, lest the future generations would be deprived of the information on important family links.
When AFF was formed as an organizational entity she took the lead in opening up her diary and shared her valuable notes with others, which paved the way for preparing a credible family history. She also served as the Vice-President of the organization and headed the Committee, which prepared the family history. AFF specially honored her when she attained the age of 90.
She enjoyed good health and was cheerful till her ripe old age. She had the mental stamina to wither all difficult situations in life and had immense trust in Lord’s supreme will. She submitted everything to His ultimate decision. She suffered a minor fall in her house and was bedridden briefly. Smt. Saramma was called to her eternal abode on 5th July 2004, after having received the Holy Sacrament, in full consciousness. Her body was interned in the new cemetery of Kandanad Church, the next day.
Smt Saramma wedded late Shri Kurian, Maliakal-Kanneth house (Mulanthuruthi). Kurian- Saramma couple had a son and two daughters. Their son is Ruben. The daughters are Smt Lalu and Smt Sanuba. Late Shri Daniel Jacob (Moleira Valiaveettil) is her son-in-law.
Shri A.C. Kunjukunju (G V1, Br. 1V)
(1932-2004)
Shri A. C Kunjukunju was born on February 2, 1932 as the eldest son of Cherian- Sosamma couple. He had his primary education in St. Marys School, Kandanad. Later he had his preparatory education in S.M.V.N School, Udayanapuram and high school education in Govt. Boys’ High School (SBHS), Tripunithura.
Owing to the sudden demise of his father at the age of 14, he had to shoulder the responsibility of running the family business of the printing press (Union Press) at Thripunithura, founded in the year 1938.
He handed over the press to his brother, Shri. A. C. Baby and joined Malayala Manorama publications in the year 1958. He had great technical skill in mechanical and electrical gadgets with an ingenious approach to repair complicated machines. He served in the production department of Manorama’s Kottayam and Kochi units for 25 years and the personal and administration department for 3 years.
He was a voracious reader who had acting skills too. As a person, he was a true optimist and had a candid outspoken nature. His willpower and determination were noteworthy, which made him survive and lead a near normal life, even after suffering three strokes. He used to instill confidence and courage in those who stood by him during his difficult period of ailment which was in fact a reflection of his positive approach to life.
Shri Kunjukunju was an ardent supporter of Alunkal Family Fellowship and was one of its founder members. He strongly championed the noble causes of the Fellowship. His untiring enthusiasm provided a rare momentum to the formation of AFF as a cohesive entity. He always made it a point to attend the family meetings, in spite of debilitating physical ailments. He was able to spread goodwill and cheerfulness to all family members whenever there was a family assembly.
Consequent to an operation followed by a bone fracture, he was fully bed-ridden for about a year. Shri Kunjukunju passed away on January 23, 2004. The funeral was conducted at St. Lazarus Church, Kottayam, where his mortal remains rest.
He married Smt. Chinnamma, the daughter of Panthapattu Idikkula Mappilai of Niranam on 10th May 1952. He has four children. They are Smt. Sainu, Smt. Similu, Dr. Suresh, and Shri Sunil. His sons-in-law are: Shri Ranganathan, Adv. C. K. Varghesekutty (Chethimattathil). Dr. (Smt) Swapna and Smt Javis are his daughters-in-law.
Shri A.C.Thomas G V1, Br 1)
(1926-1982)
Thomas was born as the eldest son of Chacko-Annamma couple on 13th, May 1926 at Kadungamangalam. He had his primary education at Kadungamangalm and high school education at SBHS, Tripunithura. He passed the SSLC in 1943 and successfully underwent TTC course at Trichur.
Shri Thomas was the first teacher and Head Master of the St. George School at Vennikkulam. As a teacher Shri Thomas excelled in the profession. It was as if he was made for the job. At a time when the school was at its infancy the hard work and the extra extraordinary commitment of Shri Thomas helped the institution to get a proper foot-hold in the rural setting. His sincere dedication to work and strict discipline attracted many to the school, even from far off places. Soon the classes and divisions multiplied and the school got upgraded to High School. Former students of Shri Thomas nurture nostalgic memories of him, especially of his disciplined teaching method and rare commitment to the profession.
Shri Thomas was dedicated to Kandanad Church and was elected trustee of the Church in 1966. He was re-elected to the post for a second time in 1970. Unfortunately, the faction feud raised its ugly head in the Church, during that period. Shri Thomas solidly stood as the champion of the ancestral faith. It was when late lamented HB Baselious Paulose 11 was the diocesan metropolitan. Shri Thomas was one of the most loved and trusted spiritual sons of the venerable Bava, who used to consult him on all matters related to the Church and the Church School. Incidentally, Shri Thomas was also the trustee and de facto Manager of the school ever since the faction feud started. The hostilities between the 2 groups reached a crescendo in the Church and Shri Thomas showed immense endurance to reign in the warring groups so that the conflict did not reach a flash point. It was the most testing time in his life. He thus had the longest innings of 16 years as trustee of the Church, a record of sorts. He also had to face umpteen number of court cases, civil and criminal, related to the Church dispute. Shri Thomas was also associated closely with late lamented HB Gheevarghese Mor Gregorious (Perupillil Thirumeni), who worked as Malayalam Pandit in Kandanad High School, while he was priest.
Shri Thomas was an ardent agriculturist. He would endlessly shuttle between the Church, teaching job and farming end on. People used to consult him on all social issues at Kureekkad and he played a key role in sustaining the railway halt there.
He showed great interest in sports and fine arts. He was a champion volley ball player in the village. Classical chendamelam was his most favorite art form. He also played flute in melody. His childlike obsession to fire-works made him very popular among the children in the neighborhood. He would sit on endlessly with them on Easter and Vishu eves to display his mastery in fire works. 14th April, 1982 was his last Vishu eve. After having finished his quota of fire-crackers, with children, he retired late to bed, never to open another leaf in his hectic life. He suffered a massive heart attack and passed away into eternity. He was only 56 then. The funeral, next day, was led by a visibly moved Bava Thirumeni, who extolled his rare dedication and sacrifice to the Church. Late lamented Perumbillil Thirumeni rendered a soul stirring sermon on the occasion.
Shri Thomas wedded Smt Mary (Mariamma) of Moolan House, Peechanikkad. Thomas-Mary couple has two sons and one daughter. They are Shri James, late Smt Mercy and Shri Vinoy. Smt Beena, Vengachuvattil and Smt Baby, Edakkancheril are the daughters-in-law.
Smt Lovely Paul (G V1, Br 1)
(1949-2001)
Lovely was born on 3rd August 1949 as the eldest daughter of Shri K.M.Varghese, and Smt. Thankamma Varghese, Kunnathuparambil (Allapra, Perumbavoor). It is worth mentioning here that her maternal lineage traces to Smt Kunjamma of Kadapuram our ancestral grandmother (G111, Br 1). She had her primary and high school education at Valayanchirangara HS. Lovely had her college education at St. Peters, Kolenchery and later she joined Mahilalayam (Alwaye) for Home-Science course. Her marriage to A.C.Paul was in1968.
Right from her childhood Lovely was very active and vivacious. This quality made her the darling in the family. She was particularly good at Math and her class-mates depended on her problem work outs to tide over their short-comings. She always stood first in her class.
The married life took her to Bombay (now Mumbai) with her husband. She got quickly adapted to the busy city life with her characteristic élan. She could easily mix and mingle with people of any culture. This quality made her the most acceptable personality in the friends circle and neighborhood. Her short stay in Bombay for two years turned her into a true cosmopolitan.
When she came back to native place in 1970, she had no difficulty to adjust to the rural life in the ancestral tharavadu. The family had to temporarily shift to Tripunithura to facilitate the education of their son. Life in the town enriched her creative skills. A good part of her time was devoted to teaching young children in the neighborhood, who developed a strong emotional bondage with her. They had a special liking of her ‘fair and lively’ presence and flocked around, fondly calling her “saayipachy”- meaning the ‘fair mistress with blue eyes’.
Smt Lovely was an excellent hostess and cook, a trait she acquired from her mother. She was fond of flowers and ornamental plants. She once nurtured over 1000 orchid plants in her roof garden and was a member of AVT Orchid club. She also underwent a course on floral arrangement and made a large circle of friends.
Smt Lovely was a computer savvy person, when computer literacy was at a premium, especially among house-wives. She underwent the course on computer application and mastered the technology very quickly.
Smt Lovely was also as an enthusiast of Dr. Paul’s profession. She helped him in arranging and tabulating scientific data for his research projects and helped him in proof reading and transcription. She took full care of the aged parents and ancestral property, leaving him free to pursue his professional life.
Shri A.M.Thomas was quick in recognizing the latent talent in Smt Lovely. Her innocence and frankness was appreciated by him and she in turn developed a fatherly affection towards the elder veteran. She took it as a mission to translate his idea of starting the Alunkal Family Fellowship into a reality. Smt Lovely was instrumental in preparing the ground work for the pioneering meeting of the Fellowship at her residence. She became totally engrossed in the Fellowship activities, whether it is in organizing the Family Meet, preparation of Family History, Family Directory, formulating the bylaws, etc. In all these project work outs her computer literacy proved to be a godsend gift.
A sudden act of fate put a full-stop to her lively presence amongst the family. She suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and never recovered from the trauma. After a week in the hospital ICU and receiving the Holy Sacrament she was called to her heavenly abode on 2nd July 2001 night. She was only 51 then and was interned in the new cemetery of Kandanad Church, the same day. The impact of her departure was so disconsolate among the members of the Fellowship that the activities of AFF stood still for a couple of years. The organization, when reconvened, paid rich tributes to her contribution and started the ‘Lovely Paul medical endowment’ to commemorate her name.
Impeccable personalities like Smt Lovely Paul are rare. ‘Love to all and malice towards none’ was her life’s message. A close friend from Bombay, grieving her death, wrote: “Angels do tread this earth, but only for a short period”
(Details of her family can be had from the personal profile of Dr. A.C.Paul)
Rev. Dn. Abraham A Alunkal
(G V1, Br 11)
Abraham was born as the eldest son of late Shri A. A. Avira and late Smt Sosamma on 13th May 1935 at Kandanad. He had his primary and secondary education at Kandanad. He passed SSLC from SBHS, Tripunithura in the year 1953 and joined St. Albert’s College for Intermediate course. After passing the course in 1956 he opted for diploma in accountancy at Madras Institute of Accountancy. He also had higher education at US in the subject at the Portland Community College.
After completing the formal education in native place, Abraham initially worked as an accountant at Ernakulam. Thereafter, he worked in different institutes in Madras and Culcutta.
Dn. Abraham’s best part in carrier was in USA, where he joined as a Data Entry Operator in the Platt Electric Supply Co. Later he joined the Standard Insurance Company as its Financial Service Coordinator. He retired from formal service in 2000.
The spiritual life of Dn. Abraham is based on unblemished and fervent faith in the throne of Antioch. The highpoint in his spiritual life was his ordination as Korooyo (Deacon) by the Patriarch of Antioch, H.H. Moran Mor Ignatius Zaka I, on August 8, 1981. It is a rare blessing and honor for a believer to get priestly order from none other than the Supreme Head of the Church and successor to the throne of St. Peter.
Deacon Abraham visited the Holy Land and spent considerable time in sacred places, which included most important Biblical locations in Syria, Jordan, Israel and Turkey. He also lived, for a while, in the venerable Mor Gabriel monastery in Tur Abdin and St. Mark Monastery in Jerusalem. He thus obtained a deep insight into the teachings during the early Christendom and the prime status of the throne of Antioch in the Universal Church.
Rev. Dn. Abraham is the first Patron member of AFF. His commitment to the family organization is based on deep affection and care. He is also the first person to utilize the AFF forum for charitable endowment. The fact that he did this in the name of his illustrious grand father, late Rev. Fr. A.V.Abraham (Alunkal Achan), shows his deep commitment to ancestral values. He showed immense care for the senior members of the family by sending venerated relics, specially blessed from the Holy Land. Alunkal Family Fellowship honored him with a memento at the 13th Annual Meet in February 2013, when he completed 75y.
Rev. Dn. Abraham married Smt Annamma (Palakkamattom) of Shrathottathil (Puthrukka). Abraham-Annamma couple has 2 daughters. They are Smt Susan and Dr. Mary, both of them settled in US with families.
