Thiruvananthapuram: The death of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has robbed Kerala of its most popular leader. Even when he was ill, what bothered him more than his own physical troubles was the tears and troubles of the common man.
His public life as a legislator for over five decades was exemplary. Oommen Chandy was the one who gave the realization to the public representatives in Kerala that every moment of their lives belongs to the people. His house, office, or heart was not closed to the needs of the common man. He was a public representative who was always available to people at any time.
The public contact programs he organized across Kerala as the Chief Minister of Kerala solved the problems of millions of ordinary people. Oommen Chandy was an excellent example of secularism that united Kerala beyond caste, religion, and politics. Kerala will always remember the boost he gave to the development of the state.
Personally, the church is also indebted to him for the loving approach he maintained with me and the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church. Especially, his support and encouragement in the fields of education and healthcare of the church will always be remembered. I visited him and prayed when he was undergoing treatment in Bangalore. Since I have arrived in America to attend the Malankara Catholic Convention, I am unable to attend the funeral services. Once again, I grieve, pray, and express my condolences to the people of Kerala and his family on the death of Oommen Chandy.
- Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis Catholicos
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