The news of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy’s passing has cast a veil of sorrow over Kerala. At the age of 79, Chandy took his final breath in the early hours of Tuesday at a private hospital in Bengaluru. He leaves behind his wife, Mariamma, and their three children, Achu Oommen, Maria Oommen, and Chandy Oommen.
Achu Oommen, Achu Oommen completed her graduation from Mar Ivanoos College Thiruvananthapuram. She is married to Leejo Phillip, a businessman based in the Gulf. She worked at Standard Chartered in UAE and also had a brief stint in politics as a KSU leader.
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Maria Oommen, another daughter of Chandy, is a doctor who stood steadfastly by her father’s side. Throughout his battle with various ailments, Maria often acted as his spokesperson, conveying his love and gratitude to the people of his constituency. She accompanied him to Germany during his treatment, displaying unwavering support and care. Maria has a doctorate in Management.
Chandy’s son, Chandy Oommen, took to social media to announce his father’s passing, sharing the heartbreaking message, “Appa is no more.” He holds the position of Chairman of the National Outreach Cell in the Indian Youth Congress and is a member of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).
Chandy Oommen is the Chairman of the National Outreach Cell of the Indian Youth Congress and a member of Kerala PCC. He completed his graduation in history from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and pursued law at Campus Law Centre, Delhi University. He is a practicing lawyer and serves as a guest faculty at Amity University. Chandy also walked extensively, often barefoot, alongside Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo yatra.
Looking back on their early days, Mariamma fondly recalls receiving a love letter from Chandy soon after their marriage was arranged. In those few lines, he expressed his need for prayers during the election season, a testament to his dedication to public service. Although Mariamma initially had limited knowledge of Chandy’s political pursuits, she wholeheartedly prayed for his success. His subsequent victory in the election brought immense joy to their lives, an unparalleled moment of happiness that has endured over time.
Describing her husband, lovingly referred to as Kunju, Mariamma highlights his endearing qualities of likability and naivety, which he inherited from his mother. Known for his patience, humility, and inability to turn others down, Chandy has always treated Mariamma with utmost respect, granting her freedom and harboring neither arrogance nor anger. Their enduring 43-year marriage has thrived on trust and mutual understanding.
