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WHAT SHAPED US THE STORY OF THE PATHYIL KALLUVELIL FAMILY Joseph Pathyil 2 dedicated to Josie, Frank, and Vince 3 Introduction Kalluvelil house has an attic, which the family calls thattinpuram. Old letters, moth-eaten photographs, old account books, ancient paintings, discarded furniture, unusable or rarely used utensils, trunks, heirlooms, ancient and heavy lamps, and such precious junk could be found in the loft. One always knew that everything was put away, consigned, and safe in the place. There is no order up there. From time to time one would go up to fetch a specific object. It is dark in thattinpuram and it has a low ceiling. So one climbs the stairs with a lighted lamp and stoops among the precious piles. The spiders, the lizards, the house mice, and the kittens are the usual tenants of the attic. One walks cautiously among the cobwebs, in the dark, and among the dust laden artifacts. One never knows what one might stumble on to. One stays only for a short while in the stuffy atmosphere of the loft, long enough to find the object or abandon the search for the time being. What a family history does is to throw powerful lights in to the crevices and nooks and corners of thattinpuram, expose everything to the naked eye, seek and bring forth memories cached away for generations. It has its obvious advantages and attendant risks. Every family has a unique story, a story that should be known to every member of the family. Without this knowledge, he or she is a lesser human being. No one can exist in a vacuum. All of us have roots and heritage that are singular. When people immigrate to a new country, they opt for new ways of doing things. They leave the land of the forefathers behind them. But they cannot leave behind their characteristics - physical, mental and spiritual - as these are innate. It is necessary for the children of immigrants to know how or why they do things in a particular way. Such information enriches us all. Mine is a modest attempt at putting on paper, in English, the story known to many of my generation. The story needs to be told to all the Pathyils and their descendants in North America. It is a story that they must cherish. Naturally, any story is lost in its telling in the non-native tongue. The flourishes to the story are diminished when committed to paper. In oral traditions, one tends to embellish, add, or subtract in order to suit the audience. Once such a story is written down, it may sound wooden or pedantic or scandal-ridden. But that is a risk one has to take, in order to save the story itself. Perhaps I am the one least qualified to write the story of the Pathyils, as I had left the Pathyil foyer when very young, and returned only for occasional visits. On second thought, such a person is perhaps best qualified, as he may be an interested observer, rather than a participant in the story. However that is, I have undertaken to tell the stor y because I have the interest and the time to tell it. When writing the story of families in India, writers have traditionally confined themselves to the male side of the family. I have deliberately shunned that method of story telling. The story told in these pages belongs equally to our women as to our men and their descendants. Naturally, the text may have to be expanded in the process, but all 4 of the members of the Pathyil Kalluvelil clan - men and women, sons and daughters - are essential parts of the story. The affection and closeness of the cousins and nephews and nieces of the clan attest to this feeling of oneness. The traditional style of narrating a family history is to paint all the ancestors as heroic and saintly. I do not intend to do that. I believe that, in the interest of veracity and believability, truth must be told. It does not diminish the ancestors; it only makes them more human. The reader will appreciate the times and places of these stories, as also the mores and beliefs of the people in those times. We cannot sit in judgement on our ancestors using today"s yardsticks. The story is as seen by me, as thought and reconstructed by me; as told to me and as remembered by me. In other words, the opinions, judgements and conclusions are my own. If others do not agree with my observations, that is as it should be. My only defense is that everything that is written here is with not a trace of malice or rancor. My love for the family is second to none. Therefore, while I have tried to be honest and factual, I have also been imbued with affection for my kith and kin. I had help from several sources. Neendoor Malyekalaya Placheril Kudumbacharithram, a book in Malayalam about the Placheril family, written by Fr. Lucas Pathyil, Jose Nedunthuruthy and others for the "Placheril Kudumba Yogam" was of immense help. Sr. Vincent"s invaluable data on people, which she had inherited from late Joseph Pannivelil, and updated, was a basic source. Both maternal uncles – Lukose and Mathew Pannivelil-, who are happily still with us as I write, were funds of information. Sr. Nicholas, the oldest of the Pathyil clan, mined her memory to come up with some gems. Fr. George Pathyil helped. Mr. Mathew Tharayil, the oldest and the most knowledgeable of the Tharayil family, was a valuable source. Theyamma George was the resident researcher in Kaipuzha and diligently helped in much of the work. Many others, too numerous to mention, deserve my heartfelt gratitude. In the end, however, the story is mine, as seen and remembered by me. All shortcomings in the narration are entirely mine. 5 Table Of Contents 1. KAIPUZHA 7 2. PATHYIL 11 3. PLACHERIL THOMMY AND KUNJACHU 15 4. PATHYIL UTHUP AND ACHAMMA 17 5. KALLUVELIL ABRAHAM 23 6. NELLUPADATHU NAITHY 41 7. KALLUVELIL CHILDREN 48 A. LUKOSE 49 B. MARIAMMA CHAMAKALA 56 C. ANNAMMA THENAKARA 62 D. SISTER VINCENT 64 E. JACOB 66 F. THEYAMMA GEORGE 71 G. THOMAS 75 H. PENNAMMA 77 I. UPPACHAN 79 J. MATHAIKUNJU 83 8. PLACHERIL ANCESTORS 85 9. PANNIVELIL ANCESTORS 87 10. CONCLUSION 94 11. CHARTS 96 6 7 1. KAIPUZHA Kaipuzha is more than a mere place. It is a dreamland; it is the hidden jewel in the paradise that is Kerala. Kaipuzha is unique as its characteristics cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. The name is derived from the fact that there are canals and rivers in the greater Kaipuzha region. Kaipuzha is part of the Kuttanadu area in Kerala. Kuttanadu is closely linked to the "kayals" of Kerala. These are lagoons connected to the Arabian Sea, except that at certain times of the year, the water is inland. The shallower areas of the kayals form Kuttanadu fields , which are essentially the back-waters of the lakes. In recent past, the backwater regions have been virtually forded up with bunds and causeways from the kayals, so that salt water does not form part of the aquatic system. However, the Kuttanadu region is waterlogged. For the purposes of cultivation, water from the fields has to be pumped out into the canal systems. Once the crops are taken, fields are again inundated. Again in olden days - till not more than 30 years ago- farmers cultivated the fields only once in two years, leaving water filled areas fallow the rest of the time. With chemicals and fertilizers, crops are now being planted at least once a year, with disastrous consequence to the ecological system of Kuttanadu. The usual mode of transportation in the region has been by canoe. With meandering rivers and canals, and water-filled fields, one went everywhere by boat or canoe. Children learned to swim soon after they learned to walk. Water and water-related activities become part of the psyche. Kaipuzha is part of the northern reaches of Kuttandu. Kaipuzha however is not all fields and water. In fact, the landmass adjoining the fields is hills and valleys, undulation of brown and red earth. The church of Kaipuzha is on the highest of the hills, standing majestic and visible to the naked eye from miles out in the fields. While to the west of the church- steeple is seen the verdant fields and blue waters, to the South are flat lands, and to the East and North more hills and valleys. Kaipuzha is an exclamation point in the outer reaches of Kuttanadu. It is both water"s-edge and land"s beginning. It is rice fields and rubber plantation. It is the meeting point of both earth and water. Let us sit on the big boulder in front of the barn (Kalappura muttam)in Kalluvelil , on the edge of the water-filled fields. Look to the west. As far as the eye can see are miles of waterlogged fields, with bunds and causeways lined with coconut trees. The occasional canoes dart around - fishing for konju (scampi), or guiding hosts of ducks, or just going places. Then there are other boats laden with coconut, or clay vessels, or other merchandise moving majestically on the serpentining canals, going to markets all over Kuttandu. The water is calm, a gentle breeze wafts from the west. The sun is never unbearable even at noon. Fish frolic in the shallow waters of the fields. Cranes brood, and other water birds scoot around preying on the unsuspecting fish. The woodpecker is busy preparing its nest. The crows and the kuyils are going about their daily business of living.. The water buffaloes and oxen lazily loll in the water. Peace fills this paradise. Another day: Let us sit on the western verandah of the house and behold the dark clouds forming on the horizon. Nature is about to unleash its fury. The fields are inundated; the coconut trees in the distance seem hardly able to keep their heads above water. Some of 8 the bunds are under water. Waves batter the land. The distant roar presages the impending downpour. Monsoon in all its fury is unleashed on the land. And suddenly the heavens open. Cascade runs down the roof. Children cannot be contained in the house. They rush out nearly naked, stand under the down- pour from the roof, and laugh heartily, as buckets of clear cool water tumble over them. They fight to get the best position to enjoy the most water. They run around, splashing water from the land, and then dare to jump into the flooding fields, to test the fury of the waves. They are children of the water and know how far they can go. They will play in the water, but close to shore. They will not take their canoes out into the deep, nor will they swim far from the shore. They will dive into the water from the stone boulder at the water"s edge, and instantly swim back up on land. Having tested the might of the elements, they will get back home, to the relief of their mother. They will saunter out again at night to catch fish by torch light from the shallow water on land. They will bring still more fish, to the joyous exclamations of the men, and the consternation of the women-folks who must clean and cook. They have learned to live in tune with nature, never to challenge it, and always to be cautious. They know of mishaps, drownings, capsized canoes, bloated corpses floating in the water, and disasters that befall those who are careless. But they also know that floods too can be fun . Soon it is time for the boat races. Everyone with big and small canoes prepare for the big boat races in Kottayam and Alappuzha. Occasionally races are also held as part of the festivities of the local churches and schools. People - young and old - argue about the vallam kali, and which boat will win, and where. And families prepare to go to Kottayam to watch the races. Children ply their canoes as if in preparation for the races, or in imitation of the best boats. A few weeks later: The floods have receded. The land is dry. The bunds are visible. The ploughers are busy ploughing in the shallow water. Giant motors pump out the water from the fields into the canal systems. Young amateur fishermen are everywhere with their nets catching the abundant fish from the channels. Soon the sowers will cast the paddy seeds on to the wet fields. A few days hence, hundreds of workers are bent over the fields, transplanting the seedlings, and weeding . The farmers are busy, fertilizing, pumping excess water, strengthening the bunds, discussing the cost of cultivation and the perils to the crops, and always anxious, always vigilant. A flash flood, or unexpected rain could ruin the crops, or the bunds may burst and inundate the fields. That too happens every few years. But, undaunted, the farmers will pump the water out, reseed the fields, and cultivate again. Or write the year off. Destiny, fate, the inevitable, are forces that they will accept with equanimity. Late one afternoon, if you sit on that boulder in the kalappura muttam, you will see the verdant fields bursting with golden crops. The workers have retired to rest from the travails of the day. The birds are flying back to their nests. The channels are silent except for the occasional fish jumping, or a water snake rippling the surface. The golden sun is about to embrace the green fields laden with the promise of a rich harvest. People are busy getting the children bathed, and readying for the evening prayers. Darkness falls 9 suddenly after the glorious sunset. One can hear the chatter of prayers, loud reading of homework by the children, scolding of mothers to recalcitrant children from every household. The day is done, its hours have run, and people are taking count of all. Soon will come the harvest season. Workers are milling around the premises, reaping, thrashing, drying and heaping of hay, storing the paddy, fighting for recognition, ...and all in a hurry to beat the rains. Stomping the harvested sheaves under feet, making sure every grain is accounted for, they work night and day. Indeed most stay back to work a few hours by lantern to speed up and store the harvest. Glorious time for the children to walk the newly harvested fields, gleaning what is left by the workers, flying kites, romping in the hay, and generally making a nuisance of themselves to the workers and their supervisors. The jackfruit and mangoes are ripe for picking. The cashew apples shine temptingly overhanging the fields. Not a day goes by but the delicious mangoes are picked or gathered as they fall, and eaten at any time of the day or night. And the children gorge on jack fruit till they get sick. Seasons determine the lives of the folks in Kaipuzha. Home and school and church revolve around these seasons. Marriages and festivals are in accordance with the seasons. Kaipuzha is quintessentially a place in tune with nature. St. George"s Roman Catholic Church is the focal point of religious and social activities of the Christians. It has been in existence since 1813. Though the church has been rebuilt twice, it has remained a beacon for all through the years. The Knanaya Christians of Kaipuzha have always been a devout community. Whenever the pastor needed the people, he only needed to ask. Indeed from the very inception of the Church, the Pathyils have played an integral part in the wellbeing of the parish.. The latest reconstruction of the Church in 1983 was undertaken under the tireless leadership of Thomas Kalluvelil. More about him and others later. The history of the Visitation Convent founded by Bishop Makil in 1892 is intertwined with our family history. The Convent ran a Malayalam Language School for girls as well as a primary school for boys and girls. The boarding that was attached to the school attracted students from all over central Travancore. Almost all our girls and many of our boys had their early education in the school. From the inception of the Convent, several of our women have dedicated themselves to the service of God and His people, taking the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in the Congregation. Today, Sr. Innocent, the Mother General of the Society, is one of our own. IN 1928 Fr. Thomas Poothathil founded St. Joseph"s Congregation originally for handicapped women. Subsequently the congregation flourished, and today it has branches all over Kottayam, several parts of India, and in Africa and Europe. The sisters run schools, orphanages, hospitals and other social service activities. St. George"s English Middle School (later to become a High School) was started in 1926 through the vision and endeavor of Abraham Pathyil. Ever since its inception all our children have had their education in that school. The story of that school is as much the 10 story of our family. Close to the school is the hospital, which too has received much, loving care from our family and relatives even till today. The survival and growth of the hospital was due, in no small measure to the unstinting service of men such as Chamakala Chummaru Kutty and, in the recent past, Thomas Kalluvelil. St.Therese of Avila Church in Palathuruth, next to our ancestral home, is very much our church too. Indeed the original plot of land was given by one of our own. Ever since then, to the most recent rebuilding of the Church, our family members have participated without counting cost and time. Thomas Pathyil and Babychan Chamakala were in the forefront of the construction of the magnificent church that stands as a model of Kerala"s unique ecclesial architecture. Kaipuzha population consists of not only Knanaya Catholics, but also people of different religions. The Nairs have been the early settlers on the land. They are landholders, but generally continue to be civil servants. The Ezhava community, the traditional toddy tappers, constitutes an important minority. The Pulayas who have been for centuries the tenants and workers of the landlords are an important segment of the Kaipuzha community. The Mukavas (Valans) have been fishermen and boatmen for centuries. All these segments live in relative harmony and communal peace. To all of them St. George"s school has been the alma mater, the fields and the water their common ground. At festivals, marriages, and funerals all these people show their mutual respect and regard, by sharing joy and grief. Kaipuzha has always been associated with its neighboring village of Neendoor. In fact Neendoor is an extension of Kaipuzha. For very long time the school and the hospital in Kaipuzha were as much part of Neendoor. Apart from the fact that Neendoor has its own Church and community centre, Kaipuzha has been the mother church and spiritual centre. The civic government of the Panchayat is now in Neendoor, and new industries and progress have veered towards Neendoor. But Neendoor is integral to the soul of Kaipuzha. The Pathyils originated from Neendoor and the ancestors have had intimate involvement in the development of Neendoor, even to this day. Another satellite village close to Kaipuzha is Kurumulloor (Onanthuruthu and Vedagiri are names for parts of the same place.) People of Kurumulloor have traditionally gone to Kaipuzha school, been treated in Kaipuzha hospital, and they too have been integral parts of Kaipuzha life. Places such as Manjoor and Kallara also looked to Kaipuzha as its mother church and St. George"s school has educated all the youngsters of all these villages. In other words, the whole region, known as Kaipuzha-Neendoor Sekharam has been one entity. The Pathyil family has had very close links with all these places. The history of the Pathyil family is not a story in isolation. The land, its people, its institutions, and the evolutions of time have marked the family. And the family has left its mark in the process of this evolution. 11 2. 2. PATHYIL The Sanskrit word Pathy means ruler, protector, or provider. However, the Pathyils were never rulers or lords. The Pathyil family is an offshoot of the Placherils of Neendoor. When one of the Placherils - Kurian - married Mariam Tharayil, a piece of land in the island of Tharayil was given to Kurian as dowry. That land had been the burial place of Hindus, and was therefore known as "Pathy" - a burial or cremation ground. Therefore when Kurian set up his house in the plot, his household came to be known as Pathyil. (While other spellings are possible, Abraham had always used "Pathyil", and so we shall adhere to that spelling.) The Tharayil family has been one of the prominent families in the Knanaya community. More than three centuries ago, the Kalingala family from Ettumannor was invited to settle in Kaipuzha by the Idathil Nobility to look after the Hindu temple at Shasthangal and help the vast holdings of the Idathil land lords. The family members lived in several places in the vicinity of the temple, including Malayil. In 1759, the family was given the island of Tharayil for themselves and their progeny. The first one to settle there was Luka. He had two sons: Thomas and Chacko. Thomas resettled in another part of the island, had two sons known as Chacko and Luka. Luka had no children. Chacko"s sons were Thomas (who settled in Njellakattil, was a member of the Travancore Legislature, and had no children of his own.), Luka who too had no children, Joseph who became a priest, and Kuruvilla who had an only son. This son was Chacko who inherited all the paternal and family property, was knighted by the Pope, and had four sons: Joseph, Kuruvilla, Thomas (who later became the Bishop of Kottayam), and Kochokan. Luka"s other son, Chacko, lived in the Tharayil ancestral house and could legitimately be termed the true inheritors of the Tharayil name. Chacko had two sons: Thomas and Luka. Thomas had an only child who was a girl. Her name was Mariam and she was given in marriage to Placheril Kurian. Since Thomas had no male issue, Kurian was invited to settle in the Pathyil plot of the island. Mariam"s cousins (by Luka) were Chacko Medayil, Uthup, Thomas Chamakalayil, and Simon. It was with these cousins that Kurian had major disagreements. Kurian would brook no interference in his personal businesses. One day he locked one of them in his granary, and walked away to Neendoor. The cousins pursued him. But when they reached Kurian"s house of Placheril in Neendoor, they found themselves confronted by Kurian"s supporters. Caution prevailed over valor, and they returned to Tharayil household. As for Kurian, he stayed away from Pathyil for almost thirteen years, until others mediated and when peace was restored Kurian returned to Pathyil. Simon"s sons were Chacko and Joseph. Joseph"s sons were Chacko who married Annamma Pathyil Placheril, and Mathew who was a revered and beloved teacher of Fine Arts and Physical Instruction for generations of children in St. George"s School, Kaipuzha. (Note, in passing, the repetition of names. There is a system to this apparent recurrence. The custom was that the eldest son inherited the paternal grandfather"s name, and others immortalized other names of ancestors. It is hoped that the charts at the end of the book will facilitate matters.) We will deal with the Placheril clan extensively in another chapter. Suffice it to say for now that they had been prominent in Neendoor. No wonder that Tharayil family was 12 eager to have marriage alliance with the Placherils. Kurian settled in Kaipuzha along with Mariam. They had one son and two daughters. One of the daughters was given in marriage to Kunjumathan of Vanchipurackal; however she died early, and without children. The other daughter was married to Methredathu. The only son, born in 1858, was named Kochokan. (Kochokan is a name seemingly derived from Augon which is the Greek name for Eugene, meaning " well-born". Most Christian names in Kerala can be traced to Aramaic, Greek, or Armenian roots. Biblical and Evangelical names were most common. Thus Kurian probably comes from the Greek word Kyrios - Lord-) Kochokan married Ilachi of Erikatt in Kudallore. They had two daughters and three sons. Kochokan was a very capable person, a hard taskmaster and a harsh disciplinarian. His property, as in the case of landlords of the time, extended beyond the lands and fields to animals and chattels among which were counted bonded servants, tenants, and the women, including his own wife and daughters in law. The landlords had absolute powers over their property and people. A devout Catholic (as were others in his time) he did not see any contradiction in his behavior towards his chattels and his religion. Stories abound of his short temper. His wife had to heat a hot plate of herbal ointment for Kochokan and massage him using the warm oil. . In the midst of all her other preoccupations, she did not realize that the oil was a bit too hot for his comfort. As she gently massaged him with the hot oil, he was infuriated at the excessive heat, picked up the hot oil pan, and placed it on her back. Her back burned and she was branded forever. Kochokan would not allow anything to be consumed without his sanction. His sons lovingly nurtured a banana tree and kept the banana bunch in the smoke room to ripen. One of them ate a banana from the bunch and the father whipped all three boys for the transgression. He would get under the blanket at the first sight of the dark clouds which presaged rains. Ilachi"s children remembered their mother with great fondness and the grandchildren thought the world of her too. The eldest of the girls was Mariamma, born in 1895. She joined the visitation Convent and assumed the name of Sr. Nicholas. At the early age of 23, on January 1, 1918, she died. Achamma and her twin were born in 1900. At the age of two, the twin sister went looking for her mother, and accidentally drowned in the Tharayil canal. Achamma, grew up to be a beauty, with red lips, and was given in marriage to Kunjurula Tharayil. She had four children: Kunjeppu, Luka, Chacko and Achamma, (born Mary). Chacko died at the age of one. Achamma (senior) was the darling of her brothers. It was said that the Chevalier (Tharayil Madambi) once asked her to sit on the floor as one of the other daughters-in-law had brought a bigger dowry than Achamma. One had given only Rs.500, whereas the other had given double that as dowry. Achamma went home to Pathyil, a short walk away, crying about the demeaning treatment. Thereupon her father and brothers, upset over the humiliation to their darling sister, looked around for enough money to match whatever was given by others. Since Sr. Nicholas had died before her perpetual profession in the Visitation Convent, the Visitation Convent authorities had asked Kochokan to collect the money and articles given to the Congregation. Kochokan had refused to take back what was given to the 13 convent. However, in order to reinstate Achamma in style with the Tharayil patriarch, Kochokan accepted Rs.500 from the Visitation Convent, gave the money to the Chevalier, and royally reinstated their sister. One of the Pathyil children - usually Mary- would go over to Tharayil to bring over one of the children of Achamma. The ploy was for her to get the Chevalier"s permission to bring back the child, and while in Pathyil, to be treated to sumptuous meals that her sisters in law would have prepared. Achamma fainted the day her mother died on February 11, 1928, and never recovered consciousness. She died on February 17, 1928. The three sons of Kochokan were THOMMY (Thomas), UTHUP ( Joseph) and KUNJITTIAVIRA (Abraham). The story of the Pathyil clan begins with Kochokan. His three sons and their wives and children lived together for several years under the same roof, in relative harmony. They all had enough common complaints to commiserate about. When Thommy and his family moved to Neendoor, Uthup and Abraham and their families stayed together in Pathyil for many years. The daughters-in-law would sneak to the Tharayil canal for their weekly ablution, and it was there that they would talk freely and share the clandestine goodies which they had painstakingly prepared for the household, and which they were forbidden to eat without permission from the father-in law. Years later, the two of them who had great affection for each other, would exchange stories and laugh at their early years in the Pathyil household. While Achamma was in charge of the kitchen and Naithy looked after all the children. Thus Naithy became the mother of all. Thommy married Kunjachu of Malyekal. Kochokan was not happy with the dowry that Kunjachu brought. He spared no occasion to show his displeasure towards the daughter in law. Not only did he mistreat her frequently, but asked Thommy to do so. Thommy and his father were very fond of a dog given by friends from Chellanathu- friends he had cultivated over the years in his travels with the water pump (called ponnengine). One day as he returned from the fields, he asked his wife if she had fed the dog. In the midst of all her other chores she confessed she had forgotten the dog. He was angry with her, kicked her in the stomach and walked away. It was Thommy"s life-long regret that he imitated his father in such cruel manner. Years later, Thommy would tearfully confide in his priest-son his deep regret over the harsh treatment that he meted out to his wife under duress from his father. When Uthuppu married Achamma, a niece of Kunjachu from the same Malyekal family, and brought a far better dowry than Kunjachu, Kochokan"s ire against Kunjachu only worsened. As was the custom in those days, Kunjachu went to her house for confinement prior to the birth of her eldest son. The usual custom of the day was for the husband"s people to visit the newborn baby, and assist at the baptism on either the seventh day or the ninth day, failing which a penalty had to be paid to the church. Since no one from Pathyil came for these, Kunjachu"s father took the baby boy to Neendoor St. Michael"s Church, baptized the baby as Michael, for lack of another name. But Kochokan forbade Thommy to visit his wife and child, until the Malyekal family improved on the dowry. Kunjachu and the baby spent several years in Malyekal. After the intervention and mediation of several people, including Fr. Jacob Tharayil - a friend of the two families, and when the Malyekals added substantially to the dowry of Kunjachu, Thommy brought his wife back to Pathyil. The boy was called Kurian, after 14 the grand father of Thommy. As the years went by, Kochokan mellowed, and became an affectionate grandfather. Mary (Sr. Nicholas), his eldest granddaughter remembers how Kochokan was the personification of affection. As a child she snuggled next to the grandfather. She was the one who had to bring him warm kanji-water at night. Luka, the son of Abraham, was with him when Kochokan planted the Mango sapling (Ngettukuzhiyan mango tree) and told him to send him a ripe mango to heaven, as he would not be around to enjoy the fruit on earth. Thommy"s second son Luka was born in Neendoor. The grandparents wanted him in Pathyil. When the baby was eleven months old, Kochokan and Ilachi went to Neendoor by boat with a boiled egg to entice the child, brought him to Kaipuzha. Kochokan very much wanted to control the finances and fortunes of the family. But as the boys grew to be young men, he had to let go of much of the authority. Traditionally, the youngest son would stay in the ancestral house, while the other sons would be settled in the lands belonging to the family. Uthup was sent to Kalluvelil, which Kochokan had acquired, from some Ezhavas. But he found Kunjittiavira to be a handful, and rather unmanageable. Therefore, one fine day, he packed Naithy (Kunjittiavira"s wife) and children in a boat and sent them over to Kalluvelil and recalled Uthup to the ancestral Pathyil house. When Kunjittiavira returned from Kidangore where he was teaching, he was peremptorily told to join his family in Kalluvelil. Such was the abruptness of Kochokan. Kochokan died on November 5, 1923.He had been a shrewd and careful farmer. He bought lands and fields extensively. Before his death, he partitioned the properties to his three sons. He divided the properties into three and asked Thommy to choose first. He chose the ponnengine and some of the fields. Uthup took some properties and gold. Kunjittiavira had the rest including a piece of land in Kurumulloor (which nobody wanted). The sons were not easy to please. Much disagreement and dispute arose as to who would look after their mother. Whoever was going to look after her was to administer Kaipuzha-Kari, which was kept aside for her. In the end, Uthup affirmed that he would look after Ilachi and that he would not ask for compensation for that. Instead he asked the field (Kari) to be given to him and he would compensate his brothers in installments. The field was worth Rs.900/ and Uthup paid off his brothers gradually. There were tensions as a result of the partition, which took a long time to heal. As the debates about partition was heating up in the drawing room of the Pathyil household, one of the children was heard crying in the courtyard. Abraham came out of the room, saw his wife trying to soothe the child. He went up to her and slapped her across the face. Naithy remembered it to her dying day, as that was perhaps the first of the very few occasions when she was physically abused- and through no fault of hers. Ilachi died on February 11, 1928. The last few years of her life were spent in the loving company of her children and grandchildren. Her children and daughters-in law loved her. Her life was selflessly dedicated to the cause of her husband and children. As her daughters in law were preparing the body for burial in law, they were horrified to see the burn-mark on her back. She had suffered and endured much. 15 3. 3. PLACHERIL THOMMY AND KUNJACHU . Thommy (born in 1880), was the serious and ponderous eldest son. He went to St. Ephraim"s High School, Mannanam, run by the Carmelite Fathers. High School education was a rarity during those times. Thommy did not complete his High School, but was fluent in English and had some of the most influential people of the State as his friends, since they had been contemporaries in School. It was several years later, after the birth of Luka and others, that Thommy shifted to Neendoor. Kochokan bought Placheril ancestral house and Thommy began his life as scion of the family. He was known as Thommy Pathyil-Placheril. Kochokan owned properties - lands and fields- in both Neendoor and Kaipuzha. His sons had to supervise and help in all aspects of the cultivation. Thommy had some business sense. He tended the powerful oil-driven water pump to syphon water out of the fields into the canals. This was known as Ponnengine (the golden engine) which he tended with great care. Subsequently he inherited the engine. Thommy, while being an agriculturist and businessman, was also an ardent and devout Catholic. His life revolved around the Neendoor Church, especially after the untimely death of his wife. In 1933 in honour of the institution of the Blessed Eucharist (Jubilee of the Blessed Sacrament) Thommy commissioned the mural paintings above the altar of the Neendoor church. Thommy was the patriarch of the family after the death of Kochokan. His brothers and their children regarded him with great respect and consideration. In the forties, when he had to undergo a gall bladder operation in Thiruvalla, the whole clan prayed and was concerned until his recovery. Thommy moved to a house near the Neendoor Church to facilitate his devotions. The family members would visit him regularly. For some reason all would speak in whispers in his presence. He himself would speak in a grave, low voice to all. He had goodies - usually dried raisins - for the children, and was always interested in the welfare of all. His favorites, after his own children, were his godsons, Luka Kalluvelil, in particular. When Luka borrowed money from him for a business venture to be done jointly with Kurian, and when the business floundered, Thommy was devastated, not only by the loss of money, but by what he felt was a betrayal of trust. The three brothers could spend hours together, talking, reading, or just being in the same room. They were humorously known as The Trinity. Towards the end of Thommy"s life, there were tensions between the eldest and the youngest brothers because of the involvements of their children. However, in the final month preceding his deaths, there was reconciliation. Thommy died on April 14, 1961. Thommy had two sons and three daughters. Kurian studied in Kidangore, under the tutelage of his uncle, and later in Trissur. Kurian was an adventurous person all his life. He dared to do things that others would only imagine. . He undertook a long expedition of India on his own at an early age. His travel bug remained with him all his life. At the age of 83, in 1983(Kurian was born on January 1, 1900), he accompanied a pilgrimage to Europe and the Holy Land. He was also instrumental in founding a Senior Citizens Society for the diocese of Kottayam. In order to start chapters for the golden agers Kurian traveled ceaselessly all over the diocese by bus and train, and hardly ever complained of 16 fatigue. He married Achu of Kaduthodil, a very refined and cultured woman. Kurian"s escapades continued unabated all his life. He wrote several pamphlets about his mother, about his journeys and about his life. For whatever reason, these pamphlets seem to indicate an underlying desire to confess, but a natural reluctance to disclose. Kurian lived as the patriarch of the Pathyil clan after the death of his uncles, and died in 1991.His wife, Achu Kaduthodil, predeceased him in 1980. Kurian has two sons and three daughters. The eldest son Thomas and his wife Annamma have nine children, several of whom are in the Middle East. Lukose, the second son and his late wife Rosamma Makil have five sons and three daughters. The eldest Tommy is in Chicago with his wife Kunjumol Mutholathu. Suja, one of the daughters is in Tampa, Florida. Two of Kurian"s daughters were married, and one became a nun in the Ursaline Congregation. Thommy"s second son was Luka, born on October 22, 1907, studied in Neendoor and Kaipuzha, and spent his High School years in Mannanam. His intense desire to become a priest brought him under the affectionate patronage of Bishop Choolapparampil of Kottayam, who sent him to Candy, Sri Lanka, for Seminary training and studies. He was ordained a priest in 1936, assuming the name of Fr. Lucas Pathyil. He obtained his B.A. and L.T. (Teachers training) after his ordination. For more than three decades he was at the helm of affairs in some of the High Schools belonging to the diocese. His reputation as a fair administrator and disciplinarian, as well as an effective teacher brought him friends, admirers and disciples all over the world. One of his final posts was the Principalship of Maria Giri High School, Peermede. Under him the school became a full fledged residential institution and a place much sought after by parents. The results were phenomenal as all the students that Fr. Lucas presented for the School Final Examination passed, and passed in the first division - no mean achievement. He continued his invaluable service to the parishes and institutions of Kottayam for many more years. His retired life in Caritas was not that of a recluse. His multitudinous admirers and relatives constantly visited him and asked for advice and blessings. Fr. Lucas continued to be interested in the welfare of all. His correspondences with his cousins and relatives globally are a testimonial to his indefatigable energy. By 1993 his strength failed him and he died peacefully on March 12, 1995. Thommy"s three daughters were all married in prominent families. The eldest, Annamma, was married to Chacko Tharayil. Kocheli was married to Kuncheppu Koonthamattathil, and Kunjumariamma to Ouseph of Kalappurayil in Parippu. Some of their children and grandchildren are in North America. 17 4. PATHYIL UTHUP AND ACHAMMA Uthup is a synonym for Joseph. Other Malayalam words for Joseph are Uthuppachan, Uppachan, Ouseph, Eppu, Kunjeppu, Eppachan et cetera. Born in 1886, Uthup was not as tall as his brothers. He was fairer in colour, had a charming smile, and ready wit. Since Thommy was engaged in the ponnengine business, and Kochokan needed all the help he could get to run the household and look after the vast fields and properties, Uthup had to terminate his formal education at an early age. But he remained an ardent reader, a keen observer, and had a good memory for people, places, and ideas. From young age, Kochokan relied on his second son to run his errands, and do all the routine work. Uthup married a girl from Chazhikat (the aunt of Joseph Chazhikat) in 1907; but she died within six months of the birth of a daughter who had died at birth.. His second marriage was to Achamma of Malyekal. As mentioned earlier, the three brothers lived together with their spouses and children in Pathyil for several years. Kalluvelil was the designated property of Uthup. Therefore Kochokan consulted Kunjankora Malyekal (the father of Achamma) who took a personal interest in the property, planted coconut trees and banana saplings brought from Neendoor. Fr. Alexander Choolapparambil, later to become the Bishop of Kottayam, blessed the Kalluvelil house. Uthup lived in Kalluvelil for some time, and when he was ordered back to Pathyil, Achamma was rather unhappy. But Uthup consoled her saying that obedience to parents was a paramount virtue. Achamma who outlasted her sister in laws and her husband and his brothers, became the repository of reminiscences of their lives under the Kochokan household. Even after she lost her memory of current happening, until 1993, when Achamma died, she used to recount interesting tid-bits about life in Pathyil when she was younger. Uthup was more subdued than his brothers. But he was probably the most sincere and devout of the three. There was no mean bone in him, as parishioners in Palathuruthu used to say. He was also an extremely pious person. He had great faith in Divine Providence. His prayer life was no sham. And from the hours of prayer, he brought compassion into his life. He quietly helped a number of people by his words and deeds. Uthup was generous to a fault. While he did not seek, nor get the recognition that his brothers did, Uthup left lasting impressions on all those who came into contact with him. And he loved all his people, and genuinely tried to be of service to them. His charity knew no bounds. An example stands out in the mind of this author. When I had left the Brothers of St. Gabriel, my father, Abraham, who was the most educated of the three brothers, and purportedly the most modern -looking and broad minded, wrote a damning letter, castigating me for betraying him and the family name. The letter was scathing and accusative. Uthup who saw the letter before it was mailed, asked to add a sentence to it. He merely wrote to me as a post script, asking me to disregard my father"s entire letter as haranguing by an upset person, that the family loved me and that I would always be close to his heart, and to the heart of his brother. The four pages of condemnation was balanced by the four lines of Uthup. Uthup was also the most hardy of the three. While both Thommy and Abraham had various treatments for ailments, Uthup remained resilient and robust all his life. It was he , who would, especially in the latter part of his life, walk to his younger brother"s house, 18 and persuade Kunjittiavira to get up and walk with him a little while. He enjoyed travels and needed very little excuse, and very little money to undertake a journey. With kith and kin near and far, it was an easy decision for him to go where the spirit moved him. He traveled light, and had very little personal preferences of food and shelter. And he was always welcome in all households. All of his children, his many nephews and nieces and others looked forward to his occasional visits with great joy, and Uthup"s presence was never seen as an intrusion or an imposition. The three brothers had been close to each other both physically and emotionally. Circumstances beyond their control brought irritants in the harmony between the eldest and the youngest brother. It was Uthup"s constant effort to heal the rift. In 1960, when public healing took place, Uthup was the most pleased with the reconciliation. After the death of his elder brother, Uthup became very close to Kunjittiavira, with whom he held long, slow, and leisurely conversations. These were more communions than chats. They needed each other"s company. Uthup took the experimentations and novel ideas of his younger brother in stride. There were never any value judgement or condemnation or evaluation. They accepted each other as they were. When in March 1975 Uthup breathed his last, his brother predicted that he would follow him in a few months - which he did. The lasting legacy of Uthup is in the hearts of the hundreds of people whom he touched by his compassion and consideration. His was the life of the good and loving servant who, at death, would be invited to the heavenly bliss after having served his master so faithfully. Achamma was an interesting contrast to Uthup. She knew her mind, and was determined in her ways. She had a quick wit and a rapier tongue. While she was devoted to her husband and children, she brooked no nonsense. She held on to her personal space, however small it was. Achamma was a shrewd judge of character. Wherever she went, she brought life and joy and laughter. She too was fond of travelling. Her priest-son in Tellicherry looked forward to his mother"s visit, as did her cloistered daughter. Lack of knowledge of languages and customs and geography did not restrict her travels in any way. She was fearless in going among strangers, and always managed to make new friends and acquaintances. She too, like her husband, relied on divine Providence . They both entrusted their lives and that of their children to the will of God. That was probably the secret of their success. After gracefully outliving her husband and her in laws, Achamma passed away peacefully in 1993. It was a full life that she had lived, spanning almost a century. She had seen great sorrow and great joy. Her youngest son had died of cancer; several tragedies in the family had to be suffered. She endured them all, and was always resilient. One of her sons was a priest, and two of her daughters were nuns. Others eventually did well for themselves, and several have their children in America. Achamma lived through all those tumultuous years, experiencing both joys and sorrows. Their eldest daughter –Anna- died soon after birth. The next daughter, Mary, born on October 17, 1913, joined the Visitation Convent in 1931, and took the name of Sr. Nicholas, to remember her late aunt in the same Congregation. Sister Nicholas has been a pious and holy nun, given to obedience and willing to do what was asked of her always. Her younger sister Annamma was given in marriage to Chacko Manimala, who was a very successful educator in Sacred Heart Mount High School, Kottayam, until he retired as Head Master of St. Mary"s High School, Kidangore. Their children are successfully 19 settled in USA, Germany, Africa, Australia and India. Their only daughter is married to Jose Tharayil, the son of Annama Placheril. A third daughter Rosa, was given in marriage to Lukose Thachara, a successful businessman. Most of their children are in America. The youngest of the daughters of Uthup and Achamma, Achamma (jr) became a cloistered Carmel nun, assuming the name of Sr. Ann Therese. Sr. Ann remained in the same cloister as was their practice, until recently when she was sent to found a new community in Karnataka. Her prayers, sacrifice, and constant and loving interest in all that pertain to her extended family, have been of great comfort to all. Thomas was the oldest of the sons of Uthup and Achamma. He was an adventurer from childhood. Having studied in Kaipuzha in the first few years, he was sent to Sacred Heart Mount for his High School studies. He was a naturally brilliant student. After his High School, he joined the minor seminary in Kottayam for a very brief period. Seminary life did not suit his temperament. He left the Seminary and joined College for further studies. He met Mary Karukakuttil who was then studying in St. Anne"s High School, and asked his parents if they would arrange their marriage. It was a good union. Thomas came home with Mary and found the opportunities of Kaipuzha rather limiting. Second World War was raging. Thomas left the family and joined the Military. His education and personality enabled him to move up in the ranks. His regiment was being deployed to destination unknown. On the way, he got scent of the fact that the unit was being sent to the war front in Burma. Thomas slipped away, and became AWL. He knew that the authorities would be hunting for him. He went back South, but instead of going back to Kaipuzha and endangering himself and others, he found jobs in Malabar. The only person who knew his whereabouts was his trusted uncle Abraham. His uncle monitored his movements, helped him, kept him informed of every thing . Thomas spent several years in hiding from the law. After the war, when a general amnesty was given to those who had abandoned the military, he returned home to his tearful wife, and daughter Bessie whom he had never seen. Thomas and Mary resumed their lives in Pathyil, with his parents. Their loving union resulted in seven daughters and two sons. Mary died of cancer in 1961. All their children are now in America. Bessie who married Thomas Thachett Ph. D, was responsible for the immigration of her sisters and brothers. In 1981, Bessie, after a long bout with cancer died in Chicago. Thomas, after having settled all his children, and having remained a widower for several years, married Thangamma in 1982. They live in the rebuilt Pathyil house. Fr. George is perhaps the best known among the Pathyils of today. He was born in Kalluvelil on February 11, 1920, his early education was in Kaipuzha. He was sent to Sacred Heart Mount High School to complete his High School education. George decided to join the Seminary. Instead of being a priest for the diocese of Kottayam, he decided to become a missionary priest in Kozhikode. At the age of 25 he was ordained a priest, and he went to Candy, Sri Lanka for further studies. Fr. George went on to Loyola College, Madras - a premier Jesuit College in India - and completed his B. A. (Hons). Soon after he did his teachers training in Meston Teacher"s Training College, Madras. he became the Principal and Manager of St. Joseph"s High School, Tellicherry, in which capacity he continued till he retired in 1980. It was a long and distinguished career which saw him become the President of the Headmasters Association of the State, the chief organizer of 20 several State and National Sports and Athletic Meets, member of several educational committees at the national and state level, and was involved in the evolution of educational reform in the State of Kerala. Fr. George was decorated with State and National Awards and earned the praise of the public and civic authorities. But none of these honours went to his head. True to his self and to the example of his father, Fr. George has remained a man of the people. His thousands of students and friends all over the world remember him with great affection. And he remembers all of them. His sincere love for the Pathyil household is legendary. Whether it be baptisms, marriages or weddings, everybody in the family wants Fr. George to be present. And he readily complies with the desire of his people. Even though his health has been indifferent, he has slowed, but not stopped, his acts of affection for all. Much could be written about him and his great humanity. Luka, the third of Uthup"s sons, was born blind. He died at the age of three. The next one, who was given the name of Kurian, assumed the name of Luka after his brother"s death. Luka was and continues to be, the hard working member of the family. Though he studied up to School Final, he was content to stay in Kaipuzha and assumed the stewardship of the lands and the fields. His rough exterior conveniently hid a soft, loving heart. He married Annamma of Thadathil. For several years they, along with several of their cousins and contemporaries experienced the difficulty of keeping the life style of a middle class family, educating all the children and making ends meet. But they struggled and did not give up. As they have retired from active occupations, they are comforted by the thought that their three sons and three daughters are in America. Luka and Annamma commute between Kaipuzha and America. Avarachan (Abraham) inherited the wit of his mother and the transparency of his father. After early education in Kaipuzha he decided to join the Juniorate of the Brothers of St. Gabriel in Coonoor. Abraham was the life of the community. Where he was there was joy and laughter. Nothing was too sacred for him to be morose about. His bonhomie exuded to all around him. He professed in 1950, studied ( M.A.; B.Ed) and taught in several schools. He was for several years Director of Institutions in various places in India. In 1973, he decided to leave the Society and married Mariamma Thattarettu. Soon after the birth of their only daughter Milanie, the family migrated to America. Mariamma worked as a nurse, and Abraham taught, sold real estate, and always was involved in Insurance. The Metropolitan Insurance Company gave him several awards. Abraham and his family are now retired and well settled in Chicago. Achamma born in 1932, studied in Kaipuzha and later in Kozhikode. She decided after her High School studies to join the Cloistered Carmel nunnery. Known as Sr. Anne Therese, now lives a cloistered life in Hassen, Kanranataka State. Cyriac was the benjamin of the family. He completed his High School in Kaipuzha and joined the School of FR. George as a teacher. Cyriac married Lucy Kozhikattu. He was a very hardworking and imaginative person. He bought extensive land in Irutti, planted the place with cash crops and became wealthy in his own right. On October 31, 1982 he died of cancer. 21 Uthup Pathyil and his wife left a legacy that his children carry on with pride and a sense of responsibility. Simplicity, deep affection, concern for the well-being of others, attachment to the family, unshakable in God, an abiding trust in Providence, calmness at all times, and a sense of humor - these are some of the hallmarks that Uthup and Achamma left. Their children have inherited these to varying degrees. 22 23 5. KALLUVELIL ABRAHAM Kalluvelil literally means Stone-Fence. The present Kalluvelil property had belonged to the Ezhava family still living north-east of the ancestral house. In fact their property was known as Kalluvelil, and the western portion known as Kalluvelil Chirayil, to distinguish it as being part of the land reclaimed from the fields. Even today, the ancient folks call our property Kalluvelil Chirayil, and the land where Theyamma has her house is known as Kalluvelil Parambil. Kalluvelil Chirayil the reclaimed land, is not older than a century. As was mentioned elsewhere, Fr. Alexander Choolapparambil –later to become the Bishop of Kottayam- blessed the house and was given a gold sovereign as gift. The scion of Kalluvelil was Kunjittiavira. Kunjittiavira (young, loving, Abraham), born March 4, 1891, was tall - he was about 5' 10" in height,- broad-shouldered, and with distinguished features. He stood head and shoulders above most people, literally and figuratively. He had his education in Mannanam, studied up to Matriculation, was the school-mate of some of the future giants of the community. Abraham ( as we shall call him from now on) was a classmate of Joseph Chazhikat, V.J. Joseph, Thomas Makil and a host of other luminaries of his times. The friendship with these distinguished men would endure all their lives. These four would become the architects of the Knanaya Catholic Congress and other lay-driven organisms in the Diocese of Kottayam. Abraham had an artistic bend. He had a natural talent for design and drawing. To foster this art form, he went to Alappuzha Arts School for special training in drawing and painting. He studied with some of the well known artists of the time in Kerala, including artist Urmis. For years Urmis and Abraham collaborated in painting murals in several churches, which still stand as monuments to the imagination of Abraham and artistic ability of Urmis. Abraham returned to Kaipuzha after his training. At the age of 18, on June 13, 1910 he married Naithy of Makil-Pannivelil. Bishop Makil presented the newly married couple with a Book of Prayers –Nithyarathana- with greetings printed in gold letters. Naithy treasured the book, and the family heirloom is in the possession of Theyamma, one of her daughters. Naithy was less than thirteen years old when she married Abraham. It was therefore decided that she would return to Kaduthuruthy for some time. Her father Chacko Pannivelil was a prominent merchant in Kaduthuruthy and a gregarious and generous person. Naithy was his eldest and he wanted to make sure that she was well looked after. Abraham was restless about his separation, albeit temporary, from Naithy. One fine day he decided to visit her in style. He took several of his friends by race boat to Kaduthuruthy. Abraham and his cohorts were well received by Chacko and the family, spent a couple of days in Nellupadathu which was where Naithy and her parents lived. When it came time to leave, Abraham was hoping to take Naithy with him. Chacko vetoed her return by race boat. Abraham had to return disappointed. Later, he went by ordinary boat to fetch his wife. Naithy lived in Pathyil along with her in-laws, under the watchful supervision of patriarch Kochokan. In 1920 she and her children were packed off to Kalluvelil by her father in law. When Abraham returned over the week-end from Kidangore where he had been teaching, he found that his family was in Kalluvelil, and he 24 joined them there. Theirs was a fruitful union. Starting in December 1915, Naithy gave birth to a child every two years or sooner. The last of the twelve was born in May 1938. Two of the children died in their infancy. Chackochan, a strapping youngster, born in 1922, drowned at the age of three in the family well. No one saw him go to the well, nor detect him play with the bucket and rope at the well. It was only a few minutes later, when Naithy was searching for her son that someone mentioned that he was near the well. They found him too late at the bottom of the well. Naithy never fully recovered from that deep sorrow. Abraham was away in school, and when he returned and discovered that his second son was no more, he too was devastated. He never mentioned his name ever since. The next loss was that of Victoria, ( the first of several nontraditional names that Abraha m chose for his progeny- which included names such as Daniel, Xavier, Isaac, Thomas More, Don Bosco, Assisi and so on) born in February 1937. She had polio and mercifully died a few weeks before their last son was born. They were lucky that none of the children were born with serious handicaps. The children were sources of joy and constant concern for Naithy. In addition, she had to look after all the routine household activities and chores related to being the wife of a prominent person. Abraham himself was away during the day (and for some time on week days, when he taught in Kidangore). As they grew, they had to be educated, nurtured, married, catered to, and their children to be worried about. The diocesan authorities requested Abraham"s services as teacher of art in St. Mary"s School, Kidangore. Because of distances which had to be traversed by foot, boat or ox- drawn cart, Abraham lodged with some of the well-known families in Kidangore on week-days. Abraham was appointed to teach art since he was trained in drawing and painting. But the Art teacher had also to double as the physical education teacher. Abraham had no formal training in physical education. But because of his athletic body, and because he exuded confidence in physical activities, he was appointed to teach both Art and physical education. The School Inspector sent by the Government to conduct annual inspection of schools sat in on Abraham"s classes in physical education, was highly impressed by his discipline and ability, that he granted Abraham permanent permit to teach physical education along with art subjects. Abraham"s association with St. Mary"s for over ten years left lasting memories in his students. Most of the future priests and lay leaders of the community were educated in St. Mary"s. Abraham Sir, as he came to be permanently known, was the hero and the feared disciplinarian of the school. The management looked to him for advice and help in all matters, especially those pertaining to discipline in school. Fr. Alexander Choolapparambil (later to become the Bishop of Kottayam) was the Manager of St. Mary"s, Kidangore. Abraham had a very close relationship with Fr. Alexander, which lasted all their lives. Fr. Manager depended on Abraham"s advice on many matters. Abraham used to tease his manager from time to time. Once Fr. Choolapparambil received a gold sovereign from a family after having baptized their baby. When Abraham seemingly chided him that it was wrong to receive compensation for administering a 25 sacrament, the good priest set out to return the gift, and Abraham had to intercept him, telling him that his remark was made in jest. Fr. Alexander became the Bishop of Kottayam in 1914. Young Thomas Tharayil, later to succeed Choolapparambil as Bishop was Abraham"s student and mentor. So were hosts of future priests and lay leaders. He lived and taught among the growing leadership of the Knanaya community. His contacts, developed in Kidangore, were to stand in good stead in future community related activities. His schoolmates such as Joseph Chazhikat and others were colleagues on St. Mary"s teaching staff for some time. But Abraham remained the disciplinarian and teacher par excellence of the student body. Distances from Kaipuzha to Kidangore took a toll on the family. Therefore, Abraham decided to leave the service of St. Mary"s School, and teach in a Protestant School in Olassa. He could commute by boat from Kaipuzha to Olassa. Olassa school gave him exposure to Protestant way of living, western ways of conduct, and a wider horizon of thought and perspective. In Abraham"s many future activities and endeavors, this openness to new ideas and different culture would be constantly manifested. He continued in Olassa for another eight years as teacher and disciplinarian. After eighteen years in education, he left teaching to pursue business and agriculture. But his appellation would always be "Abraham Sir". His boat man during the years he taught in Olassa was Kuriako Kochathampally. Kuriako started with Abraham when he was barely 13 years old, and stayed in his service till 1948 when he died of jaundice. Kuriako could barely read and write. However, he spent a great deal of time on the veranda of the English School in Olassa, which educated him in its own way. For instance Kuriako could recite the Lord"s Prayer (Protestant version) in English with unction and clarity. He could follow or pretend to follow conversations in English. He could generally pass off as semi-literate. Especially when he was inebriated, (and he was quite often "under the influence") Kuriako was a lot of fun and was to remain a good and faithful part of the Kalluvelil extended family. Abraham would treat him as part of the family. He would trust him to carry out some very responsible chores. He carried the briefcase with thousands of rupees in cash, which was needed when he would go for Abkari (liquor shops) auctions. Kuriako would walk away in a huff, threaten to leave service, and take the occasional swig from the toddy and arrack jars. But he would always return, as he only had one patron all his life. A cousin of Kuriako was Pothan. Pothan had been a chef with some of the English and Anglo-Indian families in Alappuzha when very young. On his return to Kaipuzha, he entered the service of the Kalluvelil family. He helped Naithy in her manifold activities in the kitchen and in rearing the children. Pothan cooked, shopped, hewed wood and drew water for Naithy. He bathed the children, threatened them, harangued them, cajoled them, told wild and imaginative stories to entertain all and sundry. Pothan was in charge of domestic affairs, whereas Kuriako was the external fact-totem. For these two the Kalluvelil family came before their own. From very early morning to very late at night, (and some times they slept in the Kalluvelil house) these people toiled for the Kalluvelil family. Pothan remained in the service of the family for many long years. His family relocated to Kallara in 1948 or so, and he left service. But he would return often to visit 26 and recount old stories. Kunjeppu Elakattu was perhaps the most important factor in the business success of Abraham. Kunjeppu belonged to a distinguished family that had fallen on hard times. Kunjeppu entered the service of Abraham gradually, until he managed almost all aspects of all his activities. Kunjeppu supervised the running of the many toddy shops; he oversaw preparations of weddings in the family; he looked after the sick and the dying; he helped in the bereavements in the family; Kunjeppu was a steward - faithful, honest, dignified, and trustworthy. Two of his sons had gone to the Middle East to earn a living, and when they returned with money to start their own business, Kunjeppu left the service of the household. But he remained very close to the Kalluvelil family - loved and respected by all. Kalluvelil children mourned his passing in 1990 as one of their own dear ones. Abraham was not overly generous towards the servants, and even to the stewards who were so essential to the wellbeing of the family. Why, then, did these people stay so faithful and so long? Perhaps it was necessity. He treated them with respect. But perhaps the real reason was Naithy. Her attitude to the three mentioned above and to others whom we will mention in passing, was one of solicitude and deep affection. No one could desert her, especially since they also knew the weight of her burden -children, the household, hospitality, and through it all, her goodness of heart. He could charm anyone to do things for her.. More about her in a later chapter. Abraham had tremendous "observation power" - his own expression. He had an inquisitive mind, and he wanted to learn everything. What he did not understand, he would ask. In the field of agriculture, he was always open to new ideas. He also knew how to blend innovative ideas with traditional techniques of farming. His crops were better than those of his neighbors. His bunds were sturdier than those of others. He acquired fields and lands continuously. Whenever there was a parcel of land for sale, he was available to bargain. And he was a hard bargainer. He was more educated than most, he had more money than most, and therefore his leverage was greater. Through lendings, straight purchases, and through whatever means, he ended up acquiring five times the property that he had inherited. The Kurumulloor property that he had reluctantly inherited became a place where he experimented. He bought surrounding properties - a total of twenty eight acres. There where nothing would grow, he planted rubber that no one thought would grow in those climes. He planted lime-grass and tapioca, and made a paradise of the wilderness. By the time he was forty years old, he was one of the richest land-owners of the vicinity. He need not have left his teaching profession to do farming, as it is a seasonal avocation, and the servants could be trusted to supervise those activities. He continued to buy properties around the household. Some of the rich Ezhavas were not happy with Abraham"s influence and prominence. They waylaid and assaulted him once. In retaliation, he decided to encroach on Abkari contract, a business which had been their sole preserve from time immemorial. Christians only contributed to the amassing of the wealth of the contractors, as they were their main clients. Abraham decided to enter the 27 fray. In 1928, he went to the auction for toddy shops and acquired one- year lease for the outlet in Kaipuzha. There were threats and warnings. But he was a determined person. He had bodyguards. He also had influence in the police force. Gradually opposition ended, and he was left in peace. Abraham quit teaching in 1929, to concentrate all his energy in agriculture and abkari outlets. His initial investment in the business was partly financed by his brother Uthup and other Christian friends of his. He compensated them, and went into business on his own. It was lucrative. In time he leased more shops and outlets in many parts of the district. At the peak he had fourteen shops - small and big. Abraham found that the Abkari contractors lacked unity, since most of them were uneducated people. He persuaded them to start a State-wide association, of which he became the first president. Tax levy on the contractors was excessive. After several petitions and requests that went unheeded, Abraham decided to meet with the Maharaja of Travancore. Through persistence he managed to have a meeting with the king, who took a liking for him. Abraham was directed to meet with the Chief adviser to the Maharaja, who at that time was Sir C. P. Rama Swamy Iyer. He met with Sir C.P. more than once. Many years later in 1965, Abraham would call on Sir C.P. in the latter"s summer cottage in the botanical gardens in Ooty. Sir C.P. by then had retired and was writing his autobiography. It was amazing to discover that the great (and controversial ) administrator remembered Abraham, and reminisced about their times together. Toddy shop business from which Christians had excluded themselves for puritanical reasons, became the chief occupation of Abraham for several years. But the business required constant attention and he needed reliable persons everywhere. The flagship among the outlets was the one in Athirampuzha, which was a gold mine, especially during the festival days. His eldest son, Luka, who had discontinued his education very early on, became the manager of Athirampuzha. Kunjeppu Elakattu was the coordinator of all shops. Toddy had to reach all outlets every day, twice a day from far-flung places. Several boats and reliable men to ply the boats were needed to be dispatched daily. With no phones and such modern amenities, supply had to be steadily assured, quality maintained, and clients satisfied. Abraham himself rarely tasted toddy, though he could discern quality by smelling the stuff. He would visit the various shops on occasions. But he directed the mammoth operation from his study. Every day couriers arrived with the latest accounts, cash, and request for supplies. He directed people to various places as the need arose. Money - in hundreds and thousands,- was counted and locked away in his cupboard. It would be taken and deposited in the bank - far away in Kottayam- only sporadically. There was thus plenty of cash at home. And there were several mouths to feed with the money. Apart from his own children- twelve were born and ten survived childhood -, there were grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and neighbors. On any given day there were easily a dozen mouths to feed. And all ate well and sumptuously. Boats were rented out at night to the fishermen, and they gave their best fish as rent. There were ducks and poultry in the compound. Naithy grew a vegetable garden which provided a steady supply of vegetables. During the harvest season, there was a stream of workers in and around the house. Due to the vast and far-flung holdings of paddy fields, Abraham appointed three (the usual 28 number was one) supervisors. Of these Ousep Pelen was the oldest and the most experienced. He and his family had been indentured laborers, living in the land owned by Abraham. So were others like Chacko Pelen, and Kunju. These were faithful servants. Ousep and Chacko were of Pulaya caste, whereas Kunju was an Ezhava, belonging to the Kalluvelil family. The three vied with one another, and yet cooperated to a great degree, to get the crops in on time to beat the impending rains. (There were others such as Govindan and his family who remained faithful until the last. Govindan "s eldest brother was Velayuthan , who did not do any work, but was always present for all occasions in Kalluvelil. Abraham liked Velayuthan for an audience, as he would agree with anything that " Sir" would tell him, whether he understood it or not. Some of the pithy sayings of Abraham in English such as "slow and steady wins the race" was an enigma to Velayuthan, as he did not know English, but he agreed vigorously with his benefactor! Incidentally Velayuthan, Konthi, Kunju and Govindan were the sons of the original owners of Kalluvelil. Their mother Cheera was the only wife to three brothers. Polyandry was not uncommon in those days, nor polygamy) The harvest was brought to the threshing-court, threshed immediately, working by night when necessary, and stored in granaries. The workers were paid a percentage of their harvest, as was the tradition, and the supervisors were given a share of the total harvest. During the war years (WWII) Government introduced rationing. It also demanded that farmers sell paddy only to the Government at "fair market value", which in turn would sell the rice to ration cardholders at subsidized prices. The farmers were never happy about the arrangement as the fair market value was hardly enough to defray their expenses. Farmers were allowed to keep only the bare minimum for their personal use and the rest to be surrendered to the government. The allotment was arbitrary and whimsical. Government officials would visit the farmers at the time of harvest and decide how much to keep and how much to surrender. Most officials could be bribed to look the other way. Some of them did not arrive in time to make the assessment. Farmers managed to stash away a goodly portion of the paddy in haystacks, barns and granaries of willing neighbors. Selling to anyone else was considered criminal activity and culprits of "black market" could be penalized and even sent to jail. Nothing daunted Abraham. His annual crops were too big to give away for a paltry price to the Government. And he had several friends, neighbors and relatives who were willing to help hide the crops in their barns. Only the most faithful servants knew where these were. By night buyers would arrive, usually with their own porters and armed escorts. After a fair amount of haggling over price, paddy, packed in hundred-pound bags would be hoisted on the heads of the carriers, money paid, and the nameless band would disappear with their loads into the night. Nobody would speak about the clandestine visitors to any one. It was a family secret, well understood and kept by young and old alike. Occasionally Government officials would arrive to seal the barn until the harvested paddy was measured. But it was an easy matter to remove the seal, take away much of the stored paddy, and put back the seal untampered. Government officials either did not discover the shortage, or turned a blind eye to such happenings. Abraham and farmers like him would not allow the government to deprive them of what they considered their just deserts. Rice - the best that the fields could produce- was the staple food of the family, as it was 29 also of the people in Kerala. And fish was plentiful. As water was pumped out of the fields, children would catch fish with nets. During the rainy season fishermen supplied fish. There was always fish. And fish boats would come by with sardines, mackerels, shrimps and delicious scampi. Scampi caught in the Kuttanadu regions are unique. They are smaller than lobsters, bigger than shrimps. But scampi in any form prepared by the Kalluvelil women, was a dish fit for the gods. And it was expensive. But no scampi ever went by the Kalluvelil house without Abraham taking a look at it, and often buying even at exorbitant prices. Knanaya community was growing in numbers. There were many homeless and poor families that had no land and means to acquire land. The leaders were searching for a place in Malabar where some families could relocate. The Bishop asked Prof. V. J. Joseph who was teaching in St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, to investigate the possibility of finding land in British Malabar. Abraham joined V.J. Joseph in the quest. They found a few hundred acres where subsequently the community started a new colony. Now the Malabar branch of the Knanaya Catholics is vibrant and widespread. During the course of their explorations, Abraham chanced upon a few hundred acres of fertile forest land in Kokottupathy. He negotiated the price with the landlord, and bought immense track at negligible price. His partners in the venture were his brother Uthup, his (Uthup"s) son-in-law Chacko Manimala, and four others from Thodupuzha. . The place was inaccessible except on foot. The first few journeys were full of adventure and those who went returned with malarial attacks. In spite of that Abraham set out to develop the place, planted rubber and cardamom. He encouraged his sons and nephews to go to the land and help develop it. But they were not keen on the malarial infested wilderness. Some of them went for short periods of time and returned after short stay. The crops were abundant and the children were willing to go to sell the produce, but not to cultivate it. In the end the partners sold the property . Abraham was very disappointed to do so, as he knew the potential for development. But neither his partners nor their children were willing to pioneer in the place. Abraham kept a few acres in the Knanaya colony for a few more years until his eldest son sold it, unbeknown to him. It was not uncommon to have unexpected visitors. In fact seldom did people give notice of their arrival. Whether it be relatives, friends or strangers, they came expecting to be received, and they all knew that they would be treated well. Mr. A.V. George, the Municipal Chairman of Kottayam, and a prominent industrialist and planter of central Travancore was a candidate for election to the State legislature in 1944. He and his entourage came looking for votes to Kaipuzha, parked their car at high noon in the house of a leading personality in Kaipuzha. They went in, and the banker, met and dismissed them rather peremptorily. They walked to Kalluvelil to meet with Abraham. The electioneering group was not at all expected. And there were six of them - distinguished gentlemen, who were used to the luxuries of city living. Abraham invited them in, chatted about elections, and introduced them to Naithy who asked them to stay for lunch. The visitors were hungry, but hesitant as to how food could be prepared for so many at such short notice. She insisted, and they readily acceded. As A.V. George and friends washed up, had a few drinks from the personally prepared collection of Abraham, Naithy was ready. She had enough rice and the most delicious scampi all prepared for the family. In 30 addition a duck or two was slaughtered and a sumptuous dinner was on the table by the time the men had a few drinks and pleasantries. They ate to their hearts" content, had a good long siesta, thanked Naithy and Abraham profusely before they left. .Children who came home from school for lunch were asked to wait a few extra minutes as all the rice was consumed by the visitors. A.V. George was never to forget the hospitality extended to him and his friends. Incidentally, he lost that election. But Abraham gained valuable friendship. Abraham"s withdrawal from teaching did not diminish his interest in education. It was his ambition to see an English medium school in Kaipuzha. St. Margaret School run by the Visitation sisters had an elementary school for boys and girls, and Malayalam Higher education for girls. Boys who wanted to pursue higher education had to go either to Mannanam or elsewhere. Starting a school needed the permission of the government and the blessing of Chevalier Tharayil, the most prominent person of Kaipuzha. He was not easy to persuade, as he himself was not well educated, and failed to be impressed with the need for higher learning for ordinary people. Besides any idea that did not originate from him was not worth pursuing. Abraham spent many hours in diplomacy convincing the Chevalier that a school would bring prestige to the scion of the Tharayil family. Having obtained his consent and approval, it was a Herculean task to get the permission of the government authorities to allow a church run school in Kaipuzha. Church authorities were not convinced that the school was a viable idea. Abraham undertook to prove that it was. He obtained the necessary permissions , appointed Mr. Chacko Manthuruthil as the first headmaster of the school, and he himself assumed the arduous task of Correspondent of the school in the first few years. The local parish priest was the manager, but Abraham and Chacko ran the school and proved to the skeptics that there would be a good steady flow of clients to the school. Thus started St. George"s Middle School in 1926, which in later years became a high school. Abraham was very much a self-made and self-taught man. What he lacked in formal higher education, he made up by reading voraciously and discussions with some of his intimate friends who were highly educated. Mr. Thomas Makil was not only a class mate of his from Mannanam days, he was his companion, confidant, and, through his efforts, married to his sister in law. Thomas Makil was a deeply read and thinking person. He was a lawyer who preferred philosophy and history to dry legal texts. Thomas Makil and Abraham visited each other regularly and engaged in long discussions on matters of religion, philosophy, life, and community affairs. Makil was also an adviser to the Bishop of Kottayam. Therefore his discussions with Abraham were of consequence to the direction of the Knanaya community. As a result of such prolonged discussions and planning, Abraham invited a few of his old buddies in high places_ Prof. V. J. Joseph, Pleader Joseph Chazhikat and Lawyer Thomas Makil- to Kaipuzha to be his guests in order to chart the possibility of a lay association for the Knanaya community. After long discussions late into the night, the four decided that they would convene a meeting in Kaipuzha of the Knanya lay persons for a three day-get-together. Since Abraham Pathyil was the wealthiest of the group, he undertook to defray the expenses. The convention was held in the summer of 1938. Bishop Choolapparambil was informed and invited. But the clergy was hesitant and suspected the lay leadership of possible motives of usurpation of 31 power. While the Bishop agreed to send priest observers, he did not commit himself to participate in the convention. Thus was started The Knanaya Catholic Mahajana Sabha, later to be called Knanaya Catholic Congress. Mr. Chacko Manthuruthil was the Chairman of the Reception Committee and he and a host of other volunteers from Kaipuzha worked day and night to plan the functions. It was a tremendous success. Elections for office bearers were held and as expected Prof. V. J. Joseph was elected President, Thomas Makil as Vice President, Joseph Chazhikat as Secretary, Abraham Ambalathunkal as joint Secretary and Abraham Pathyil as Treasurer. The V.I.P.s, as was to be expected, stayed in Kalluvelil, and Naithy looked after their culinary needs. Kaipuzha was in a festive atmosphere during those three days. At the concluding item of the Garden Party (prepared by Naithy and a host of workers), Bishop Choolapparambil suddenly made his appearance. He had been receiving secret report about the convention, and when he was convinced that the lay leadership was not out to rival the clergy, he decided to bless the endeavour by his presence. The annual Knanaya conventions that followed tried to emulate and outdo the founding convention in Kaipuzha. The next ones in Kaduthuruthy, Kalluserry, Kumarakom and so on were grand affairs. Abraham was at the forefront of the organization and helped it grow by personal effort and financial aid. Abraham"s loyalty to his friends was legendary. When Joseph Chazhikat decided to run for the State Legislature, the first person he consulted was Abraham. Abraham undertook to finance him, and to personally accompany Chazhikat in his campaign. Abraham spent several weeks on the road (by-ways, and paths would be better expression, as there were hardly any roads in the constituency), visited numerous households to persuade people to vote for Chazhikat. Abraham"s family did not see him for more than a month as he was immersed in political campaigning for his friend. When he returned, he was exhausted and ill. But his friend won the election handily. The first congratulatory function was arranged in Kaipuzha. Unfortunately, Abraham who had made all the arrangements, and for whose sake Chazhikat had consented to be felicitated in Kaipuzha, was too ill to attend the meeting. However, after the function was over, Chazhikat and the V.I.P.s visited Abraham, where a sumptuous dinner awaited all of them, and a fat envelope to defray part of Chazhikat"s expenses was handed over to him as a personal gift from Abraham. Abraham"s activities were not confined to the betterment to the Knanaya community. He organized squads of people to construct roads and canals in Kaipuzha. Voluntary labor, helped by free toddy and food, was readily available. During the months when there was no work in the field, Abraham was able to persuade people to help with the construction of these facilities. Several persons willingly ceded part of their property to construct roads. Abraham paid compensation to those who were reluctant to part with their land. In some cases, his followers did not hesitate to encroach on reluctant landowners. Abraham"s popularity rose. There were a few in Kaipuzha - prominent, rich families - who looked at this with jaundiced eyes. One of the roads that Abraham had thus built leading to his house was closed off by one of these jealous persons. Long years of acrimony ensued as a result. The present access road to Kalluvelil was constructed after that incident. 32 Abraham"s public service endeavors were not entirely unselfish. As a result of the many roads and canals that he helped construct, he not only helped the village of Kaipuzha, but ensured transportation to his own home. But the community lauded the whole enterprise, and they gave him high praise for his leadership in such matters. Abraham enjoyed being in the public eye. Whether it was reconstruction of the church, reception to a public figure, planning a new enterprise in Kaipuzha, his ideas were sought, and a leadership role accorded to him. When the convent wanted to build a bigger chapel he was approached and he contributed generously. When the school held a function, he helped to raise funds. When someone thought of running for elected office, Abraham was approached for his blessings and financial backing. Abraham"s wealth, his personality, his powerful voice and his willingness to be of service were utilized to the fullest. Add to that his own personal disinterest in elected or appointed positions, and he was seen as the one to go to for advice and guidance. In his heyday, Abraham"s day usually began before 5 a.m. He rose early and awoke his reluctant children to study, on the theory that morning hours are the best for concentration and retention. Children were not pleased with this call to study. But no one protested openly - no one dared. Abraham supervised their studies, and led the morning prayers as the day dawned. As the children went off for their morning ablutions, he went to his desk to plan for the day. By this time couriers would start arriving with missives, accounts, and money. All had to be catered to. As the children completed their breakfast and prepared to go to school, Abraham kept a benevolent eye on all proceedings. After the melee of their departure for school, he himself would get ready and go to the kitchen for a sumptuous breakfast. The household knew his every move. In fact Naithy ensured that he was the centre of all activities. Mid-morning was usually used to supervise workers, visit the farms and nearby lands, and meet with officials and others. Lunch was followed by a long nap. As Abraham awakened from his siesta, a cup of tea waited for him. By this time the children would have returned home. Abraham usually went for a long walk in the fields or to one of the neighboring areas, usually accompanied by one of the children. He would point out minute details to the accompanying child, ask questions about school, chat pleasantly about any and all matters. And he told stories. Abraham was an effective storyteller. Often he invited one of his younger children to lie down with him during his siesta or in the evening. He would regale the children with stories from the Bible. The stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their children, the travails of Job, confrontations of Samson and David and other Biblical masterpieces became familiar stories, with flesh and blood, local color, and homely spin. As for the parables of the Gospel - such as the Prodigal Son, The stories of the talents, the Good Shepherd etc. etc. - were livened with humorous and familiar allusions. His children remembered these stories and transmitted them to theirs, though not as effectively as Abraham did. On his return from the walk, there would usually be people waiting to see him - workers who had completed their tasks waiting to be paid and to receive instructions for the next day, messengers with errands, fishermen who would want boats, others who would have come for payments or petitions. He attended to each of them in different ways. When it was time to pay, he pretended to run short of money, or not to be satisfied with the work or 33 ask the person to come another day etc. It was a constant practice of his to delay payment as long as he could. This seemed to have been inbred in him, and for no particularly good reason. To others he was gentle and jovial, and cooperative. By nightfall, the children would be at study again. Abraham usually sat with them to read the daily newspapers or books of which he had a goodly collection. Children were quizzed about their tests and results, scoldings given, punishments threatened and sometimes meted out. He helped with problems whenever he could. He particularly liked language and literature, and insisted that children learn poems - whether in English or Malayalam by rote. He himself had an extraordinary memory for poems and quotations. He evinced great interest even in the simple text book stories of the children. Mental arithmetic was an exercise that he excelled in, and encouraged his children to use. After the children have had their evening baths, it would be time for night prayers. Time for night prayers was perhaps the single most important time in the life of Abraham"s family. No one was to miss the prayers at night. Abraham had personally designed the prayer room, and the paintings around the holy pictures were his own. The room was in the centre of the house, and there was always an atmosphere of sacredness while passing through it. In later years, Abraham added to the decor of the room by hanging a coffin from the ceiling with the inscription " Today I, tomorrow you". This would shock the visitors and would later be a conversation piece. Children kneeled on the floor, some knelt on the veranda or in the two or three adjoining rooms. Unlike many of the other households, Abraham"s household did not have very long prayers. A short series of prayers followed by the rosary and concluding prayers to the Holy Spirit should normally take less than twentyfive minutes. But often there were expansions and variations. Abraham was a great devotee of the Holy Spirit. He disliked the arcane language of the rote prayers, and dared (before anyone would touch such things) to change them to more meaningful phrases. Routine was not to his liking. Therefore on occasions he would shorten the rosary from ten Hail Mary"s to five or less, always wanting to demonstrate that substance was more important than mouthing of prayers. He had also learned spontaneous prayer from his Anglican school teaching days. Frequently he would pray for God"s blessings on one or other member of the family, never mentioning names. His discourse to God was as much to the captive audience who listened to him with baited breath. Abraham would touch upon the concerns, the faults, the failings of the members of the household and intercede God"s special blessings. Sometimes these prayers were heartrending, at other times they were bitter, and occasionally humorous. But this was the time for advice and counsel and castigation. There would be no retort or protest, as the address was to God on behalf of the family. Often these prayers were preceded or followed by hymn singing. All the household knew the songs - in Malayalam, and occasionally in English - and joined the singing with gusto. Abraham himself had a powerful voice and could hold a tune. Though untrained, he was an excellent vocalist. He had tutored one of his daughters in formal music, which he himself attended with diligence. Therefore these singing sessions were full of spirit and warmth. On occasions the singing would go on for quite a length of time. People travelling by boat often remarked on the hymn-singing that they heard from the Kalluvelil household. At the conclusion of the prayers, the members of the family would salute the father and mother and the elders. Then all retired to the study room to read a 34 few passages from the Bible, or from some spiritual book. Again Abraham would sometimes comment on the readings, and discussions may follow. Children usually went to sleep soon after, while adults would bathe and have their supper and go to bed, usually around 10. 30 p.m. Abraham was an intellectual. While his faith remained strong, he questioned much in the church that was mere ritual. Years before Vatican Council II introduced reforms in the Church, Abraham advocated many of them. Piety was not his trademark. He had read the life of Francis and was a great admirer of the simple saint of Assisi. Thomas Makil had been a quiet Franciscan tertiary for many years. When Abraham decided to become a member of the third order of St. Francis, he announced it to the world and tried to recruit others into it. He was familiar with the biographies of lay leaders like Thomas More, Garcia Moreno and Frederick Ozzanam . He started St. Vincent de Paul Society ( founded by Ozzanam in Paris for the poor and homeless) in Kaipuzha. He had several regulars at the weekly meetings, visited the poor and destitute and erected homes for the homeless. He was invited by his many admirers and friends, especially his former student-priests, to speak in churches and start the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in various parishes. He enjoyed the task. He started the Kottayam chapter of the society of which he was the first district president. Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill , and later, Gandhi and Rajagopalachari were his heroes. Though he admired Nehru - who would have been his age- it was the spirituality of Gandhiji that attracted him. When in the 30's Gandhi came to Vaikom for a few days of Sathyagraha - to allow the lower castes to enter the temple -, Abraham had gone to meet him. He followed the actions and especially the words - speeches and writings - of the Mahathma with great interest. Gandhi believed in nature cure, and that the body, if treated well, will look after itself. Mahathma experimented with naturopathy. Abraham was to imitate him in no small measure. By the 50's Abraham decided to withdraw from Abkari contract. He found that the competition was stiff, the tappers were unionized, government levied heavy excise taxes, and the profit margin was much less. Perhaps underlying all these was the realization that the acquisition of toddy shops was not an unmixed blessing. The shops catered to the basest instincts of people, encouraged alcoholism, and broke many families. His own children were becoming enured to the evils of drinking. In fact they were becoming addicted to the stuff, and he feared alcoholism would ruin his own. Though he himself boasted that he hardly ever drank toddy, he was aware that his sons were inebriated daily. Abraham decided to give up toddy shops. His children would continue running outlets for a few more years. Abraham was not withdrawing from the world of business. He knew about the various schemes that the governments promoted to encourage cottage industries. He went into poultry and fish farming with enthusiasm. He would consult experts, visit model farms, and imitate, at lower cost, the plans mooted by the experts. He succeeded for a time. But 35 Abraham could not give daily and constant care that these undertakings required. His wife had too much to do without these additional burdens. His children were not enthusiastic about such undertakings. Therefore when they helped, it was half-hearted. In course of time these enterprises had to be abandoned. He was not an inventor; rather he was an innovator and an imitator who adapted what he observed and read. Abraham took great joy in fun-filled activities with his children. The whole family went by boat to the Knanaya Conventions. A trip such as the one to Kallicherry would take several days by boat. But it was a week of fun for all. Since he had acquired the biggest boat in Kuttanadu he could take the whole household in it to go long distances, and literally live in the "house-boat". It was also used as a base of entertainment and strategy meetings during the conventions. The family went to Kottayam for the annual boat race. There, Abraham"s boat had a front-row position to watch the race. When the race was over, the whole family usually went to see a cinema or a drama. It was the annual outing that all looked forward to. Abraham took the family on pilgrimages and trips to many places in the boat. He would regale the children with stories of old concerning many families that dotted the banks. He taught them to observe the geography of the place and enjoy the beauty of the area. Abraham enjoyed travelling. In 1936 he took one of his sister-in-laws _ Aleyamma - who wanted to join the Sisters of the Poor to Bangalore. He also went to Mangalore to meet his friend V.J. Joseph. There he stayed as a guest of the Municipal Chairman. In 1938 he went to Madras (present Chennai) to attend the National Eucharistic Congress along with his eldest brother his brother in law (Kunjeppu Nelluppadathu), and his son Chackochan. At the end of the Congress he had severe attack of appendicitis, and he had to be admitted into the Madras General Hospital for surgery. There he met several English doctors and nurses. (Two of the nurses who looked after him were Molly and Crissy, and he gave these two names to two of his grand daughters.) Chackochan was brought back by his uncle. As the group was waiting at The Central Station for the train back to Alwaye, young Chackochan (hardly ten then) was sad at going back without his father and wandered away from the group. Fortunately they found him as the train was leaving the platform, got him on the train and came home. In 1947 Abraham accompanied his son Joseph (Uppachan) who wanted to enter the Juniorate of the Brothers of St. Gabriel in Coonoor. He made some very lasting friendships as a result of this visit, and on his return encouraged many youngsters to join the Brothers. He would go again and again to visit this son in Coonoor, and later in Madras and Kazipet where he studied or worked. He kept very close friendship with the authorities of the society, hosted their visits to Kerala, and helped in their causes. In 1953 Abraham, accompanied by Naithy went to Goa on a pilgrimage at the tomb of St. Francis Xavier. From Goa he came to Madras to visit Joseph who was studying in Loyola college and to visit Mylapore and other places of interest. One of his daughters - Theyamma, who was married to George- was usually out of Kerala. He visited her in Coimbatore, in Bhilai and other places on various occasions. In the 50's he went as a delegate to an All-India Conference of Lay Catholic Leaders in Nagpore. There he met several famous Catholic leaders. He took advantage of this occasion to visit Vardha, one of the ashrams of Gandiji. He studied especially the nature cure techniques used by the Mahathma. In 1964 he joined the pilgrims going to 36 Bombay for the International Eucharistic Congress. Some of the pilgrims went by ship _ Islamia - from Cochin to Bombay, with a side trip to Goa.. Unfortunately, the ship was not equipped to look after the physical and culinary needs of hundreds of people. There was general malaise and open criticism about the lack of facilities. Abraham thrived on such inconveniences. He instructed people in the joys of yoga, meditation, naturopathy and fasting. Some indeed followed his counsels. Others abandoned ship in Bombay. As for Abraham he was well looked after in Bombay by one of his sons who had gone by car and by others. He returned with the pilgrims to Kerala. During all these many journeys, Abraham kept his eyes and ears open. He would read up on the places before he would go. After he reached a place, he would leave no stone unturned to learn everything he could about the place. Whether they be historical or religious, he was curious and full of questions about places and people. While he was not a spendthrift - far from it - he would rope in the help of friends and strangers to find his way about. The friendships that he developed during those journeys would stay on for long. Having a photographic memory for people and places, he could recount details of his journeys years later. The glory days of the 30's and 40's slowly gave way to difficult times. After he abandoned Abkari contract, his only income was from the lands and fields. These would have been more than adequate for a large family. But Abraham"s household had known and tasted luxury. Therefore it was difficult to cut back on expenses. In addition he felt that his children did not come up to his expectations. Though he had been keen on the education of the children, his boys (and girls) did not pursue their studies seriously. Since businesses required the presence of the boys he did not worry too much about the absence of education, though he complained about their abandonment of intellectual pursuit. And they were used to high living. When his sons took over the management of the liquor outlets, cash flow did not diminish, but savings were reduced to a trickle. They had their own expenses and their own agendas. Abraham was deeply disappointed in them. As years went on, he put very little trust in his children. He considered his eldest whom he had groomed to take over the businesses a profligate. Luka had been his confidant in business. But he did not live up to his expectation. Abraham tried to set him up in business in Athirampuzha and again in Alappuzha. But he ended in disaster. In the mean time Luka"s first wife died of cancer. His marriage to Alyamma Aronnil was a happy union. They were settled in Neendoor for some time. But after another business failure and attempts on his life, he was sent to Kurumulloor. In 1964 Luka himself died of cancer, leaving twelve children and several debts. Abraham resisted attempts to settle his son"s debts before his deaths. He knew that he had to end up paying out all Luka"s obligations. The second son - Chackochan- who quit his studies to join the military for a short time, and returned home, Abraham considered capable but uncontrollable. He married Thressiamma Makil, a grand affair in 1946, his hay day. The third son _Thomas- was always a rebel and did very much what he wanted. His fourth son had gone to join the Brothers of St. Gabriel and had completed his studies, became Headmaster, Director and Principal of schools, all of which gave Abraham reflected glory. He visited his son when he was in responsible positions and was very pleased to receive praise for his endeavors. In 1967 Joseph went to Europe and decided to leave the society. When his son 37 wrote to him from Canada detailing the reasons for his leaving the society, Abraham was devastated. He replied to him in a poignant letter, comparing himself to the crucified Christ, saying that his four sons were the four wounds on his hands and feet, but that Joseph had now pierced a lance through his side. As for his youngest son, he too completed his college degrees, became a teacher, and settled in Kalluvelil. But Abraham had lost any trust in his children and continued to be skeptical about their future. He insisted on managing his youngest son (and his wife) and their salaries. In 1969 when Mathaikunju and family decided to go to Canada, he was in two minds. He understood the desire of his son to do well in life; however he felt abandoned. He did not spare any opportunity to condemn and castigate his sons. While generous with praise to friends and strangers, he hardly ever praised his own, lest that would go to their heads. As for blame, he had no qualms in dolling that out. Abraham"s relationship with his brothers changed over time. For a very long time, the "trinity", as they were called, enjoyed each others" company. Chewing tobacco, occasionally exchanging a word or two, the three of them could spend hours in silent communion with each other. But the bond savored from time to time. Small incidents were sufficient to bring up Abraham"s ire. But Uthup did not keep any grudge and would come to his younger brother for reconciliation. It was with Thommy Placheril , with whom he was spiritually and intellectually close, that he fell out for a long period. Abraham"s eldest son and Thommy"s eldest son started a retail business in Neendoor with financial help from Thommy. The business floundered. Thommy demanded his initial loan back. Luka did not have the money to repay. Abraham averred that he had warned his brother not to lend any money to Luka. The dispute lasted a very long time. In 1960 when the children wished to celebrate their parents" fiftieth anniversary, Abraham refused to allow it unless his brother would grace the occasion. It was Naithy"s mother _ Chathyamma as all lovingly called her - who took Luka to Placheril, made him apologize to his uncle and brought Thommy to Kalluvelil for a modest get-together. Apologies and reconciliation speeches were not followed by actions or compensation. At least the two brothers resumed their relationship, albeit with reservations. In 1961 when Thommy died Abraham wept loudly and mourned the passing away of his brother and mentor. His daughters were of greater consolation to him. The eldest was married to Chamakala Chummaru Kutty in Kaipuzha. She was a source of comfort especially to Naithy. Others were given in marriage to prominent families. Annamma was given in marriage to Thomman Kutty Thenakara, a renowned family. Achamma had joined the Visitation Congregation, and though she had to struggle through her studies, became the artist after her father. Theyamma was married to George Madayanakavil - an extremely well educated person and the most eligible bachelor in his time. Pennamma, the youngest of the daughters was married to Philip in Kallara and was teaser, who lighted up his life. Abraham"s daughters loved their father and knew how to show their love. He enjoyed their company and had fun-times with them. As for Naithy, he took her for granted. Abraham did not let go off any occasion to make fun of her or playfully set her up against her children. Constant dinting that she was intellectually inferior did not help in their relationship. As we shall see in a subsequent 38 chapter, he was her god. But the feeling was not reciprocated. He took her on some of his travels, and introduced her to several strangers and friends. But her prime concern always was her husband"s personal well being. He himself did not seem to show the consideration for her asthma and blood pressure. As years went by, he understood her better and tried to cater to her needs. When in 1975 she fell down and broke her hip, and was bed ridden he was heart broken too. Soon she was to lose her memory and slowly get into the grips of Alzheimer"s disease. All these left him absolutely helpless. Abraham continued to be interested in social reforms. When Vinoba Bhave, a follower of Gandhiji, who went on walking tours all over the country to exhort people to donate land to the landless, came to Kaipuzha, Abraham met him and donated a piece of his property. The brief meeting with Bhave was to be remembered for a long time. Peter Reddy, a professor in some of the Jesuit Colleges in Madras, who abandoned his professorial chair to become a mendicant preacher attracted Abraham"s attention. He invited Reddy to his house, and had long conversation with him. For years after, Abraham regretted that he did not heed the invitation of Peter Reddy to join him in his mission of imitating Christ and Francis of Assisi. Nature Cure was something that Abraham dabbled in initially as a hobby. His readings about Gandhi, his visit to Vardha, his association with Pothan Powathel, his visits to Mylapra Kaku, and his own natural inclination to believe in the healing powers of nature gradually brought him to embrace naturopathy with great enthusiasm. Naturopathy means to follow the path of nature. When we look at nature, we find that it provides all that is needed for mankind. Natural living things contain vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fats, carbohydrates, proteins and water. These are some of the elements essential for life. Naturopathy is based on following the natural inclination of Divine intelligence within the body, to maintain itself through totally natural means and substances. Abraham researched naturopathy a great deal. He experimented with himself before he would recommend anything to others. The standard practices associated with naturopathy (he called it, mistakenly, Coony-system after a priest-physician of the 19th century who experimented with nature cure in Bad Kissingen, Germany.) Consisted of mud bath, sitting in water- hip bath, sun bathing, regular purgation, occasional fasting etc.etc.. To these Abraham added yoga, meditation, and such Indian concepts. He enjoyed the attention that would be received by unusual actions. He would wear saffron clothes as sanyasis in India would. He would appear with mud all over when visitors would arrive. He would extol the virtues of fasting and lying in the sun. He called his enterprise "Nature Cure Athurasramam", wrote articles in newspapers, invited friends and strangers to his house, and lost no chance to preach simple living. He had a few clients, whom he diligently looked after, treated, and in some cases made better. Nature Cure became his avocation and obsession. In 1970 his children and grand children planned to celebrate his sixtieth wedding anniversary on a grand scale. They invited all the members of the two families - Pathyil and Nellupadathu, prepared a sumptuous dinner and held a meeting in the house to felicitate the jubilarians. All, except those abroad, attended. Each unit of the children"s 39 families had prepared a skit or some item for entertainment. It was a very intimate and joyful gathering. The all-night session brought much comfort to Abraham and Naithy. On the whole, the last ten years of his life were filled with pessimism and bitterness. In 1969 his youngest son went to Canada with his family. One of his grandsons, Xavi the second son of Luka, and his wife Celine, stayed in Kalluvelil to look after the grand parents.. One or two of the grand children had always lived for varying periods of time in Kalluvelil. But Xavi was more than a grand son. Having lost his mother at an early age, he was very attached to his grand parents and did everything in his power to make their old age comfortable. Abraham tried to be stoic in his adversaries. But often he was furious with people around him for what he perceived to be their foibles. His other sons were preoccupied with their livelihood and their children"s future. (Abraham had partitioned his possessions among his five sons in the 1960's, keeping for himself and his wife the use and enjoyment of the properties of his two youngest sons.). Cash flow dwindled to a mere trickle. He was too proud to ask for help. In the occasional letters to his youngest sons he demanded money to cultivate their fields, conveniently ignoring that when the harvest was taken, they would get nothing. So they were reluctant to send much money to him, little realizing the dire needs of their parents. Servants and people around him exploited Abraham"s physical inability to supervise. They were paid wages for very little work. Deterioration was inevitable. His daughters visited and catered to him loyally through these years. In 1972, Joseph and family, and 1974 Mathaikunju and family from Canada visited him. But instead of being happy reunions, these were bitter encounters. In 1975 Naithy fell and broke her hip and was permanently bed-ridden. Gradually she lost her memory. She needed constant care. One of the neighbors, and a loyal servant - Eppachan and his wife looked after Naithy and Abraham with great solicitude. Abraham"s immersion into naturopathy was an effective mask to hide the deteriorating state of things. What was not available became part of the therapy that he preached and practiced. He wrote and published several tracts extolling the virtue of simple living. He made an effort to blend naturopathy, ayurveda, Indian traditional ways, and his own religious convictions into a holistic scheme. He tried to find comfort in religion, as never before. But while he claimed to hear the inner voice of God, he also riled against persons around him. His elder brother - Uthup- who had become a regular and loving visitor to the household was his great comfort. Uthup would walk to Kalluvelil, and persuade his younger brother to go for short walks with him. Uthup died in March 1976. Abraham was distraught at the loss of the last of his siblings and predicted that he himself would join him within a year. . In 1976 Chackochan and Thommy were invited to visit Canada and USA. Abraham readily encouraged them to go, assuring them that he would be alright in their absence. Xavi and Celine and his daughters were never too far from Abraham and Naithy. On August 22, about six weeks into their American visit, they received a message from Xavi to return immediately as Abraham was admitted to Caritas Hospital. Both of them left immediately, hoping and praying that he would be alive when they reached home. They visited him in the hospital. After a few more days, he was sent home as the doctors could do very little. Abraham came home to Kalluveli. On September 16, Fr. Vijayan, one of 40 Naithy"s nephews said Mass in the house, and Abraham received the anointment for the sick fully conscious. His sons and daughters were with him most times. On September 21, Mariamma, his eldest daughter prepared his favourite fish for him, from which he ate a little bit. He told them that the next meal would be with his "Mother". Xavi, his grand son had come to visit Abraham. Before Xavi left the house on some errand, he decided to peek into his grand father"s room one more time. There he found him struggling for breath. Xavi alerted all the household. Theyamma who had rushed home from Bhilai, and who had the consolation of ministering to her father in his final days, Thressiamma –the wife of Chackochan, and others gathered around him and prayed. Abraham passed away, at 1 p.m. on September 21, 1976. The funeral on the next day was a massive affair. Friends and acquaintances from far and near came to pay their last respects to this community leader. He was interred in the tomb which he had prepared for his eldest daughter-in law, where his eldest son also was buried. Abraham lived a full life. He was no ordinary person. Or rather, he was an ordinary man who aspired to extraordinary heights and succeeded to a great extend. His influence on the people who came to know him was immense. His own children and grandchildren admired and loved him. His legacy is immeasurable. The children and the grand children worship his memory. Abraham and Naithy continue to influence the course of the family"s fortunes from heaven. May they rest in peace. 41 6. NELLUPADATHU NAITHY Pannivelil family is part of the Makil clan. Chacko Pannivelil was born on September 13, 1874. Pannivelil family belonged to the village of Iravimangalam. Chacko"s uncle had settled in Nelluppadathu. As he had no children Chacko joined him there and inherited that property. At the age of 19, on 28 September, 1893, he married Kochanna Kocheril (Chathyamma as the grandchildren knew her) aged 15. Her date of birth (as we have it on the authority of her eldest son who kept many records of births and deaths,) is May 17, 1878. Chacko and Anna settled in Kaduthuruthy. Chacko had become a merchant prince in Kaduthuruthy. He had a wholesale store that catered to the needs of the vicinity. It was said that at his death all shops in the area were shut as a sign of respect to his memory. But while he lived, he was a force to be reckoned with. It was said that he was a very hospitable person, who enjoyed the company of like-minded people, involved in the activities of the Knanaya community, and highly regarded by other Christians and non- Christians. He was a man of the world, willing to help any one in need. When cholera took the lives of scores of people, it was Chacko who dared to visit the dying and risk his own life. Whenever there were emergencies, it was Chacko to whom people ran , for help and guidance. After having ministered to the dying, he himself caught cholera, died an untimely death on December 18, 1918, mourned by all in the vicinity. Their first child was Naithy who was born on August 3, 1897 four years after the marriage. Thereafter, nine more healthy children were born, the last one seeing the light of day on August 31, 1917, a few months before the untimely death of Chacko Pannivelil. His brother Thomman, who had a bank, died within three weeks of Chacko"s death.(It is interesting to note that Naithy"s eldest son- Luka- was older than Achukutty and Mathew - her youngest siblings.) Before Chacko"s death he conducted the marriages of his two eldest daughters and his eldest son. After his death, it became the responsibility of Kunjeppu, ably assisted by his brothers-in-law Abraham Pathyil and Thomas Makil, to find spouses for his sisters and brothers. Naithy was, thus, born to pomp and circumstances. Since there was no good school in Kaduthuruthy, she was sent to the boarding of St. Margaret School, Kaipuzha, run by the Visitation Convent. The boarding fee was a few bushels of rice every year, which Chacko could easily afford. Naithy lived in the boarding surrounded by discipline and affection. For years after, she would frequently visit the Convent and her alma mater with a sense of pride and ownership. There were several nuns who had taught and supervised her whom she would frequently meet and reminisce about her years in the boarding. Naithy stayed in the boarding only for a few years. But she was literate, whereas most girls in her time did not attend schools. She spoke lovingly and nostalgically about her life in the boarding. When Abraham Pathyil was proposed in marriage to her, it was only appropriate that Naithy would marry a young man from Kaipuzha. After all, the village was not new to her. The marriage of Chacko"s first-born was a grand affair. The betrothal ceremony was usually conducted in the bride"s parish. Chacko had arranged a feast in his ancestral Pannivelil house, befitting his status in the community. Abraham was considered a most 42 eligible bachelor too. The Pathyil clan who had come by boat to Kaduthuruthy was pleasantly surprised at the lavishness of the Pannivelil family. The wedding took place in Kaipuzha on June 13, 1910. Naithy was decked in finery, attired in Chatta and mundu, with ear-rings, necklace, gold chains, bangles, and ankle bracelets, and brought to Kaipuzha. She was beautiful, with curly hair, very fair complexion, and taller than the average girls of the time. The groom was in full regalia, wearing mundu, closed coat and turban. Standing next to each other, they must have seemed a stunning couple. Her mother Anna Kocheril, a gentle, loving and effusive soul, must have been concerned about her young daughter going away from her protection. Chacko decided that having given Naithy in marriage so young, she should stay on in Kaduthuruthy for a few more years. Therefore, soon after the wedding, Naithy was brought to Nellupadathu There under the loving tutelage of her mother, she continued to learn household chores. As anyone who has eaten her food would testify, she mastered the culinary art. Even till today, all of Naithy"s children compare any dish to her cooking. Her cooking has remained the watermark, the measure, the standard taste-measure against which any gourmet dish prepared by her children or grand children would assess their own culinary capability. Abraham had joined the teaching staff of St. Mary"s Kidangore. When Naithy became a part of the Pathyil household, she was well received by Kochokan, as she had brought a substantial dowry. Her first son was born in 1915. The confinement preceding the birth of the baby was in Pannivelil (not in Nelluppadathu). Being the first grand son, Chacko Pannivelil took special pride in looking after Kunju Luka - a name that the Pannivelil clan was to call him all his life. Naithy"s sojourn in Pathyil was uneventful, as Kochokan, the patriarch, had mellowed over the years. Her older sisters-in-law, who instructed her in the art of pleasing the Pathyil men, specially protected her. She developed very close friendship with Achamma, the wife of Uthup, with whom she would have a life-long rapport. But for more than ten years, she had to live under the constant watch of her father in law. In 1920, Naithy and the children settled in Kalluvelil. From then on, she would be the mistress of her house. In the prolonged absences of her husband in Kidangore, she would run the household with efficiency and confidence. She would give birth every two years, but that would not deter her from supervising the multifarious activities of her home. Abraham"s change of school, and subsequent change of occupation must have affected her. But she had implicit faith in the ability of her husband. She supported him in every way. She was, all her life, his most ardent cheerleader. When Abraham began his boat journeys to Olassa, Naithy had to be up before 4 a.m. to cook his breakfast, and lunch, which she would lovingly pack. She never forgot to keep a portion of that for Kuriacko, the boatman. Abraham would return from school late in the evening. During the rainy season, and during floods, she would keep a look out to the western horizon to espy the boat. When after several years, he decided to call a halt to school and teaching, she must have been privately relieved. Besides, as the daughter of a businessman, Naithy knew that one could prosper in business, if done with shrewdness. And she knew that her husband was an extremely careful, and clever person. Thus Naithy aided and supported Abraham"s Abkari business. Her share in the enterprise was to distill toddy to 43 manufacture arrack for home use, and to make "pani" from sweet toddy. In addition, utilizing fermented toddy, she made vinegar in big vats and jars that she sold, and often gave away, to her neighbors. Naithy had her hands full of activities. Rearing children was a constant occupation. The whole household had to be fed four times a day. There were laborers whom she had to feed every day. The cattle had to be looked after. She had a sizable poultry, in addition to ducks, cats, dogs and a variety of domestic animals and pets. Naithy never forgot to cater to any of these duties of hers. She always had domestic help. Whether it be live-in hands such as Pothan or Kuriacko, or neighbors such as Cheera Chokothy and Govindan, she knew how to get the best out of people. No one ever said "No" to her. She would feed them, give them hand-outs, and be generous with all. Therefore when she needed them, they were always available. Neighbors used to say that Naithiamma could charm anything out of them. But she was sincere in her solicitude of her neighbors. In their times of sorrow, she would console them. In their times of joy, she would rejoice with them. No one ever came to her in times of need, and was turned away empty-handed. Naithy"s typical day began before dawn. Lighting the fire in the kitchen was no easy task. But that first kindling had to be lit for all the day"s cooking. Once that fire started blazing, her kitchen was the scene of frenzied activities in the morning. Coffee had to be prepared for all. Rice had to be cooked for those who would go to study or work during the day. If the curry of the day before was not enough - or finished- new dishes had to cooked in time for the packed lunch. Before 9 a.m., breakfast had to be ready for all. When all had eaten, pots and pans would be carried to the well-side for a major scrubbing and washing. Soon would follow preparations for lunch. Abraham liked good food, and so Naithy made sure that fish or eggs or meat and vegetables of choice were always on hand. In addition, the laborers had to have a separate menu. Experience taught her that there would always be a few unexpected mouths to feed on any given day. Some of the children, and grandchildren would come home for noon-day meal. And they could not tarry for long, as they had to rush back to school. Till about 2 p.m., therefore, Naithy would be constantly busy: milking cows, directing, cooking, instructing servants, haggling prices with vendors, keeping an eye out at the work being done on lands or in the fields, and ensuring that everything would be done in time for everybody. Then she rested for a few minutes. Usually she would lie down on her bed, and try to sleep a few winks. But the break could be curtailed or cancelled due to unexpected visitors or happenings. Naithy enjoyed spending some time in her vegetable patch that she tended with loving care. Her garden usually produced enough to feed the household around the year. The afternoon tea and "eats" was a must for all, and she had to be versatile enough to vary the goodies every day. Once children returned from school, the house would be in turmoil. Therefore, she had to make sure that most work was done before they stormed in. Preparations for supper would usually follow the afternoon tea. By about 8 p.m., cooking of dishes would be over, and she would be ready to participate in the night prayers. Naithy kept an eye on the boiling rice, or hot water for bathing, or other chores of the household, including getting the hens in the pen. More washing and cleaning followed supper. After all the members of the family had retired for the night, Naithy would make one last round to ensure that everything and everybody was alright. Then she 44 would rest. Naithy had a life-long battle with asthma. During the harvest season, she had frequent attacks of wheezing. In addition, for many years she had to be under medication for blood pressure. But none of these ailments curtailed her life. She fasted religiously every lent and advent, avoiding meat, fish, and milk products. Naithy"s was a full life, full of care and responsibilities. She bore twelve children, of whom two died in infancy. As was mentioned earlier, the accidental death by drowning of Chackochan - named after her father- was a severe blow. Births, marriages, deaths, tragedies, and unexpected events filled her life. In 1944 the wife of her eldest son died, and twenty years later she laid Luka himself to rest in the same grave. These were heart- rending events in her life. Of all the children, she loved her eldest the most. In spite of everything that transpired in the life of Luka, his presence lighted up her eyes. Whether in Athirampuzha, and later on in Kurumulloor, Naithy would wait with eager expectation for the visit of her eldest son. They would meet in the kitchen or in the ante-room, chew betel together and chat about everything. She would give him a quick run-down of news and her fears. He would smile and comfort her as best he could. Sometimes they would eat their favorite dish: rice in which lusciously ripe mango would be squashed and mixed. They relished this concoction as no one else. It was only then that he would go to greet his father. She loved her other sons. Chackochan was always solicitous of her, and worried about her health. Thommy loved her from the bottom of his heart, but he pretended to be gruff. In her final years he would truly demonstrate his abiding love for his mother. As for Uppachan, he did not have the opportunity to get to know her and love her personally, as he left home at a young age. When he would write regularly home, addressing his letters to his father, she complained of being left out of his salutations. Though this was not deliberate, it typified his regard for his mother. Mathaikunju, her youngest son, was her joy and pride. Since she had him to love and cherish as her last born, she showered special attention towards him. Besides, he was designated to be in the ancestral home, looking after the parents. Therefore, she was full of care and proprietorship for him. When, in 1969, he and his young family left Kaipuzha to settle in Canada, she accepted it for their own good, but wept bitter tears. While the upbringing of the sons were largely left in the hands of Abraham, Naithy took special interest in the grooming of her daughters. As they grew up, she decided what they would wear, what kind of ornaments she would get for them, and how they had to comport themselves. She personally prepared her daughters to meet prospective husbands and for marriage. Mariamma, her eldest daughter, was married to Chamakala Chummaru Kutty, in Kaipuzha itself. This was extremely convenient for Naithy, as the two spent much time consulting each other on many matters. Annamma spent a fair bit of time in Kalluvelil after the birth of her eldest son, and that suited Naithy, as she needed all the help she could get. Achamma left to join the Convent, and Naithy was proud. Theyamma, the most educated of the daughters, was also the one farthest away. But when she came home, she spent several weeks at a time with her mother. Therefore, she too was able to see the enormous burden of her mother. As for Pennamma, she was the youngest, the liveliest and the one who brought a smile on to every one"s face. She also knew what it 45 was to have a large family. Almost all her daughters-in-law lived with her when newly married and at various times. All of them attest that Naithy was a wonderful mother-n-law. She cared for them as much as her own children, in fact, she gave them rest and relief, taking on additional responsibilities on herself. She also taught them the fine art of cooking. All of them have nothing but admiration for Naithy. Several of her grandchildren lived at various times in Kalluvelil. It was a site to see four or five youngsters - children and grandchildren playing and fighting and studying and making trouble together. Naithy enjoyed her grandchildren, but complained of their mischief. In spite of their numbers, she had solicitude for each of them separately. And the grandchildren, in their turn, visited her regularly. Naithy"s mother had been widowed soon after the marriage of her second daughter. Chathyamma lived for almost half a century after her husband"s death. Apart from Joseph - Chathyamma"s eldest son - her closest confidante was Naithy. They were more than mother and daughter; they were friends. Chathyamma would visit her eldest daughter occasionally, and stay with her for extended periods of time, especially in times of need. The two would work in unison, whisper sweet nothings to each other, chew beetle together, and reminisce and plan, and worry. Chathyamma was a source of great solace to Naithy. When Naithy seemed frazzled, her mother would admonish the grandchildren to be considerate towards her. When there were major disputes, Abraham readily and respectfully listened to his mother-in-law. Naithy"s siblings called her "Kocheduthy". She arranged the marriages of some of them, helped in others, and had a ready ear for their troubles. Naithy"s sisters loved to visit her. But since they all had their own large families to look after, these visits were short. But those were quality times. Elyamma, who later was to marry Vettickal Kuttan, was single for a long time. She came to help out in Kalluvelil and took over the household chores on occasions. Achukutty, her youngest sister, was married to Malayil Thommy. Whenever Naithy could, she would visit her. As Achukutty lived in less comfort, Naithy went out of her way to help. Once when she volunteered to lend her jewellery to Achukutty, Abraham who had vetoed it, was so annoyed that he slapped her. Perhaps that was the second and last time that Abraham would physically abuse his wife. Naithy"s three brothers were affectionate and considerate. Lukose visited his eldest sister quite frequently and unexpectedly. The youngest - Mathai Kunju- was an occasional visitor, and in times of need. But it was Kunjeppu whose visit Naithy looked forward to with great anticipation. Being the eldest of the maternal uncles, he had certain privileges, especially on occasions such as marriages, about which he was an expert, and jealously adhered to the norms and traditions . No one dare impinge on his rights. Many were the times when the exigencies of the moment required deliberate or accidental breaking of the code, and Naithy had to intervene to smoothen ruffled feathers. But Kunjeppu was a solemn person. His sister enjoyed his company, and made sure that he was most comfortable.. 46 Abraham loved travelling. Naithy did not care much in going to strange places and meeting strange people. However, she used to accompany her husband on some of his visits. She went to Goa and Madras in 1953 on pilgrimage. She visited her daughter in Coimbatore, and flew back by plane - an experience that she did not find disconcerting. She visited Coonoor a couple of times to see her son. But being an asthmatic patient, she was adversely affected by altitude. Even during these pleasant trips, her concern and constant care would be for the well-being of her husband. In any case, all through her journeys, she would worry about the little ones left back home, her poultry, her cows, her garden and generally, her household. When she returned, even the cows and the hens, not to speak of the children and the neighbors, seemed pleased to see her. But she loved going to Kaduthuruthy. Whether by boat or by road, it was a pleasure travelling with Naithy to her home. As one neared Kaduthuruthy, she would point out places of interest, greet people, visit the great church, and be young again After all, it was there that she had spent the most innocent and carefree years of her life. Naithy"s preoccupation with household activities did not make her a homebody. Her neighbors would attest to the fact that she was one of the most helpful persons in Kaipuzha. She would visit the sick, console the afflicted, help in any emergency, and encouraged her children to do the same. For a time Naithy joined the local chapter of Legion of Mary. She was an official - treasurer, appropriately!!- for a few years. Every Sunday, unfailingly she would attend the meetings of the Legion. She would also find the time to do the visitation as prescribed by the rules, in between her multifarious activities. Her constant companion in this and other activities was Kunjannamma Vanchipurackal. She was her neighbour, her confidante, her greatest supporter. They were like two sisters. They would meet each other across the fence, or in their homes, for fleeting moments and longer sessions. Both had children who also grew up together. The bond between the Kalluvelil and Vanchipurackal families has been strong ever since. The other neighbours such as other Vanchipurackal families, Klakil, Poovapparambil, Puliamparambil, Kavil, Manthuruthil, and others looked to Naithy for help and support. The Ezhava families of Kalluvelil and Vazhyil thought of her as a loving goddess. Not one of them would refuse to do her bidding, knowing that she would always compensate them generously. Naithy was the valiant woman of the Gospel. She had a hard life, though she would have been the first one to deny such an attribute to her life. She did what she considered her duty on earth. She worshipped the ground on which her husband tread. He was her everything. Even if she was critical of him, she would brook no criticism of Abraham, even by her children. Many were the times when she was teased by him, rankled by his words and behavior, made to feel inadequate and ill-educated. But through it all, she remained the good and faithful wife. She saw much tragedy in her life. Some of her children died. She saw much deterioration around her. But she bore it all like her model - mater dolorosa- the Sorrowful Mary. Her piety was genuine. Her prayers were heartfelt. Her religion was personal. After her youngest son left home, her life, and that of Abraham"s, took a down-turn. Her brother -Kunjeppu- died suddenly in 1975. The news could not be hidden from Naithy. 47 She reached Kaduthuruthy for the funeral, and her sisters and children remarked that she was disoriented. A few weeks after, on December 11, 1975, she fell down and broke her hip. In fact, her hip gave up on her. She was bedridden. No doctor could fix her. Her memory also began to fail her. In September 1976 when Abraham died, Naithy barely knew what was happening. Thommy and family moved to Kalluvelil to look after her. He personally attended to her most intimate needs. Eppachan, one of the neighbors, continued to minister to her. But in January 1978 she became totally unconscious. She remained in comma for several weeks. On February 23, 1978, surrounded by her children and grandchildren, and relatives and friends, she gently breathed her last at 11 p.m. Naithy joined Abraham, her revered husband, in heaven. From there they continue to bless their children and their progeny. 48 7. KALLUVELIL CHILDREN Of the twelve children born to Abraham and Naithy, ten survived childhood. These ten - five daughters and five sons - inherited traits from both sides of the family. While the physical characteristics can be clearly seen traced to one or the other side of their parents, their character differed for obvious reasons. Apart from the genes they inherited from both Pathyil and Pannivelil, their upbringing in Kalluvelil, had a great bearing on their conduct and outlook. Each one must be seen in the light of his or her peculiar circumstances. Their parents treated them as individuals and so, while the attachment to the family is strong in all of them, each one is unique. Between the eldest and the youngest, there is also a span of almost a quarter of a century. In fact the eldest son of Luka is older than his youngest brother. Time, therefore, has also much to do with attitudes and formations of the different children. Parents too underwent changes as years passed. Their controls, their perceptions, and their capabilities underwent subtle transformations, which are reflected on the psyche of the children. But one quality inculcated in them and inherited in turn by their children is deep affection and attachment to the family. One sees that bond of love among the cousins in Kerala, in The Middle East and in North America. The clan is close-knit and impregnable in their support of each other. Others have remarked upon this at home and abroad. Our studies of each one of the Kalluvelil children will be brief, especially those who are happily still with us. 49 A. LUKOSE Luka was the eldest of the twelve children born to Naithy and Abraham Kalluvelil. He was born on December 17, 1915, in the maternal house in Iravimangalam as was the custom. The Pannivelil family was elated at the birth of the first grandchild. Till his death all Pannivelils called him KunjuLuka. While the Pathyil side of the family called him Luka, his friends and admirers in Athirampuzha would always call him Lukachan. His in- laws in Ranni called him Lukochan. His younger brothers (and cousin brothers) called him Chettan, and to his sisters he was Kunjanja. Thus he was born to love and deep affection, which he enjoyed throughout his life. His early years were spent in the company of his paternal grandparents and cousins because of which he always considered Pathyil household as home. He was named after Kochokan, and was his favorite grandson. By the time Lukose (as we shall call him through our narrative) was ready to go to school, the family had moved to Kalluvelil. He early education was in St. Mathew"s Primary School, Kaipuzha. After his schooling there, he was admitted to the newly opened St. George"s English School in Kaipuzha. He was in the first batch, along with Chummaru Kutty Chamakalayil and others. In spite of the occasional presence of his father in the school as manager and correspondent, Lukose found the discipline of the school rather inhibiting. In Second Form (equivalent to grade 7), when one of the teachers asked him to stand up and receive punishment for something which Lukose did not think he deserved, he walked out of the classroom, never to return.. His formal education ended there and then. But Lukose passed off all his life as a well educated person. His captivating personality, wavy hair, deep-set eyes and spectacles (his nephews and nieces called him Kannaatichachan), calm demeanor, his easy smile, his ability to speak in public, his unusual turn of phrase, his marvelous vocabulary, and his self- confidence, belied his lack of higher education. Abraham got Lukose to help in his manifold activities relating to the household and farms. In 1928 when the first toddy shop was auctioned it was Lukose, barely 13 then, who helped his father to look after many things for him. But he was obviously not yet ready to assume full and independent responsibility for businesses. All through his business in toddy shops, he would send his father detailed account of daily income and expenses without fail. He would also remit all monies to his father, keeping very little for himself. Even the household expenses would be detailed in the accounts. On June 6, 1933 Lukose married Achamma Nedunthuruthil, born on July 30, 1917, and baptized in Kaduthuruthy. Achamma had studied in the Convent school in Kaipuzha. Abraham used to help in the production of plays and entertainments in the school. During one such occasion he had helped to "make up" Achamma to act the part of Lucifer. He was impressed by the young lady, and decided to propose the marriage alliance with Lukose. On June 26, 1933 they were married. It was on the same day that his sister Mariamma was given in marriage to Chamakala ChummaruKutty. (Some people had a superstitious belief that two marriages on the same day in the same family, in the same pandal would bring about tragedy to one of the parties !!). 50 Abraham got Achamma to write several of his articles and formal petitions as she possessed excellent penmanship. She was also very good at crochet work. Their first child was still-born. Then in 1937 a strapping boy was born to them, and since the usual custom was to name him after the paternal grandfather, Abraham took the liberty of calling him -not Abraham- but Daniel. Lukose was given the complete responsibility of looking after the toddy shop in Athirampuzha, which was Abraham"s most lucrative outlet. Lukose and his young family settled in Athirampuzha. Being a market town, Athirampuzha was a prosperous place, and the population consisted of non-Knanaya Catholics, Muslims, Hindus and others. Soon Lukose established tremendous rapport with all the prominent persons in Athirampuzha. In a short time he became a community leader who would be involved in many local matters. People such as Manattu Vakkachan, the scion of the wealthiest family in Athirampuzha, would depend on the friendship of Lukose. When Kadavil Kochu was implicated in a man-slaughter, he turned to Lukose for help. Lukose arranged for Kochu to live in hiding in Kalluvelil for a long time. All these ingratiated the people of Athirampuzha to him. In addition, he sold what all of them wanted. To his friends, who would usually visit him rather late in the evening, after the daily rush of customers , he served the best. His household was a place of hospitality. Achamma was a good cook, something that she had learned from her mother-in-law. On January 18, 1941 a second son was born to Achamma, and Abraham insisted on calling him Xavier, to remember the great Jesuit missionary to India. Abraham and Naithy visited them occasionally. And Lukose made sure that he visited Kalluvelil at least once a week. It was a long walk, but he had to see his mother regularly. He bought a bicycle, a rare mode of transportation at that time, to expedite matters. Life was pleasant and joyful for the young couple and their children. When Xavi was hardly two years old, Achamma complained of severe pain in the stomach. After several futile attempts at treating her in Athirampuzha and Kottayam, doctors advised that she be taken to Neyyoor Mission Hospital. That hospital was founded and run by Dr. Somervell. He had a clinic in Kundara. (Dr. Somervell was to be a famous surgeon in Vellore Medical College Hospital. He was also a member of two teams that attempted to climb Mount Everest in the 1922 and again in 1924. During one of those expeditions, he and his companions established camp at 28,000 feet, only a few metres from the peak. Then two of his companions went up to scale the last few hundred metres to the summit. A sudden snow squall took the lives of the two. The last that Dr. Somervell saw was two figures moving away from their binocular sites. ) The doctor determined that Achamma had cancer. With the permission of the family, surgery was performed and the cancerous parts of the intestine removed.. Lukose stayed with his wife all through those difficult days, dashing back to Kaipuzha for a few hours for essential reasons. All hoped that the cancer had not spread any further. She was weak, but full of hope. Her beautiful hair was shorn. But at least she looked as if she was on the way to full recovery. Life resumed in its hectic pace for Lukose. But within a year of her surgery, Achamma had to be readmitted in Neyyoor. There, in spite of the best efforts of Dr. Somerville, and further surgery, cancer had spread too far and too rapidly. She was brought back to Kalluvelil, and looked after by her mother in law. Achamma saw the 51 weight of work of her loving mother in law, and asked to be allowed to spend the last days with her own family in Neendoor. Lukose would be in Athirampuzha during the day and he would spend the night at the bedside of his beloved wife in Neendoor. On May 17, 1944 Achamma asked for a priest to give her the last rites., She asked her father in law and mother in law along with Dani visit her that night. They went to her, knowing that the end was near. She spoke to her eldest son consoling him, and entrusting him to Naithy. She asked her husband to remarry. She begged forgiveness of her elders for any offence. Achamma desired that they all spend the night in Nedunthuruthil. There, surrounded by all her loved ones, she breathed her last on May 18, 1944, as she had expected and desired. She was interred in the tomb specially prepared for her in Kaipuzha by Abraham. Lukose was only 29 years old when Achamma died. He loved her with the love of a young man, and mourned her passing. The toddy shop in Athirampuzha having to be abandoned, Abraham decided to set Lukose up in business in Alappuzha. He was given three thousand rupees (a substantial amount of money at that time) and sent to live with his bachelor maternal uncle -Mathaikunju, who was already well established in a Coir Factory of his own. There Lukose was to apprentice with him, and start his own. Lukose had a good time in Alappuzha, which was the centre of commerce in Travancore at that time. Money ran out sooner than he expected, and Lukose returned home chagrined. In the mean time several proposals for marriage came thick and fast. From out of the blue came a proposal from far-off Ranni. Abraham had heard of the distinguished Aronnil family, prominent in the Knanaya Jacobite community. Alyamma was the second, and had studied in St. Anne"s High School, Kottayam. She had offers of marriage from many sources. But Philip Aronnil (Ikkoi) was not satisfied with any of those families. When the proposal for alliance with Pathyil Kalluvelil was mooted, Philip was interested. Abraham consulted Bishop Choolapparambil, who suggested that Alyamma could become a Catholic and the marriage could be blessed. The Bishop personally interviewed her and received her into the church. Subsequently Philip and several members of her family became Catholics. The marriage took place in Kaipuzha in January 1945. Alyamma came to Kalluvelil as the eldest daughter - in-law. She always maintained the most affectionate and respectful relationship with her in-laws. Her regard and consideration for her husband"s parents would be reflected in her children too. Toddy shop in Athirampuzha again became the proud possession of Abraham, and Lukose went back there. Alyamma was the most important single influence in the life of Lukose. Starting with Valsa in 1946, she presented Lukose with a child every two years or sooner, until the last one - ThomasKutty - was born on August 25, 1959. Along with that, she became the hostess to all the receptions that Lukose loved to throw in his house in Athirampuzha. In addition to the members of the two families who visited them frequently, his social circle was wide and varied. Life in Athirampuzha was full and lively. In 1948 Abraham decided to abandon Athirampuzha outlet, due to stiff competition. A piece of land was bought in Neendoor and Lukose and family settled in Aripparambil on 52 August 13, 1948. Lukose, in partnership with his eldest cousin brother Kurian Placheril, and with a loan from his godfather Thommy Placheril, started a clothing retail outlet. Lukose had some knowledge of the industry as he had been one of the ration officials selected by the government to allot foodstuff and clothing to families soon after the war. He had accredited himself well in that task. The retail store was in the heart of Neendoor -Pravettam. Kurian was too busy with other things to spend much time on the routine of a store. Lukose missed the hustle and bustle of a toddy shop. He had many friends in Neendoor - he never had a dearth of friends wherever he was - and the store was neglected. His community involvement created enemies. . Someone set up a notorious ruffian to take the life of Lukose. As he and a companion were disembarking from a bus in Neendoor late one night, Chetty swung to stab him. His companion saw the action, hit Chetty with his flashlight. Chetty turned around and stabbed his assailant, and ran away. Lukose tried to save his friend. But by the time he could be taken to the hospital, he was pronounced dead. Chetty was convicted of manslaughter and served many years in jail. (When Chetty came out of jail, Lukose had died, and he visited the family to apologize for his act. He was a hired hand.) Life in Neendoor was not a pleasant experience. Abraham, therefore, had a house built in Kurumulloor and sent Lukose and family there, settling his second son in Aripparambil. Kurumulloor became the home of Lukose"s children. However, his eldest Dani remained in Kalluvelil till 1951, when he joined the juniorate of the Brothers of St. Gabriel in Coonoor. As for Xavi, he commuted between Kaipuzha, Neendoor and Kurumuloor. He became the eldest and most responsible person in the household. Lukose"s income, after the failure of businesses, was limited. The habit of hospitality and extravagance , coupled with his propensity to consume alcohol, did not help matters. Abraham was anxious about the children of Lukose. Therefore in 1960's when he partitioned the property, the share due to Lukose was put in trust of the children. Besides, Lukose had several major amounts in debt, and having possession of property might be dangerous in litigation. However it was, life became somewhat difficult for the family. The income from the properties was hardly sufficient for the large family. But Lukose did not complain. He visited his loving mother regularly. He had the utmost respect for his father. He never sat in the sight of his father without being summoned to do so, and he always waited to be invited to sit at the table with him. That respect and consideration for elders remained with him till the end. Lukose"s brothers, having run toddy outlets in Kaipuzha, Neendoor and other places, decided to abandon the business all together, and became public works contractors. They invited their brother to join. Lukose was reluctant to do so. Though he went with them for some time, he did not appreciate the restrictions put on him. Property management and cultivation bored him. But he was involved in the affairs of Kurumulloor, and as everywhere, he collected friends. In 1960, the local priest instituted the idea of total abstinence from alcoholic beverages. Lukose became his ardent supporter and helper. He shunned all intoxicating drinks. Together they went to several places to speak about the ills of alcoholism. These were the years when Lukose demonstrated his self-control and public spiritedness. He abstained from drinking - a difficult task considering the environment in which he lived. In 1962 his younger brother-Thommy- had a house built 53 in Kurumulloor and the blessing and housewarming took place. Lukose had clearly instructed his brother not to serve alcohol on the premises as he was the advocate of abstinence. But, unbeknown to Lukose, his brother secretly served liquor in the kitchen to a few selected people. The next day the news spread in Kurumulloor, and the priest asked his trusted lieutenant if that was true. Lukose, being ignorant of what had transpired, denied it vehemently. They fell out, and Lukose resumed his old habits.( The priest was to meet him again before Lukose"s death and they were reconciled.) Xavi studied in Kaipuzha most of the time, and having completed his school final examination, Lukose sent him for telegraphic training to Madura. Xavi soon joined the military for a period of time. The army made "a man" of him. When he came back, Xavi joined his two uncles in PWD contract work. He also embarked on businesses independently. He was most helpful to his parents (he considered his step-mother as his own, and she loved him like her own.) Life in Kurumulloor had its difficulties as the children were growing. Valsa was given in marriage to Chackochan Uppoottil in 1963. Others had to be educated, fed, clothed, and kept in some semblance of comfort. Alyamma"s family was a great help. But Lukose found himself frustrated by his attempts to have a steady income. He became the victim of scams that he would never have recommended to others. For example, someone cheated him out of a huge amount of money by promising to multiply his cash. It was during those days of hardship that Swamy - a rich industrialist -came to Kurumulloor looking for some land to start a spinning mill. He invited Lukose to help him locate the land. In characteristic fashion, Lukose went about the acquisition of land. A huge piece of land that had belonged to his father and which had been given to him(in trust) and his brother, was sold to Swamy, with the permission and blessing of Abraham. . Along with that more land was acquired. The spinning mill was to begin its operations in 1965, and Lukose was promised an important position in the organization. In March 1964, Alyamma detected a swelling on Lukose"s throat. He went to Kottayam General Hospital, where it was incised and he was sent home. He wrote to his brother in Kazipet and his sister in Bhilai about the minor surgery and that he was feeling well again. But as the wound was not healing, he went back for more tests. The doctors suspected cancer. He was taken to Trivandrum for radiation. The disease however had spread rapidly and the doctors could not contain it. The pain from the wound was acute. In May 1964, he was discharged from the hospital, as they could do no more. One of the cottages in Kaipuzha Hospital was rented for the duration. Lukose stayed there, tended by the hospital staff, and by his own people. Alyamma was by his side day and night. The children managed to do things at home as best as they could. Lukose"s sister - Theyamma- came home to be with him. His brother -Joseph- spent a few days at home too. His son Dani came from Hyderabad and spent a few poignant days with his father. A steady stream of visitors came to the hospital. Through it all, Alyamma remained the valiant woman. Lukose met and reconciled with all of his creditors. He also made his peace with his God. Lukose was calm and consoling during the last few days. He comforted those who came to bid farewell to him. On June 1, 1964, surrounded by his wife and children, by his parents, by his brothers and sisters, Lukose breathed his last. He was 48 years old. But he had sucked the marrow of life. He was a role model to his 54 children and siblings in his respect for others, in his sense of dignity in adversity, and in his regal bearings. Lukose has left powerful memories in those who have known and loved him. Alyamma was widowed with twelve children. Dani had joined the Brothers of St. Gabriel. Valsa was with her husband. But it devolved on her and Xavi to look after the growing youngsters. If life was tough when Lukose was alive, it was more difficult in his absence. All the children learned to help each other. Alyamma was a deeply devout woman and entrusted all her affairs to God. She taught her children the need for God"s grace in everything. She taught them to love each other, to share their worldly possessions with those who do not have enough, to trust in providence. Alyamma had to be the mother, the liaison with her husband"s family and her own; she had to walk a thin line between diplomacy and independence. But she succeeded eminently. When the Spinning Mill was commissioned, her eldest son - Abraham- was given a position in the mill. He was sent for training by the mill, and came back to hold important positions there. His younger brother-Philip- too was absorbed in the mill. The wages of these two went straight into the hands of their mother, who knew how to multiply loaves and fishes. During all these years, as some of the children were completing their high school education, they pursued their studies in college with some help from their uncle abroad. One by one, the children married, starting (after their father"s death) with Xavi in 1966 to Celine Karottu. After Abraham"s youngest son went to Canada, Xavi went to his grandparents" help, along with Celine. Subsequently he lived in proximity to the grandparents in Kaipuzha and was, until their death a great source of help. He was involved in several business activities, became a successful and accepted personality in Kaipuzha.. Sara (Kunjumol) married Mathaikunju Mundackal, a military officer, who eventually settled in Bangalore as a contractor, and lived in Kurumulloor to look after the ancestral property. Abraham, perhaps the only one to whom his grandfather gave tacit permission to assume his name, married MollyKutty Koppazha, and became the head of the Kurumulloor household. Joemol (Maria Goretti) married Thomas Chackonal, who went to the Middle East, was involved in many successful ventures. Jose the first successful College graduate in the family. He worked in India and Bahrain, and married Celine Poozhikala. Clement joined his brother in Bahrain for some time, and worked in Bombay for a few years. Eventually he married Reeni Ullattil. Philo,another of Lukose"s daughters, and perhaps the most adventurous of the girls, did her studies in Kerala, successfully completed her nurses training in Bombay, and went to Bahrain. She married Salvi Vellappally. Albi (Alphonsa), the youngest, was given in marriage to Shajo (Joseph), the grandson of her grandfather"s close friend Joseph Chazhikat. The circle was thus completed. Thomas Kutty who was less than five years old when his father passed away, married Shiny Mukkada. Philip, the second son of Alyamma, was not satisfied with the fact that the family was eking out an existence in Kurumulloor. He decided to marry Celine who was already settled in The United States. Philip had the blessings of his mother and his grandfather. His intention was to reach The United States and help his family. In 1976, after bidding farewell to his dying grandfather, he came to Philadelphia to join Celine. His eldest brother _Dani- was already in New York. Philip and Dani sponsored all his siblings. One 55 by one all of them came to America. Alyamma, their mother, visited Philip for the first time in 1977, and then having obtained her green card, she visited and spent much time with her children in USA. She was a great help in The United States. Alyamma had an extraordinary calming effect on her children. She also knew how to treat each of them as individuals. She wanted to return to Kerala, which she did several times. But her children wanted her in America. The love that she showed them was reciprocated by them in full measure. By 1991 all her children, except two daughters and their families, were in America. When she met Joseph, her brother in law from Canada, during the July 4th celebrations, she confided to him that she felt that she had fulfilled her duties on earth, and that she was ready to meet her Creator and to be with her loving husband. She requested him to keep an eye on her children. Joseph teased her not to be in a hurry, as she has much more to do, and in any case, it was time for her to enjoy the fruits of her labour. But she gravely predicted that her time was near. In August, she spent a few days with her youngest daughter Philo in New York. There as she was bathing, she must have had a massive heart attack. (Heart ailment was in the Aronnil family, as almost all her siblings had suffered or died of heart related problems.) The hot water burned her. She was rushed to the hospital. All her children kept vigil at her bedside. On August 19, 1991, she breathed her last. On August 22 she was buried in a plot that her children lovingly selected in the cemetery in Queens, New York. She is the first of the Kalluvelil clan to be so interred in North American soil. Alyamma"s life was full of joys and sorrows. She was a personification of love. She permeated this love among the members of her family. Never would she allow anyone to speak ill of her husband or his family. She would accept all- good things and ills - as God"s blessings. Her children imbibed much of that, and have demonstrated the beauty of mutual love and care. They have learned the importance of sharing, of not accumulating wealth at the cost of helping others. Alyamma and her husband continue to bless their children and relatives from above. 56 B. MARIAMMA CHAMAKALA Mariamma was born on January 8, 1918. She inherited her mother"s good looks . After her early education in Kaipuzha Convent, she was sent to St. Anne"s School, Kottayam, to pursue her higher studies. She, along with her younger sister Annamma , spent a few years in the boarding under the supervision of the Visitation nuns. Her years in school were uneventful. Mariamma seems to have been a favorite of the nuns as many of them in later years spoke lovingly about her. At the age of 15 she was married to Chamakala Chummaru Kutty. The marriage took place on the same day as that of her brother Luka (June 26, 1933), though the receptions were held separately. Chamakala family is one of the oldest and noblest of Kaipuzha. The Tharayil family had been brought to Kaipuzha to be the "purificators" of the Hindu temple in Shasthangal. They were given lands and settled in Kaipuzha. One of the properties thus occupied by the original Tharayil family was Chamakala. The family acquired vast tracts of fields and lands in and around the area. Kochokan Chamakala was an only son. His first wife, from the Chemmarappally family, having died after giving birth to a boy and a girl, he married Kocheeryam Manthuruthil, and they had a son and two daughters. Thomas, the son by the first marriage became a priest in the Order of the Sacred Heart and the girl-Mariamma- died within a year of her marriage to Stephen Naduvilapparampil. Chummaru Kutty was to inherit vast lands, and so he was the most eligible bachelor of his time. Therefore it was no mean mark of recognition that Abraham Pathyil managed to arrange the wedding of his daughter to Chummaru Kutty. Very soon after the marriage, Kochokan handed over all responsibility to his son, and lived in quiet retirement. Kocheeryam was a different story. She loved her son and would not countenance that love being shared with anyone else. Mariamma"s arrival into the Chamakala household was seen by her as intrusion in her relationship with her only son. As years went by, instead of the struggle diminishing in intensity, the rivalry for the heart of Chummarukutty took on epic proportions. Her mother in law found fault with everything that Mariamma did and said. Mariamma having come from a family that was used to spending money, insisted on running her kitchen as she had learned. Kocheeryam would not let go of the keys of her kingdom. Mariamma would not yield an inch either. Her parents and siblings visited her often as the Kalluvelil house was only a mile away. Kocheeryam resented this intrusion. Mariamma defied the edicts of her mother in law. Mariamma gave birth every eighteen months to two years with regularity. Kocheeryam thought that this unchecked proliferation was unhealthy for her son and for the sharing of the family wealth. Kochokan was a pacifist; his interventions to establish peace were anemic at best. Therefore he pretended not to hear the goings-on in the kitchen. He could not control his wife"s outbursts. He died in 1951, grieved by his children and grandchildren, and especially by his daughter in law. As for Chummaru Kutty he was in a dilemma. He loved his mother as a loyal son would, and tried to mediate the disputes between his wife 57 and his mother. But they would not be reconciled. Chummaru Kutty and family moved to a house nearby that belonged to him, leaving his mother alone in the ancestral house. After short time of separation, he brought his family back to the house, hoping that bygones would be bygones. But that was not to be. Any little thing was provocation enough. Kocheeryam would storm into the kitchen and harangue Mariamma, and the latter would either talk back in defiance, or worse, ignore the mother in law completely. Matters came to a head in early 1954. One day as Mariamma was busy on the veranda with her new born daughter, Kocheeryam came to her seething with fury. She had a sickle in her hand, which she swung at Mariamma"s head and broke open the skull. The sight of blood must have stunned Kocheeryam, because she retreated from the scene. Children cried, servants heard the commotion, Chummaru Kutty was summoned from the fields. He sent word to his father in law, who rushed to Mariamma"s side. The bleeding had stopped by then. Mariamma was taken in a taxi to the hospital in Kaipuzha where she was treated. Later that day Mariamma"s older brother, having heard the near fatal incident, came to Chamakala. There, secretly instructed by Chummarukutty, Luka threatened the old lady with law suit and court case, and jail terms. By this time Kocheeryam, having spent her fury, was cowering in shame and embarrassment. Chummarukutty admonished her never more to have confrontations with anyone, to be satisfied with what she received, and to leave Mariamma and children alone. Mariamma, having lost a battle, won her war for the heart of Chummarukutty and the kingdom of the kitchen. Years that followed saw Kocheeryam very much a lonely woman, spending much time in the company of her sisters who lived nearby, and in prayer. She was reconciled to Mariamma in time, and they both developed, not just a truce, but a loving relationship. She died in 1964 in peace with all, in the arms of Mariamma. Chummarukutty was not a highly educated person, nor did he pretend to be one. In fact, he had no pretensions. But he was a practical person. He looked after the property entrusted to him by inheritance, and added to it. He also tried his hands in various businesses such as whole-sale tobacco, liquor store outlets and other enterprises. But his mainstay was his fields and lands, which he looked after with alacrity. In the 50's with government help, each village set up its own cooperative stores for fertilizers and chemicals. Chummarukutty was the founder-president of Kaipuzha cooperative. All appreciated his honesty and integrity. His trusted secretary once was caught having embezzled some money, to the shame of the president. But Chummaru Kutty was never implicated, nor did he have to resign as a result. In the midst of corruption and bribery, he was seen as the lone honest and efficient person. His affairs brought him into close friendship with the mighty and the poor. He was the mediator of disputes and arbiter of family feuds. He inherited the Presidency of Northern Kuttandu Agricultural Association from Abraham Pathyil, and under his leadership permanent bunds were built in the Kuttandu fields, to obviate the need for expensive annual construction and costly repairs, not to mention bund bursting and as result the farmers losing their precious crops. He was also one of the pioneers to introduce co-co plants in the region. He counted among his friends many non-Christians. The Nairs of Kaipuzha held him in high esteem. He helped many families unobtrusively. The hospital in Kaipuzha found a faithful benefactor in Chummarukutty. From the appointment of doctors to anything of import was initiated and supported by Chummarukutty. The churches in Kaipuzha and Palathuruthu looked on 58 him as a supporter. He was the trustee of both the churches several times, the first time when he was a mere nineteen year old young man. He was the one responsible for the novel burial system established in Palathuruthu. The present Visitation Convent in Palathurthu was built with his support and financial help. They had previously lived in a house that had belonged to Chummarukutty. He was also involved in the local and State elections, backing people on principle, rather than opportunity. He helped ogranize demonstrations and rallies on behalf of the candidates whom he supported. While rice and coconuts were the mainstay of the Chamakala wealth, Chummarukutty successfully planted and nurtured rubber plantations. The income generated from this was substantial. It was however understood that when rubber was sold, the proceeds from the sale of the thread (ottupal) was to be entrusted to his wife, for her to do what she wanted.. Thus he set up a system to enable Mariamma to make purchases independently of him. Mariamma knew how to get the best out of her husband. It was her responsibility to feed and clothe the children, and to look after their well-being. It was also her duty to run a busy household. In addition, unexpected visitors would arrive to meet and discuss various matters with Chummarukutty. Mariamma never complained. In fact, visitors were impressed with her refinement and civility as with the sincerity of her husband. . Their first born was Lukachan (December 8, 1936), and from then on until September 1955 Babychan (Ne Joseph Sarto) was born, Mariamma presented her husband with six sons and four daughters. The going was tough at times. But it was remarkable that Mariamma always spoke well of her husband and children. She was not averse to learning the latest fashions and encouraging her children to be well groomed. On occasions she was helped by personages such as Prof. Mrs.Gracy Mathew, whose husband was a doctor in Kaipuzha. She believed in healthy and substantial food for all. The parties that she hosted for her husband"s friends were highly appreciated. Several dignitaries - politicians, civic authorities, and church leaders were at her table frequently. Bishop Tharayil, a close friend and confidant of Chummarukutty often invited himself and his visitors to Chamakala. He would introduce the house as his own. And her parents visited her frequently. Abraham delighted in having breakfast with his eldest daughter, and Naithy spent hours conferring with her Mariamma. Chummarukutty had a very short temper. But Mariamma knew her husband, and when and how to get on his good side. Chummarukutty awoke early every morning. It was then, over a cup of tea, that he and Mariamma communed. He told her of all that was going on in the fields, on land, and in the village. She would tell him about the children, her fears and hopes about them, the latest gossips about her relatives and friends. It was an extraordinary relationship. He let her run the household very much as she wanted. The children were afraid to face him, and went to their mother on all occasions. He was satisfied with that arrangement. But he needed her constantly at home. If she went to visit her folks and stayed overnight, he was restless. Sooner, rather than later, he would come over to get her. But he knew everything that was going on in the Kalluvelil household, as Mariamma was a primary source. In addition Abraham trusted the judgement of Chummarukutty implicitly and confided in him. There was mutual respect and admiration. The occasional irritations were as a result of the faux pas of others. But time 59 healed much. After the death of Abraham and Naithy, their children saw in Chummarukutty a confidant and adviser. And Mariamma became the "mater familia". Whether it be marriages or illnesses, personal problems or family irritants, disputes over land or water, all went to Chummarukutty and Mariamma for advice and guidance. And they dispensed their opinions fairly and justly. Above all, Chummarukutty was known as an honest person. Lukachan, the oldest in the Chamakala was always a handful. He had been brought up lovingly by both the grandparents. He learned early in life how to escape the wrath of his father. It was an easy matter to run to his maternal grandparents, where he was an integral member. Besides, he developed the panache and the posturings of his uncles. He completed his High School studies in Kaipuzha, and was sent to Mar Ivanios College, a premier institution of higher learning in Kerala. There, having unfettered freedom, he spent money, and time lavishly, with the result that he was invited by the College and Hostel authorities to leave the place. On his return home, he embarked on several innovative projects, all of which could have been successful, given his efficiency and connection. He tried his hand in buying rice and processing it before selling at wholesale prices; he went into processing of coconuts - both of which could have been lucrative given the potential support from the families. However, Lukachan soon tired of these efforts, would look elsewhere for things to do. He went into restaurant business, and later had a furniture store. Any of these could have been successful, if he had bestowed sufficient time and interest in them. But he became an addict of several habits, including drinking, which ruined much of his business and his reputation. His marriage to Baby Kochaana did not improve matters. Lukachan is now a respected leader of the community. Unfortunately, his parents did not live to see his transformation. He was their bete noir. But Mariamma and Chummarukutty had much to be thankful for. Their eldest daughter, named Georgia(after an aunt of Chummarukutty who was a nun in the Visitation Congregation,) also joined the same Convent, held very important positions such as Mistress of Novices, Headmistress of schools, and most recently the Mother General of the Congregation - the highest honor that her colleagues could confer on anyone. Isaac joined the Brothers of St. Gabriel, became very active in their reform movement, was in great demand by students and their parents wherever he worked, ran schools, colleges and institutions. He became the Director of St. Louis Institute for the Blind and Deaf- Mute, and in the span of four years turned it into a first grade college, with the latest buildings and amenities. Now he is the founder director of Montfort Community Development, based in Madras (Chennai). Molly (Naithy) is married to Xavierkutty Manappally, a high school teacher, who retired from the School system with high praise as the headmaster of Kannankara High School. Molly inherited the good looks and cheerful disposition and the culinary expertise of her mother. Sally (Salomi) completed College degrees and became a teacher. Her husband, Mathew Koithara retired recently as the first lay Principal of St. Stephen"s College, Uzhavoor. Sally herself is now the headmistress of Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Uzhavoor. Thomas completed his Master"s degree, worked in various places for New India Assurance Company collecting 60 contacts everywhere by the hundreds,, and now is the manager of a branch of that insurance firm. Well known among the elite of Kerala, all his relatives and friends go to him for help with civic authorities. His wife Daisy Mannarkattil is the manager of the State Bank of Travancore.Theophine married Leelamma Mackolil and came to the United States. Starting at the very bottom of the rung as a McDonald employee, he worked his way up to owning franchises of various food businesses. At present he owns and operates a string of El Chico restaurants, and is considered in the restorator circles as one of the premier entrepreuners. In the Knanaya and Malayalee communities of North America, as well as in the South East Asian organizations, much has been written up about him, and is sought after for benefactions and honours. Leelamma always stood by him and supported him in his endeavours. It was her steady work in the early years that enabled Theophine to venture into unchartered waters. His success was, therefore, equally hers. Josekunju completed high school education in Kaipuzha, was a star volleyball player in the district, and after technical training went to United Arab Emirites. He married Marykutty Korattyil and having settled in New Jersey, they are successfully employed. Josekunju is well known in the Catholic and Knanaya circles as an organizer. He is the past president of the New York Knanaya Association, and continues to be a leader of note. Sici (Elana) was the youngest of the daughters and the darling of the family. She completed her college degree and married Joy Muprapally, a professor in St. Stephen"s College, Uzhavoor. She helped her husband in his other endeavors, ran a boutique in Kottayam , and was the favourite of all her kith and kin. On July 25, 1987, she died unexpectedly of cerebral hemorrhage. Her untimely death shattered her mother and family. Babychan (named after Joseph Sarto, later to be known as Pius X Babychan was number ten too!! Sarto was lovingly known as Pepe. Babychan"s pet name is a variation on that name), the benjamin of the family, married Kunjumol Makil-Kallitikeel, and is settled in Kaipuzha. He looks after the family holdings, recently completed a mansion, the show-piece of Kaipuzha. Babychan was elected recently to be a councillor in the local Panchayat. His acceptance by the local population is a reflection of the popularity of Chummarukutty and Mariamma. Chummarukutty suffered a mild heart attack in the 80's, and so handed over much of his activities to Babychan,his youngest . He took great pleasure in volunteering his services for the church and community, and in rearing his grandchildren. People continued to come to him for advice and guidance. On March 16, 1985 he was seized with a major heart attack, was rushed to Caritas hospital. There he entrusted all his affairs to his children - especially to Sr. Innocent and Bro. Patrick - and died peacefully. He was only sixty nine years old. His was a full and fruitful life. Mariamma suffered from diabetes for many years. Gradually she lost her eye sight. But she continued to be active in the kitchen and in the family . However Kunjumol, the wife of Babychan (and the daughter of a cousin of Mariamma), was given unfettered control of the running of the household. Kunjumol, in her turn, looked after her mother-in-law with greart love and devotion. Her last years were full of joy and satisfaction - except for the death of Sici- as she saw how well her children were doing, and how they are devoted to helping each other. Her wish was their command, and they left no stone unturned to keep her happy. When she desired to remodel the ancestral house, the children helped, 61 led by Theophine and Babychan. (Unfortunately, she did not live to see the mansion they conceived and built for her.) After the death of her older brother -her beloved Kunjanja, all her siblings looked up to her as the matriarch of the family. Modern communications and faster modes of transportation, enabled all to visit her and keep in touch with each other on a regular bisis. Mariamma"s health failed her gradually. She lost her eyesight . She fell once and as a result had difficulty walking. But her children never tired of taking her to the best doctors for treatment. She knew the end was approaching. But the faith of her ancestors sustained her. July 1992, surrounded by her family, she died peacefully. She was buried in the cemetery prepared by her husband for the Palathuruthu church. Mariamma had a cheerful disposition and a loving heart. She was a great listener, a fund of information, a fountain of comfort and a mediator of disputes. Her munificence knew no limits. She gave much to many, and God blessed her in many ways. In turn, Mariamma and Chummarukutty must be smiling on all their dear ones on earth. 62 C. ANNAMMA THENAKARA Annamma was born in 1920. She and her sister Mariamma went to Kaipuzha Convent school for the first few years. At the age of twelve she was admitted to St. Anne"s English School, Kottayam, where Annamma and Mariamma were boarders. Mariamma seems to have taken on her responsibilities as guardian of her kid sister seriously, as she wrote to her father complaining about Annamma"s proclevity to run to the window whenever she heard a bus or car on the road. (Automobile was a new phenomenon in India at that time.) Annamma was a handful and the good sisters must have had to exert much discipline on her. She also studied in St. Mary"s Girls School, Athirampuzha. Annamma"s education came to an end in 1934 when she got married to Thommankutty Thenakara-Kalappurayil. Thommankutty was the eldest son of Chacko, scion of Thenakara, a prosperous and ancient family. Chacko was a cynic and had a caustic tongue. It was no easy matter to ever get an straight response or statement from him. It was his habit to preface all remarks with pithy sayings and wry remarks. His wife was a domineering woman, who decided that Annamma had been spoiled at home, and therefore needed a heavy hand to retrain her. She set Annamma to do all menial tasks of the household such as sweeping the courtyard, washing the heavy pots and pans, fetching water and firewood, and so on - all of which was done by the servants in Kalluvelil. Annamma did not protest. She had no support, as Thommankutty himself was scared of his mother. As for Chacko, Annamma"s father in law, he had no opinion about what went on in the kitchen department. Annamma"s first few years were very difficult. One day her older brother came to visit her, saw her working in the courtyard, wearing dirty rags, haggard and disheveled. At the sight of her "Kunjanja", Annamma burst out in uncontrollable sobs.. He stormed into the kitchen, upbraided the lady of the house,drew and drank some water from the well, and walked away. Annamma"s first son was born eight years after her marriage. She was brought to Kalluvelil for confinement as was the custom. Jacob was born on July 16, 1942. It was also the custom for someone from the husband"s family to come after about ninety days of the birth of the baby, to fetch the mother and child back. However, no one came to do that. Abraham decided that he was not going to let Annamma go to an unwanted house. Annamma stayed on in Kalluvelil, and the boy grew up happy under the care of the big family . About eight months later, Thommankutty came to bring Annamma back to Manjoor. Perhaps that was the turning point in the attitude of Annamma. She decided that she would assert her rightful place in the household. A second child was born on July 25, 1945. She was named Philomena, and called Crissy. A third child- Alphonsa- born in 1948, died soon after birth. The youngest Avarachan was born on June 12, 1951. Thommankutty and family settled in a house of their own. Life became tolerable, though Annamma"s responsibilities increased manifold. Thommankutty had always been overruled by others, and did not have much self-confidence. His wife took over charge of all activities. Thommankutty complained of various illnesses. Some very good doctors treated him in innumerable places. His father in law persuaded him in 1955 to try naturopathy treatment. During the treatment, which consisted of mud bath, sunbathing, 63 water treatment and so on, he went into shock. He had to be rushed to a hospital. The recovery took very long. After that Thommankutty was never quite himself. He had several long attacks of depression. In 1975 Thommankutty died. Annamma had been burdened with looking after all the work in the farms, and lands, as well as doing her household chores. Jacob, as he grew to be a young man, helped his mother ably and sincerely. Jacob had spent much of his childhood in the bosom of the Kalluvelil household. As a young boy he went to school in St. George"s School, Kaipuzha, and was at home in Kaipuzha as in Manjoor. His closeness to his maternal household is legendary. He completed his education, became the director of physical education in The Government High School in Ettumanoor, earned praise as an organizer and leader, and a person with great public relationship. He married Marykutty Of Powathel, Kumarakam, who is also a teacher. Jacob recently retired and has set up a furniture store in Kallara. His greatest quality is his unstinting loyalty to his mother. Her every wish is his command. Crissy is married to Jose Varakukalayil, a teacher. They have done well in life and in their children. Avarachan, the youngest, married Molly Kooplikat. They are both in Germany. Avarachan is involved in the Knanaya and Malayalee associations of Germany, is very active in the local and national communities. He has helped in making the life of his mother comfortable. It was his great happiness to have his mother in Germany for a few years. She was the star of several functions of the community. In spite of obvious language handicaps, she made friends with local gentry, including the parish priest, who found Annamma to be a gracious and good hostess. Avarachan continues to be solicitous of his mother and of his siblings. Annamma is now the matriarch of the Kalluvelil family. Her calming words, her eyes sparkling with love and compassion, her wisdom, have done much to soothe others, and to bind the family ever closer.. 64 D. SISTER VINCENT Achamma was born on July 10, 1924. As most others in the family did , her early education was in St. Maragret School, Kaipuzha. But unlike others who studied in the convent school up to grade four and subsequently went off to St. George"s School, Achamma stayed on in the convent school for a few more years, graduating in the Higher Malayalam Literature Examination. She went on to St. Mary"s"s High School, Athirampuzha. There she stayed with her eldest brother and family and pursued education. She evinced an early interest in fine arts, the only one who inherited the painting and drawing talent of Abraham. Achamma was a grave girl, with unusually beautiful curly hair, round face, and sharp features. Several families approached Abraham with marriage proposals for Achamma. But she rejected all of them, and persisted in telling her parents that she wanted to join the Visitation Congregation. Abraham was not averse to the idea, but wanted to be sure that Achamma really wanted to enter religious life. Therefore he made arrangements with the Superiors of the sisters in Kaipuzha to admit her into pre-postulancy . As she lived in the convent, she also studied for her fine-arts diploma, under the tutelage of her father. On February 15, 1943, she was admitted to the postluancy of the Congregation. It was a rigurous year of training and formation. On April 26, 1944, her vestition took place. Achamma"s hair was shorn, her worldly garments put away, and she donned the habit of the Visitation sisters. She assumed the new name of Sr. Mary Vincent. It was a joyful day in her life and that of the family. Abraham and Naithy invited all their dear and near ones to a sumptuous feast, spread in St. Anne"s School, Kottayam. Sr. Vincent reentered the cloisture for one more year of novitiate. She pronounced her first vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in 1945. On February 11, 1951 she was admitted to take her perpetual vows in the congregation. Sr. Vincent was a determined person.. By sheer persistence, she completed her training as teacher of arts and crafts. She worked in several schools all over Kottayam. In addition to her job as teacher, she was given great responsibilities. She was the bursar in the Boarding at Uzhavoor, where it was her task to feed hundreds of students four times a day. She was sent to Peermede, where she was in charge of the Boarding run by the diocese. When a Home for the Aged was founded in Poozhikol, the Bishop selected Sr.Vincent to run it as the first superior. When things were not going well in the seminary attached to Sacred Heart Mount, Kottayam, again, the Bishop requested Sr.Vincent to take charge In all the responsibilities that she was entrusted with, Sr. Vincent accredited herself admirably. Therefore in 1988, when her brothers in Canada invited her to visit them in North America, even though there was a general policy prohibition against such visits in the Congregation, the Bishop personally intervened, and requested that Sr. Vincent be allowed to go to America and Europe. Her visit to her people in North America was mutually beneficial. She lived among her people for a few months, saw their lives at first hand, exorted them to keep the faith, and prayed with them. 65 Religious life has bent her, but not broken her. She is her own individual self. She has a mind of her own, and, though politely and gently, she still tells her mind to those who will hear her. Whether it be superiors, peers, or relatives, Sr. Vincent, with characteristic familial traits, would question and criticize. But she would also demonstrate the ability to lead and find innovative solutions. . .Sr. Vincent had her share of crosses. She had all sort of ailments She had to be hospitalised for long periods of time. Abraham was by her side constantly. At times, he got special permission to stay in Kalluvelil to undergo naturopathic treatment, administered by her father. Abraham enjoyed her company, and confided in her. If there was one person whom he would listen to implicitly, it was Sr. Vincent. Particularly in the last few years of his life, when there were no children constantly by his side, it was his great joy to have the frequent visit of Sr. Vincent. Sr. Vincent was blessed with the grace of preparing several of her dear ones for their final journey. She was at the bedside of her brother as he lay dying; she was with her father when he breathed his last. She stood vigil at the death bed of her mother, and her sister Mariamma. In 1995 she thought that she was going to lose her eyesight. But by the grace of God, and the expert treatment of physicians, she is able to see sufficiently, so that she continues to write to her people all over the world. All her nieces and nephews have affectionate regard for her.They give her generously and she gives it all away generously. She cannot say "No" to the sick and needy. Perhaps she inherited that quality from her dear mother. But when she was asked to take over the directorship of a trust that her people abroad was willing to set up, she prayed about it, consulted her Mother General (who happened to be her own niece) and decided that she could not take on such a heavy responsibility. Sr. Vincent has been the glue that has kept the family together. After her many years of active life, the good sisters have now sent her to her mother House in Kaipuzha where she began her religious life. Her many admirers and wellwishers hope that she will live a long , healthy, retired life, serving her people, and leading them to their heavenly reward. 66 E. JACOB Jacob, popularly known as Chackochan was born on September 23, 1926. Even as a youngster he evinced signs of unusual enterprise. When he was hardly twelve years old, Abraham took him to Madras for the national Eucharistic Congress. At the end of the Congress, when Abraham, his brother Thommy and others were waiting in the Madras Central Station platform for the train to return home, they suddenly discovered that Chackochan was missing. A frantic search followed. There was near despair in the minds of relatives, as Madras was a sprawling city of millions of people, and a young boy could easily be lost in its labarynthine streets and by-ways. The train was soon to depart, and yet there was no sign of Chackochan. They combed places around the station and were ready to give up the search, when Chackochan was heard screaming his lungs out frantically seeking his uncles and others. He had been devastated that he was to return home without his father who was admitted to the Madras General Hospital, and had gone looking for him. That was not to be the last time when Chackochan would disappear unannounced. His early education was in the Convent School, followed by one year in Kadutrhuruthy under the watchful guardianship if his maternal uncle. Then back to Kaipuzha for three years in St. George"s English School. Chackochan was handsome, tall, popular, ready to entertain, and willing to be sociable. He fully participated in sports, games and extra - curricular activities. It was not uncommon to see him take part in the annual drama put on by the school. He was naturally bright and did not need to study for tests and exams.. After completing his middle school years, he was sent to St. Ephraim"s High School, the Alma Mater of his father. There, ruling supreme as headmaster was Fr. William, a classmate and friend of Abraham. It was felt that Chackochan would be well taken care of at Mannanam. He had several of his relatives and friends from Kaipuzha accompanying him on the long daily walk of approximately three miles to the school. His cousins Luka Pathyil, and Luka Tharayil enjoyed making mischief at least as much as Chackochan. They had to board a ferry to cross the Mannanam canal. Chackochan and friends took singular pleasure in capsizing the boat, especially if there were pretty girls on the ferry. Of course this would delay their arrival in school or at home. But all of them managed to stick to the the same story. In class, apart from being a moderately good student, Chackochan soon proved to be a handful. Fr. William had a soft corner for the son of his friend and confidant. But as the usually strict English teacher, "Swamy", said in despair: " The wonderful Pathyil cousins are not under my control". Those were the years when the State Congress of Travancore was agitating in tandem with the Indian National Congress to achieve independence for India. Chackochan and the two Lukas joined the movement. Unbeknown to their parents, they went for rallies and demonstrations, of course skipping classes, with no compunction. Occasionally they would go to Athirampuzha, where Chackochan"s brother Luka would gently admonish him, but never betray his siblings. More than once Uthup , the father of Luka would catch them at the scene of crime. All three were brought home by boat. Uthup presented all three culprits to his brother to mete out punishment. Abraham had very little hesitation punishing them, though he would go soft on his late sister"s son, Luka Tharayil. But caning was a way of life with these active youngsters. Once Chackochan came home with 67 gaping wounds on his face and all over the body. So did Luka. Their excuse was that they fainted on the steps of Mannanam out of excessive heat and exhaustion. But the truth was that they learned to bicycle the hard way, and tried some tricks down the steep stairs leading from the Mannanam church, with dire consequences. After a few years in Mannanam, Abraham decided that Chackochan should be admitted to the boarding of the Sacred Heart Mount, where the headmaster was Fr. Thomas Tharayil - a relative, an old student of Abraham, and soon to be elevated as the coadjutor Bishop of Kottayam. Chackochan was in an elite group of young men. He immersed himself fully in the activities of the boarding and the school. Again, Fr. Thomas had a soft corner for the young man, but he would not brook uncontrolled mischief. Thus, for example, when Chackochan broke a priced trophy of the school, he was asked to replace it. Unbeknown to Abraham , Chackochan went to Alappuzha, met Mathaikuju Achachan, his maternal uncle, and persuaded him to buy the trophy for the school. Chackochan helped the school to compete in boat race, persuaded Podiparas- family friends- to lend their boat, and won the race. Unfortunately, two days before the race, he was badly cut in the head and could not partcipate in the race. But he made up for it when the school won the race, by taking his boat-mates to celebrate and paint Kottayam town red!! In September 1943 Chackochan, as was his wont during short and long holidays, came home to Kalluvelil from Kottayam. His parents were always glad to see him. His siblings were enthralled by his stories. On his return after the Dassara holidays, on an impulse, he decided to visit the travelling military officer who was in Kottayam to recruit young men to the Indian army. Second World War was raging all over , and India was contributing men to the Allied cause. Joining the military was known as foolhardy and dangerous. But Chackochan liked the challenge, lied about his age, was accepted for his personality, recruited as the physical training instructor for the Royal Indian Air Force, sent to Trivandrum, from there to Madras, then to Secunderabad, and Bangalore for further training. It was only after he went to Trivandrum that Chackochan wrote to Kuttychettan Elakattu to request him to break the news gently to his parents. His father was visibly upset, but said not a word. As for his mother, she was devastated. They had put much store in Chackochan"s education and future. All seemed to have been lost. Chackochan, having experienced first hand military discipline , did not relish it very much. War in Europe ended when Germany surrendered in 1944. Chackochan managed to deliberately fail his training programs which would have elevated him to officer"s rank. He obtained his discharge papers, which certified that P.A. Jacob was "unlikely to become an efficient airman" and within a year of his leaving, returned home to the great happiness of his mother. His short stint in the military was to be of fundamental importance to the formation and outlook of the young man. He learned several languages, felt comfortable with strangers. He travelled through India, saw life beyond the confines of home, and was thankful to be back in the comfort and security of home.Chackochan had grown to fullness physically. Tall, erect, attractive, and refined, he was to remain the model of good bearing to his relatives and friends. He knew that his formal education had come to a sudden end. But there was much to do in the expanding businesses of Abraham. He joined the family activities with gusto. 68 On January 14, 1946 Chackochan married Thressiamma Makil. Abraham was particularly pleased with the marriage. Even though Thressiamma"s branch of the Makils, at the time of her marriage, were not very affluent, the name and nobility could not be traded. The marriage was a grand affai. Apart from relatives and friends, Abraham invited civic authorities for the evening garden party that followed the sumptuous banquet at noon. It was for this that he completed the first road to Kalluvelil. Thressiamma proved to be a fitting companion to Chackochan and a loving daughter in law to Naithy and Abraham. She fitted into the routine of the household with great ease. She has remained the guardian and keeper of the fire of the Kalluvelil family foyer. Chackochan ran some of the liquor outlets of his father with alacrity. Those in Kaipuzha and Neendoor became his to look after, in addition to helping his brother with the Athirampuzha enterprise. He and Thressiamma lived in Kalluvelil, helping the parents. Abraham gave him much freedom to make business decisions. In fact Abraham invited Thressiamma"s eldest brother Eppukutty to try his hand in liquor stores, which he did with surprising success. When in 1949 Abraham decided to resettle Luka from Neendoor to Kurumulloor, Chackochan and family went to Aripparamplil, to take up permanent residence in Neendoor. Family business prospered with his help. Abraham gradually withdrew from daily business activities, and allowed his sons to take over. Times were tough politically. Communistic and egalitarian ideas were sweeping the land. Those who were bonded servants for generations began to wake up and demand respect and rights. Violence and confrontations erupted in many places. Toddy shop was the place where much of these activities fermented. Chackochan had to protect his turf, his community, and what was perceived as the danger to the Christian way of life. Organizations such as Christopher movement, were started all over the State. Chackochan became a captain of the Kaipuzha branch. He gave training to volunteers in self-defense, and group action. He was in constant demand all over the district to help out in places of conflict. His life itself had to be put on the line in several instances. Constant confrontations with the riff-raff began to take a toll on the business. By the end of the fifties, Chackochan decided to abandon liquor outlets for good. Chackochan, along with his younger brother Thommykunju, went into public works contracting. Roads, bridges, public buildings and such turn-key operations became the thrust of their activities. While Thommykunju, and occasioinally Xavi, would look after the details of the construction, Chackochan was the p.r. person who met officials and politicians, and bid for tenders, and smoothed businesses. In the sixties Chackochan - P.A. Jacob- was known as one of the major players among the infrastructure contractors of Kerala. The business was agreeable to the gregarious nature of Chackochan. Occasionally they lost money. But most contracts brought them handsome profits. But much money was needed to run the family. Chackochan and Thressiamma had nine children, all but one surviving. The first one was named Ancy Mary Saldhana ( to remember Abraham"s friends in Mangalore with whom 69 he had stayed when he went there to admit Elyamma Pannivelil to the Sisters of the Poor. Mr. Saldhana was the Chairman of the Mangalore Municipality.) was born on January 9, 1948. After having completed her high school education, while still in college, she was married to P.C. Thomas (Kunju) who was a teacher, and later a member of the Kerala Legislature. Amidst the corruption and bribery that is rambant in the country, he earned the name as incorruptible MLA. The next child-Achu, lovingly called Mercy- was born on May 21, 1950, accidentally drowned on nineteenth of November 1951- the third in the Pathyil family to die by drowning as averred by Thressiamma"s mother. Within a month of Mercy"s death was born Avarachan (December 16, 1951). He was to prove to be the saviour of the family. After his college studies, Avarachan - ne Thomas More- married Mollykutty Kuttoor. He went to Doha in Quatar. There, he charmed and impressed his rich boss, who entrusted him with serious responsibilities in his businesses. Eventually Avarachan not only helped his parents to live in a comfortable life-style, he also brought his brothers and sister and some of his cousins and others to the Middle East. Simon - Anyan as he is affectionately known-( born June 15, 1953) completed technical training in India, and went to Doha, to be the person in charge of the Sheik"s construction machineries. He married Anitha Kelachanthra. Stani,born November 1954- too went to Quatar. After a few years there, he married Shirley Mukalayil and is now happily settled in Florida. His younger brother Louis (known variously as Lukachan, Lui etc.) Was born on June 7, 1956, went the Doha route, came to USA,married Gracey Illathuparampil, and settled in New York. In 1958 was born the next daughter whom they named after Mercy -Achu- who had passed away . She completed her studies, married Cyril Thayil, who is now the supervisor of construction for the same Sheik. Tessy, born on October 31, 1959 was married to one of the most successful youngmen in Palai.. Jose Vettukallel inherited the business acumen of his father V.J. Peter. Unfortunately he died in a road accident on 25, March 1991, plunging Tessy and both families into unrelenting sadness. She has three children, and in spite of personal tragedy, carries on courageously smiling through tears, helping her two families. The youngest of Chackochan"s children, Vinci (named after Sr. Vincent) born on June 18, 1964 is married Jojo Mangalathettu, Kottayam. They are a prosperous couple, the only cloud in the horizon being that they do not have any children yet. Chackochan retired from public works contract in the senties. Even while being immersed in business activities, he had been active in politics. He was the campaign manager in the elections of M.C. Abraham,his brother-in-law , and his son-in law. He is a tireless worker in the causes he takes up. He was elected the President of the Cooperative Bank several times. He was the initiator and builder of the new church in Neendoor. In addition, he has been involved in the construction of the parish hall, in the beautification of the cemetery, in all activities related to the parish. The parish priest and parishioners find in Chackochan a reliable, loyal, and extremely practical and efficient individual. They know that matters entrusted to him would bedone well. Thressiamma has been her husband"s greatest strength and support. They consult each other on all matters. Her judgement of people, her memory for places and incidents are a great help to all. In spite of ailments, she is still a gracious hostess. It has been the good fortune of all that both the Makils and Kalluvelils are close knit families. Thressiamma 70 has been able to impart this deep affection of one"s own to her children and to others. Her prayers and trust in Providence sustain the family. Chackochan and Thressiamma have seen tragedies and great happiness. As they would be the first ones to admit, they have been greatly blessed in life. Their sons and daughters have done well. More than that, the children have turned out to be loving, caring and considerate. The family shows considerable solidarity and love for parents and loyalty to each other. Chasckochan remains even today the model of youth and good health. He is the eldest surviving male in the Kalluvelil clan. All look to him for guidance and leadership, and he does not fail to show his deep affection for his people. 71 F. THEYAMMA GEORGE The story of the Kalluvelil family , and indeed of the Pathyil clan, cannot be told without mentioning the place of our women . The Pathyil women have always had a proud and equal place in the evolution of the family. The men folk have been extremely loyal to, and protective of, their women. The women have demonstrated their ability to get things done. Perhaps among all the women in the clan, Theyamma -ne Therese, on August 2, 1928- typifies the best and the most precious in our people. , viz. love and loyalty to the family, and to the elders. But let us begin at thebeginning. Theyamma was born at the beginning of Abraham"s prosperity. She too studied in St. Margaret"s School in Kaipuzha. From a very young age, she demonstrated extraordinary abilities in singing, dancing, and histrionics and theatre arts. Abraham secured the services of a local music teacher - Machathil Elykutty- to teach Theyamma to play the harmonium (akin to an organ) and learn vocal music. This was a happy decision, as Theyamma"s music and songs became the focal point in the evening activities of the whole family. Abraham enjoyed singing as much as (if not more than) his daughter. She on her part loved the exposure that the music brought her. Whether in school or at public functions organized by Abraham on behalf of the Knanasya community and other events, Theyamma played the organ and sang, much to the appreciation of all - especially her parents and siblings. Theyamma"s partcipation in school activities at St. George"s was much appreciated by the headmaster and teachers. She went on to St. Mary"s High School, Athirampuzha, where she excelled in studies and extracurricular activities. Her talents came into full bloom in high school. With her eldest brother as a prominent business man in Athirampuzha, she was readily accepted by her rich peers. The sisters who ran the school sought her help, and through her, the support of her parents. In 1946, when the school celebrated its silver jubilee, Theyamma was a key person in its organization. She did not mind the long walk to and from school, as she had many very good friends to accompany her. And while at home, Abraham pressed her into literary service as his scribe and consultant for the many articles and letters he wrote to the governments, to newspapers, and for sundry publications. She thus came to know the inner workings of Abraham"s mind. Of all the children, Theyamma was to keep an abiding and unfailing faith in the greatness of her father, and in the affection of her mother. On May 19, 1947, Theyamma was given in marriage to M.P. George Madayanakavil. Pothan Madayanakavil was a friend of Abraham from their school years. George had studied in Sacred Heart Mount High School, obtaining the first rank in the State in the school final examination. From there, he went on to St. Joseph"s College, Trichy, and St. Xavier"s college Palayamkottah. His professors were giants of their time, not only in their chosen fields, but some also in other walks of life. Prof. Peter Reddy, who was mentioned in an earlier chapter taught him modern history, and remembered him many years later. George was a natural genius. He did not need to study. He had an astounding mind that could absorb and digest the most abstruse subjects. This also engendered easy boredom. He broke some of the rules of the Jesuit Colleges and had to pay the price for it. 72 But in 1947 he completed his B.A.( Hons) in Economics. The degree was considered more than equivalent to an M.A. degree. The best and the brightest of the country who completed their B. A. Honours, sat for the Indian Administrative Service examination. This was a successor to the celebrated Indian Civil Service Examination, the most coveted in the British Empire. George was studying for his I.A.S. examination when he married Theyamma. Distractions of wedding, receptions, and honeymoon did not help his preparations. But one could appear for the I.A.S. examination several times, provided one was not yet twenty five years old. George wrote the examination - one of the most rigurous anywhere. He was successful to move on to the second level of oral examination one among the only twenty per cent to have been so chosen . And only very few would ultimately be selected to the service. George unfortunately did not make it to the final list. But he accredited himself very well. Jobs for educated persons were not easily available then. However George was able to find good positions in various places: editor, teacher, professor, director of tutorial colleges, accountant, etc. etc. But George remained a person in constant search. George"s jobs took him to some of the most interesting places. Some time in Coimbatore, a few years in Trichy, a short time in Canpore, a goodly number of years in Kochi as Labour Relations Officer in a prestigious company, a short stint in Goa, and after several peregrinations, the job in Bhilai..( In Goa he had taught his students to write against the Portuguese domination, and was advised to leave the place summarily.) For the next twenty years he settled in Bhilai with his family. Theyamma , true to the Biblical stricture to accompany her husband wherever he would go, went to all the places where George found employment. She had tremendous facility with languages. Thus she picked up Tamil, Hindi, Chattisgadi, Gujerathi, and even a smattering of Portuguese and Kongini along the way. While George too was a polyglot, Theyamma knew the jartgons of the ordinary people. She made friends with all kinds of people - Russians in Bhilai, the hierarchy in Madhya Pradesh and Bombay, and Malayalees and others all over the country. When George changed jobs, Theyamma usually packed her things, and retired for brief periods of time to Kannanakara and Kalluvelil, to await word from her husband. She became an expert in train travelling carrying all her worldly goods. Abraham was invariably delighted to see his daughter. Theyamma, of course, spent some time in Madayanakavil. And when she was there , she was most solicitous of her in laws. As the eldest daughter in law, she had responsibilities that she acquitted with rectitude. However, she was away often and could not be of much help in the day to day activities of the household. And George, the intellectual, was not interested in the mundane matters of a household. The years in Bhilai were significant in full development of Theyamma. Hers was one of the pioneering families in the Steel town. Therefore as people - especially Christians and Malayalees - joined the place, they found in Theyamma a guide and friend. She had a wide circle of people who depended on her. She was involved in the foundation of the catholic parish, as also the Malayalee association. More than once she organized functions, in some of which she took personal part in speaking and acting . 73 George"s income was not very high, but they lived very well, depending on Providence and on the talents of George. Theyamma made it a point to go home whenever the occasion called for, regardless of the cost. These visits kept her in touch with all the joys and sorrows of the family. On February 19, 1950 was born the eldest of three daughters of Theyamma . She was named Mary, but she is universally known as Memmy. Memmy grew up among the loving members of the Kalluvelil and Madayanakavil families. Much of her early schooling was in Kaipuzha. And she went along with her parents and picked up languages and friends. Nimmy was born on March 29, 1960. Soumy, the youngest was born on June 15, 1963. Memmy continued her higher education in Bhilai. On July 17 July, 1972 she was married to Thomas Arackal of Kaipuzha. If there are milestones in the lives of families, this marriage was one such happy milestone. Thommachan (as he is called) has business in his genes. He had been dabbling in various businesses in Bombay at the time of the marriage. Soon after their wedding, oil boom took place, and the Middle East beckoned. Thommachan was one of the first to jump at the opportunity. He went to United Arab Emirites. After having worked for a period of time for one of the Arab businessmen, he set up business for himself. He has done very well. But he has also helped several cousins of Memmy to land in U.A.E. It was his inititial help that has made it possible for several of our families to have their children in the Middle East, and to earn good incomes. Thommachan is devoted to his in laws. He insisted that Theyamma and George live in Bombay when the latter took early retirement from Bhilai Steel Mines. He took his father in law for a short period of time to work in U.A.E. As for Theyamma, she has been to U.A.E. several times. Memmy was blessed with twins on March 12, 1987. As for Nimmy, she inherited her father"s genius and her mother"s smoothness. After graduating from high school in Bhilai, she was admitted into the Regional Engineering College in Kozhikode, where she was a brilliant student and a leader. She graduated summa cum laude, and married Babu Kollapally. They too are in United Arab Emirites. Sowmy, the youngest of the three completed her higher studies in Bombay, went to U.A.E. and is married to Philip Pillaveettil, of Delhi. Theyamma"s sojourn in Bombay was a contrast to Bhilai. Whereas hardly anyone of her near and dear ones came to Bhilai to visit her, Moonlight Apartments in Bombay became a stopping station for everybody. And Theyamma enjoyed being the perfect hostess. In addition to her chores, she was involved in the Catholic activities of the parish, and in the formation of the new Syro Malabar Diocese of Kalyan. She had, as everywhere else, scores of friends of all denominations. She had always been in correspondence with all her people. In fact letter-writing was a special gift that Theyamma had developed early on. Her letters were, and continue to be, chatty, informative and encouraging. And she did not neglect her folks during those hectic years. Just as she had spent the last few weeks of her Kunjanja"s life at his bedside, she was at her father"s bedside, preparing him through tears. She kept vigil as her mother lay dying. In 1992 when her eldest sister died, Theyamma was there. For nearly two decades George and Theyamma lived in the crowded and busy 74 metropolis of India, that is Bombay . She , like the rest of the family, has been the victim of high blood pressure and other ailments. But she has carried on cheerfully, never allowing these ailments to get the better of her. When visitors would come to her flat, they would not suspect that she was running dangerously high blood pressure, or that she had personal anxieties of her own. She was all ears for other people"s concerns. Theyamma had always wanted a home of her own, among her own people. In 1992, her younger brother - Uppachan- gave her a piece of the land that he had inherited from their father. Kalluvelil Parampil, adjacent to the ancestral house was appropriate for Theyamma who was the greatest admirer of her father. There she supervised the construction of a jewel of a house. The couple are happily ensconced in the bosom of the Kalluvelil terrain. She continues to thrive in her social activities. Now that she is home at last, Theyamma feels that her life has come full circle. 75 G. THOMAS Thomas (known as Thommykunju) was born on October 14, 1930. Thomas"s life cannot be told without mentioning his congenital handicaps. He has use only of his right ear, and the left ear, in addition to being deaf, is also mis-shapen. From the early years of his school life, he was subjected to taunts and ridicule as a result of this physical deficiency. That he has survived, and in spite of it, has thrived is a story in itself. He had to fight off much mockery. He learned not only to laugh with others, but to do as well as any of the others. Through sheer determination, he overcame his handicap, became a leader in school- for mischief as well as for good. He took active part in the activities of St. George"s School. What he lacked in talent, he made up in determination and tenacity. Thus he played football with his soul, and if he got hurt, which he did often, he grit his teeth and carried on. He was given parts in school dramas. He spoke at literary functions and honed his abilities to move the masses. And he entertained his friends. Where did he find the cash to support himself? His father"s cupboard was overflowing with money. It was only a matter of finding the right time when the coast was clear to open the little box and grab fistfulls of rupees. If anyone found him in the act, he or she would be generously bought, to ensure silence!! When he went to Mannanam, in addition to doing all the mischievous activities following the footsteps of Jacob, Thomas also became a student leader. It was amazing to see hundreds of students hanging to every word of their student president, who organized strikes, walkouts and disruptions, for causes big and small. He had a group of steady friends to boost him along. Needless to say, some times his friends wanted to see some action at the cost of Thomas"s education and health. He was suspended several times by Fr. Lazarus, who asked him to bring his parents or guardian. Thomas roped in the services of Luka, his eldest brother, who went to Mannanam, not so much to apologize as to upbraid the authorities of the school. Of course Thomas did not have much time to study. But he made up for that by ingenious methods. He bribed the peon to insert his answer papers a day after the examination. Thomas, and a few exclusive friends, would closet themselves in Kalappura during the nights of the exams, writing out answers to questions that they had received officially during the day. The teachers were pleasantly surprised at the sudden studiousness of Thomas, little realizing the strategem that he had employed. His years in Mannanam could fill a volume. One need only to say that his education terminated with high school leaving examination. Thomas does not have any pretensions. He is a hard worker. He has no qualms about working along side of the servants. He learned agriculture the practical way. He was no arm-chair farmer. Therefore Abraham found in him a steady and reliable helper. On January 8, 1951 Thomas married Achamma Pulimoottil . Achamma"s family was, and is, one of the richest in the community. But that did not make Thomas lose his bearings. He continued to be the earthy individual that he always was. He tried his hands at some businesses such as renting water pumps for farmers, running his own toddy shops, and owning a rice mill .After a few years spent helping his brothers in Abkari contract, Thomas, along with Jacob, started public works contract. It was his anchoring abilities at 76 the work sites which made their enterprises successful. He would be the first at the site and the last to leave. They made much money. But they also spent generously. After having lived with his parents for many years, Thomas built a house in Kurumulloor, near his eldest brother. The original house that was in Anchela Estate had to be remodelled to accommodate the growing family. His work as a contractor helped him build additions to the original house. In 1976, when Abraham died, he volunteered to go to Kaipuzha to look after his bed-ridden mother. Thomas and Achamma looked after Naithy with great solicitude. They stopped at nothing to care for her. After her death in 1978, Thomas has continued to live in the ancestral house, looking after the lands and fields around Kalluvelil. He has also been continuing the tradition of the family of being at the service of the parish and the village. He has been instrumental in rebuilding the church. He has also helped the hospital a great deal. Achamma presented the world with nine children. Jiju (Abraham) was born on November 28, 1951.He completed his education up to Master"s degree in Commerce, married Pennamma Karakarapparampil; they taught in Ethiopia for some time. After working in several places, they are now in the United Arab Emirites. Johnny , born January 9, 1953, spent a few years in Bombay, married Betty Makil, and is well employed in Houston. Apart from his activities on behalf of the Kanaya community in Texas, he has shown great love for his cousins and others in America. Eugene, born October 7, 1954, married Jiji Mulayanikal, who is a nurse now. Eugene lives with his parents in Kalluvelil. George ( August 11, 1956) inherited the handicap of his father, but is a loving member of the family. He married Lissy and they are settled in Kurumulloor. Job (ne Frederick Ozzanam , May 24, 1957) went to the Middle East, earned a good income,started a lumber mill business, married Mini Panalickal, and is now settled in Kallara. Jane (born July 1, 1960) married Babu Ettiyil and they are in Malabar. Jeissy who was born on May 4, 1963, is married to Kunjumon Vellapally, and is a happy member of that family. Chackochan, after having tried several jobs, married Molly, and is now settled in Kurumullor, looking after the variety store in Ettumannoor. Jubee , the youngest was so named as he was born in the year of his grandparents" golden jubilee of their wedding. He went to United Arab Emirites, and is a great support to the family. Thomas has inherited the allergies and asthma of his mother. But he has not let any ailment get in the way of of his duties. Matters of health have not been one of his primary concerns. A person quick to anger, he is also quick to forgive and reconcile. All his siblings look to him for support and help, which he metes out with no personal care of cost or inconvenience. Achamma has been a carefree person. She does not take anything beyond its just value, with the result that she is able to soothe the hurts and ills within the family with her smile and consoling words. She has cheerfully faced much sorrow and joy with equanimity. Nor does she take slights and inconsiderate remarks of others too seriously. Life has not made her bitter. Together with Achamma, they are a hospitable and loving couple. 77 H. PENNAMMA The youngest of the surviving daughters, Pennamma (named Alyamma, and born in December 1932) inherited the great beauty of her mother and the charm of the whole family. She was born to nobility, and knew it. Pennamma, along with Uppachan-her younger brother- was privately tutored at home till they were admitted to Grade three in the Convent school. Even then Pennamma could charm the daylights out of anyone. Studies were not a primary concern of hers. Nor did she attempt to emulate her siblings in public forums. She was dedicated to the task of being beautiful, and to helping learning the culinary art from her mother. Therefore her education wilted and waned somewhat. All the scoldings and good counsels of her father were of very little use. Pennamma knew that sooner or later, she would get married and her life would be dedicated to domestic activities. After a few years in St. George"s School, Kaipuzha, she was given in marriage to Philip Mannathuparampil on April 25, 1949. Theirs was a happy union. Philip is the son of a prominent farmer in Kallara- Paravanthuruthil. He too had studied in St. George"s, Kaipuzha and in The Sacred Heart Mount, Kottayam. They were a couple made for each other. Philip was a also a personal friend of Pennamma"s brother Thommy. They tried their luck in some joint enterprises, without too much success. But Philip was a farmer who knew the intricacies of agriculture. His crops always did better than that of his neighbors. Thus agriculture became the mainstay of his life. Pennamma"s great devotion to her in laws integrated her to the Mannathuparampil family. Nor did she neglect her own folks. Both of them would visit her parents often and bring them good cheer. Pennamma"s presence was especially enjoyable to her father, as he could rely on her to lighten any mood, to speak her mind, and to help in whatever way. Of course, Philip who had an inimitable way of telling his stories suitably seconded her. At all gatherings everybody wanted the duo of Pennamma and Philip. Pennamma gave birth to Delilah on August 18, 1951. After her studies, she was married to Jose Nadupparampil in 1968. Thomas Kutty , born October 4, 1953, studied in various places, including in Bombay. He ultimately landed a good job with a Japanese company in United Arab Emirates, married Jolly. His going to UAE was a god-sent, as he was able to bring all his siblings there.( Whatever one might say of the agricultural holdings of any family unit, when those fields are divided among all the children, there would be very little to go around. This had always been a concern of all the members of the Kalluvelil family, particularly as they had many children. Therefore the opportunity to go abroad - whether it be in Europe, America or the Middle East - has been providential in the fortunes of these families. Pennamma"s children were no exception. The chance of doing well for themselves did not make them neglect others. On the other hand, all of them live with their cousins in UAE and in the neighboring countries in great unity and happiness. ) His younger brother Avarachan (ne Francis of Assisi, on September 11, 1955) also went to UAE for a few years, and decided to reurn to Kallara where he has set up business for himself in wholesale rubber dealership, and is married Elsamma Pullukattu. He is the steady support and help for his parents. Leila, born on 22 January 1958, married Mathachan Kochuparampil. Mathachan is according to Pennamma"s heart, as he is not 78 only a good business man, but also a very humorous and pleasant son in law, who helps in all situations. Simon, (born January 12, 1960) who completed his Chartered Accounting in Kerala is in UAE with his wife Molly who is a dentist. Joppi, (born October 4, 1953) completed his college education, and he too is in UAE, married and contented. Litti, born on May 23, 1963, did her nursing studies, and is in UAE with her husband. Lovely was born March 5, 1966. the youngest of the girls; she too completed her nursing, and is in UAE with her husband. The youngest son of Pennamma and Philip - Chacko, born 8, September 1967, is also in UAE along with his siblings. His marriage to Jiji Pazhukayil took place on July 6, 1997. Thus Pannamma has seen all her children fairly well settled. Things were not smooth for a long time, especially as they were growing up. Pennamma gave birth to nine children in the span of sixteen years. That took its toll. Pennamma"s health needed recuperation. She was hospitalized for some length of time in the sixties. But she has surivived those and is in reasonably good health and spirits now. Philip was a prominent citizen of Kallara. He demonstrated his initiatives and leadership in civic matters. But he had an undue attraction for booze for some time. This tended to become an addiction. Add to this the tendency for thyroid glandular problems, and the family was anxious for him. Therefore he was given treatment to rid him of the addiction and the thyroid. The medication has curbed his otherwise bubbly spirit. He has slowly withdrawn from domestic and public activities. He still supervises and is consulted. But the burden of management is very much on the shoulders of Pennamma. Pennamma has always been very efficient in management of her affairs. Her leadership was appreciated by many. There were genuine feelers from the village people requesting her to run for civic elections. But because of her domestic avocations, she has had to decline. She would probably have done well as a Panchayat member, even as the chairperson. But for the time being, she has decided to concentrate on her personal affairs. Pennamma lives in comfort and in the realization that she has been blessed. All the children are doing well, and she spends much time in the company of her sisters who are only a few miles away. They meet often, visit relatives and places. The family feels more united than ever before. 79 I. UPPACHAN Uthup and Uppachan, are synonyms for Joseph. Joseph was born on October 4, 1934. Abraham"s prosperity must have been at or near its peak when this son was born. After nine deliveries, Naithy"s health had begun to take its toll. Therefore it was decided that she would have the tenth baby in Kottayam, which had a hospital and medical help, if needed. Naithy"s younger sister Mariamma and Abraham"s close friend Thomas Makil were only happy to have Naithy with them for the delivery. All went well. Naithy did not need any medical intervention. Cheera, her midwife, who had accompanied her from Kaipuzha was more than adequate. Thomas and Mariamma Makil accepted to be the godparents of the baby. He was called Joseph after his father"s older brother. Uppachan evinced unusual power of memory from his childhood. His father decided that he and his older sister Pennamma would stay home and be tutored at least during the first few years. Sivaraman Nair, who was retained as Abraham"s accountant, was also the resident tutor. He did a remarkable job with the two youngsters. Uppachan was ready to be admitted to Grade Four by age six. However since Grade Four had a Government run Examination at the end of the year, it was decided to admit Uppachan and his sister in Grade Three in the Convent School. The sisters took good care of the little boy. Studies went swimmingly well and after two years in St. Margaret"s Primary School, he advanced to St. George"s English Middle School By the time he was in Form II (equivalent of Grade Seven) his father was apprehensive that Uppachan was advancing too fast for his own good. Therefore he asked Fr. Peter Vattapparambil, (an old student of Abraham in Kidangore) to retain the boy for a year in Form II. Uppachan completed Form III in 1947, and was to go to High School in Thevara, rather than Mannanam, which was the death trap of education for the Pathyil boys. Fr. Lucas Pathyil had secured admission in Sacred Heart High School Thevara, recently opened by the T.O.C.D. Fathers. It was then that, Abraham, a cousin of Uppachan who had gone to Coonoor to be in the Juniorate of The Brothers of St. Gabriel came home for a visit. Uppachan was fascinated by what he heard from Abraham, and expressed a strong desire to accompany Abraham to Coonoor. Pere Abraham was not one to discourage such a decision. However he wanted to find for himself what the Brothers had to offer in Coonoor. Therefore he accompanied his son to Coonoor, spent a few days there in the company of the Brothers. The father and son were impressed by what they saw, but for different reasons. Abraham thought that the education imparted by the Brothers would be excellent for his son, with emphasis on prayer and discipline, and he was not averse to his son eventually becoming a missionary Brother, if that was what he wanted. Uppachan liked the convivial nature of the group, the prospect of unlimited fun and games, a lot of friends, and a good time. Thus Abraham bade good-bye to his son in May 1947. Young Joseph was to spend the next two decades with the Brothers of St. Gabriel. Language learning was not an impediment, nor were most subjects. Joseph"s biggest headache was Mathematics. Speed was ingrained in him, but not accuracy. In spite of solicitous attention, and extra help, the only examination in mathematics that the 80 youngster did well, was the final Secondary School Leaving Certificate Examination in 1950. In spite of studies, Joseph immersed himself in fun-filled activities with his friends. The cold of the Nilgiris, the poor nourishment during the post-war years, and the inconveniences of the system, were submerged in his genuine happiness among his friends. Soon after High School, Joseph was admitted to the Religious Training Novitiate of the Brothers. Abraham came to visit him to see if his son was genuinely interested in staying on with the Brothers. Abraham offered to compensate the Brothers for three years of invaluable education, if Joseph wanted to leave. But the youngster was full of enthusiasm and would not hear of any such offer. The father returned satisfied that his son was happy where he was. Two years of Novitiate later, the young Religious, who in 1951 assumed the name of Brother Eugenius, was sent to Loyola College, Madras. The four years he spent in Loyola and a further year in St. Xavier"s Teachers Training College, Playamkottah, were stellar years for the young man. He did extremely well in his studies with very little effort. Bro. Eugenius won several awards through the five years in College, and obtained the degrees of B.A. and B.Ed. His father was very pleased. Abraham"s cup of joy ran over when, in 1957, his son, hardly 23 years old, was appointed Headmaster of St. Antony"s High School, Coonoor, from where he had graduated only seven years earlier. His Superiors placed tremendous trust in the young man. Bro. Eugenius acquitted himself well. His lack of inhibition, his daring to try new things (partly due to lack of experience and ignorance of consequences), and his successes, greatly because of sincere help from colleagues and teachers, earned him a reputation as a resourceful Principal, a disciplinarian, an avid sports enthusiast, as well as a hero to many youngsters. He was also involved in the formation of the young recruits wishing to join the Brothers. In all his endeavors he had much help from his confreres and from Providence. By 1962 he was asked to be the Principal and Director of St. Gabriel"s Higher Secondary School, Kazipet, which had a student population of more than a thousand, more than half being boarders. A team of Brothers and teachers supported Bro.Eugenius. A major reason in his success was his ability to inspire and lead the team, and to give them responsibility to do what was best. The trust was reciprocated a hundred fold by his fellow workers. His Superiors contemplated sending him to various places of greater responsibility. In 1965 he was asked to assume charge of All Saints High School, Hyderabad, the biggest and the most trouble filled school of the Brothers. By this time, Bro. Eugenius had serious doubts about his calling, and was wondering whether to continue as a Brother. Therefore he requested his superiors to spare him the enmeshment of All Saints, while he was sorting out his future. They allowed him to go to Nalgonda in 1965, where he started St. Alphonso"s High School. In May 1966 he was invited to Europe to spend a period of time in studies and recollection. He embraced the opportunity and spent several months in France, toured Europe, and ended in Rome for a few months of intensive personal evaluation and studies. In January 1967, after great internal struggles, he decided, with the consent of his superiors, to leave the society. It was a heart-wrenching decision for several reasons. The fear of scandalizing a lot of Brothers who looked to him as a hero and a model was one. At least as important was the knowledge that his own people, especially his father, who had enjoyed the reflection of his son"s glory, and who had been genuinely proud of the son, would be deeply disappointed. However that be, the die was 81 cast, and Rome dispensed Bro. Eugenius from his vows. Providentially he walked into the Canadian Embassy in Rome on January 18, 1967, where he submitted his application to immigrate, was granted visa on January 26, 1967, on the same day that he obtained his indult from his vows. He had been corresponding with a select number of confidants about his plans. One of his friends, Mathai Kunnakattu, who had left the Brothers a few years earlier, had been able to get Joseph appointed as Principal of a School in Simla. When Canada beckoned, he informed Simla about his change of plans, and chose Canada. On January 31, 1967, Joseph reached the airport in Dorval, Montreal, ready to face whatever awaited him. Nothing in his entire life had prepared him for the cold of Montreal or the prospect of cooking and catering for himself. But Joseph was lucky to obtain a permanent teaching position with the Montreal Catholic Schools Commission soon after he landed in the country. His father was devastated at the news of his leaving the Brothers, and he wrote him so in no uncertain terms. Mathai Kunnakattu suggested that Joseph should correspond with his sister Josephine who was then an army nurse. In spite of initial opposition from Joseph"s family, they decided to marry. Josephine arrived in Montreal in August 1967. The marriage- a simple ceremony, presided over by Fr. Chettiath, and attended by a few friends- took place on August 26, 1967. Josephine (Josie) was a nurse. She had very little difficulty to obtain license to practice her profession in Quebec. On December 24, 1968, she gave birth to Frank. They sponsored Mathai Kunnakattu and Mathaikunju, the younger brother of Joseph, and his family, to Canada. They arrived in Montreal in the summer of 1969. Eventually they obtained teaching jobs in the same school board. For the next twentythree years Joseph and his family lived in Montreal. They bought their first house in Dollard des Ormeaux in 1969. Through the shrewdness of Josie and enterprising spirit of Joseph, they did well for themselves. On June 8, 1971 another son was born to them. They named him Vincent. Both names – Francis and Vincent- were names after the heart of Abraham, as he was a great devotee of St. Francis of Assisi and Vincent de Paul. Joseph took courses in the evenings and on weekends to complete a Master"s Degree in English Language and Literature and another in M.A. in The History and Philosophy of Religion. In addition, he took courses to improve his mind. He enjoyed subjects such as Sociology, Psychology, Psychoanalysis, History, Law and so on. In 1972, the Government of Quebec brought in laws down-grading the degrees of people from certain countries such as India and Pakistan. Joseph spearheaded a protest against such unfair and unilateral declassification. The Government compromised to the satisfaction of most. His years in Montreal were mostly confined to the classrooms. However he was faculty chairperson and consultant in teaching of English. Creative Writing was a specialty of his. In 1974, Daniel, the son of his elder brother Lukose came from Brazil. Joseph and his brother and their families, along with invaluable help from Thomas Manimala, arranged 82 the marriage of Nithy and Dani. They are presently comfortably settled in the United States. It is through the help of Dani that all his siblings have come to the United States. In 1989 Joseph took advantage of the early retirement package offered by the Montreal Catholic School Commission, relocated to Mississauga, and obtained a teaching position with the Dufferin Peel Roman Catholic School Board. Josie reluctantly followed her husband to Ontario. His years in teaching were both remunerative and rewarding. His final years in St. Paul"s High School, in Mississauga, were filled with much satisfaction. He was considered a model educator; administrators and colleagues sought his opinions; his students and parents appreciated his classes. He was asked to speak at the graduation of the students of 1994 – a unique honor bestowed on a teacher. In 1994, after thirty seven years in education, Joseph decided to retire for good . Both Frank and Vince completed their studies in Toronto. Frank is an engineer. Vince is in purchasing for a national company. Joseph was the first of the Kalluvelils to arrive in the New World. Apart from his teaching, his social involvements have included the Kerala community, the Indian immigrants, and the Liberal Party of Canada. He was the founder President of the Kerala Association in Quebec. He has also held offices in the local Liberal Riding Associations. Joseph is in demand to the master of ceremonies at various functions. He writes occasionally on issues of the community. Josie has had to look after the children, keep the house, host innumerable parties and dinners, and work as a nurse for the last many years. She has been Joseph"s anchor and constant critique, innocently warning, as did the advisers of the Caesars, who whispered to the pompous emperors, "Caesar, thou art mortal"! Her solicitude for the family"s well being, her cautious approach to people and projects, her constant concern about dangers and hidden traps, make her a unique combination. Proficient in culinary art, she has developed her on recipes for gourmet cooking which would also take care of calories. Her colleagues have acknowledged her expertise in neo-natal child-care nursing. Her knowledge in matters of health, her incessant worries about her children and her husband, her sense of humor and seeming insouciance, have made her a legend among their friends and relatives. Joseph is not an easy person to manage. But she does it rather effectively. The family lives in Mississauga, happy to be together, and wishes that all their relatives in India, North America, and elsewhere also lives in contentment and peace. 83 J. MATHAIKUNJU Victoria died in April 1938. Naithy mourned the death of her daughter. She was also expecting her next child. P.C. Mathew Pannivelil, her youngest brother who was an industrialist, operating his own carpet manufacturing plant in Alappuzha, invited Naithy to be his guest for her impending confinement. She readily agreed and went by boat to Alappuzha. On May 18, 1938 her last child was born. P.C. Mathew was his godfather and the baby was named after him. Mathaikunju, as he is universally known, grew up in Kalluvelil among all his older brothers and sisters. His constant companions were his nephews: Lukachan and Dani. He too studied in St. Margaret"s Primary School and St. George"s High School in Kaipuzha. As a youngster he had a lisp which he corrected with determination. Indeed, determination was to remain the hallmark of his character all his life. He worked very hard at his studies. He helped his parents around the house. As all his older brothers left the Kalluvelil household to set up homes fore themselves, it became the responsibility of Mathaikunju to help his father in the fields and lands, to keep in touch with all his relatives, and to be always available at the beck and call of all. It was no easy task., But he acquitted himself very well. He was the favorite uncle who visited his nephews and nieces regularly and lovingly. He was the person given the duties of running errands for all and sundry. He also had to study as he realized that only education would get him somewhere. Mathaikunju was an active person by nature. In school he was a leader in games and sports and other extracurricular programs. After having graduated from High School in 1956, he went to St. Philomena"s College , Mysore for his B.A. There he took part in Catholic students Association, and such interesting activities. He became the constant companion and confidant of Fr. Audieu, the Principal. He also made friends all over South India, which was to stand him in good stead in later years. In 1960 he joined the Catholic School Board of the Diocese of Kottayam. In 1962 he went to Mannanam for his B. Ed training. After some initial reluctance, Bishop Tharayil personally intervened to appoint him permanently in the Board. In May 1963 Mathaikunju married Susie Vellappally, who was also a trained teacher. Their life together in Kalluvelil had its ups and downs. By this time the steady and comfortable income of Abraham had been reduced to a trickle. Mathaikunju had to juggle between his loyalty to the family and his personal responsibilities. In 1964 when his eldest brother was on his deathbed and during the times of family crisis, Mathaikunju had to be the doer and the diplomat-no easy task. On June 8, 1964 a son was born to them. Since Lovegi was born a week after the death of Lukose, he was called by that name. Liju, named Ann, was born on December 4, 1967. Joseph had sponsored the family for immigration to Canada. In July 1969 Mathaikunju arrived in Canada. His wife and children followed in September of the same year. After brief stints at odd jobs, he secured a position with the Montreal Catholic School Board. In spite of initial difficulties, Mathaikunju won the hearts of his students and administrators 84 by his genuine enthusiasm and hard work. Wherever he was sent to teach, he won kudos for his dedication and determination. Lisa was born on June 1, 1977. She became the focal point of the whole family. Even till today, Lisa is the family"s favorite person, for whom no one spares any effort. Mathaikunju worked diligently in the Montreal Catholic School Board. He obtained his Master"s Degree in Education from New York University. He won awards for being one of the best teachers of Quebec History in the Province. In June 1997 he took early retirement. His years as a teacher have been rewarding and satisfying. Lovegi completed his degrees as a Chartered Accountant. In 1991 he went to India and chose to marry Sindhu Manimala. The marriage was short lived. He is now in Vancouver with Rogers-a major cable company of Canada. As for Ann, she too is a Chartered Accountant, working for the University of British Columbia. Lisa is still studying in College. Susie worked at several jobs. But her influence on the family is immeasurable. The children are deeply dedicated to her. Her every wish is their command. Possessed with an amazing memory for names and dates and people, Susie is the walking encyclopedia for her family and friends. She is very attached to all the members of her family. The family has a wide circle of friends. All the Malayalees (and others) appreciate the sincerity of Mathaikuju as well as his willingness to be of help. He is known for his organizational capacity. Whenever there are functions, he is in high demand as a helper. They youngest of the Kalluvelil children, Mathaikunju has had to bear great responsibilities and has been heaped with love from his parents, especially his mother, and indeed from all his siblings. He remains the well wisher of all. 85 8. PLACHERIL ANCESTORS Kurian Placheril married Mariam Tharayil and settled in Pathyil. That was how the family name originated. But the origins of Placheril family also make interesting reading. A book in Malaylam about the family history written for the "Kudumba Yogam" by Fr. Lucas Pathyil, Jose Nedunthuruthy and others, is the invaluable source book for this chapter. Thomas of Keenan, a merchant from the present Iraq came with a few followers to settle in the Malabar coast in A.D. 345. The Sudhists as they came to be known lived in and around Kodungalloor, a harbor town near Kochy, for several centuries. After the arrival of Vasco da Gama of Portugal to India, and subsequent western colonization of the country, several wars took place between the native kings and the foreign invaders. In 1524, during one such war, the town of Kodungaloor was burned to the ground. Hundreds of Christians escaped the buring city, and relocated in other places. Kaduthuruthy was one such centre of the Knananites. It was a prosperous capital of the Vadakankore kings. The kings welcomed the Christians, and treated them well. Lands were given free for the construction of churches. (The present Kerala was formed in 1956 by amalgamating the former State of Travancore, Kochy, and Malabar . The State of Travancore had been consolidated in the 18 th century by Marathanda Varma, one of the kings, who conquered several petty kingdoms and brought them all under his rule.) Commerce in Kaduthuruthy dwindled after Marthanda subjugated Vadakancore. Several Christian families went to neighboring villages in search of new ventures, or to become farmers. One such person was Ittiavira Ouppan. Malyekal Ittiavira Ouppan was born in 1717. He settled in Neendoor, became a prominent landlord, and had the title of "Tharakan". His younger brother lived in Puthenpura, Neendoor. (Their only sister was given in marriage to Ittikuruvilla Malayil, and settled in Poothathil. The famous Poothathil Ittikuruvilla Tharakan as well as Thomman who would become the scion of the Makil family, were his grandsons.) Ittiavira Ouppen had three sons: Kuruvilla, who inherited the Malyekal house, Uthup who settled in Placheril, and Ittiavira, who became a priest, known as Fr. Abraham Malyekal. Kuruvilla had two sons: Ittiavira, who had no issue, and Mathai who had three daughters. Anna married Uthuppan Vettimattam and lived in the Malyekal ancestral house; Maria married Kuruvilla Vettikattil, Kaipuzha, and lived in Vadakedathu; Achu married Kochuthomman, the brother of Bishop Makil, and settled in Theranthanam, Neendoor. Uthup who lived in Placheril had two daughters and three sons. The girls were married to Marangattil in Manjoor, and to Tharayil, Kaipuzha. As for the sons, the eldest Mathai settled in Kallidikil, Ouseph lived in Nendunthuruthil, Ittiavira lived in Placheril. Ittiavira had four sons: Uthup, who inherited Placheril house, Kurian who married Maria of Tharayil and settled in Pathyil property, Mathai who lived in Placheril Puthenpurayil, and Pappan who had no children. Uthup had three sons and four daughters: Kunjachu married to Mappilathondathil, Mariam married to Thalayolapparampu Ilakattil, Anna to Kudallore Nedunthuruthil, Chachy to Kudallore Pattarkuzhy. The sons wre: Kunjeppu who married Pazhukayil Anna and settled in Kallara; Ittiavira married Anna of 86 Kollappaly, Kidangore; and Chandy who married Achu Mappilathundathil and settled in Illathuparampil. Kurian, the second son of Ittiavira, settled in the island of Tharayil, and came to be known as Kurian Placheril Pathyil. Kochokan, his only son, was the first Pathyil. As we saw in an earlier chapter, Thommy, Uthup and Abraham were Kochokan"s sons. Kochokan bought the ancestral Placheril house where Thommy, his eldest son, lived. 87 9. PANNIVELIL ANCESTORS As the story of Pannivelil, and especially the Nellupadathu family, revolves around Kaduthuruthy, a word about the ancient church is in order. Tradition has it that the first church in Kaduthuruthy was built in the 6 th century. The Knananites moved to Kaduthuruthy and were mostly involved in commerce. Closeness to all the waterways made the place a centre for much activity. The king of Vadakancore donated the land on which the present church was built in 1456. In 1596 a single-stone cross, fifty feet in height, was erected in front of the church – perhaps the tallest in all of India. The first Apostolic Vicar of Kerala was consecrated in that church. In 1890 Monsignor Makil, the first Vicar General for the Kananites, was also consecrated in Kaduthuruthy church. The architecture, the symbols, and the sacred vessels of the church are treasure troves for historians. The Nellupadathu family has been a pillar of support for the church. Naithy Pannivelil"s ancestry can be traced to at least ten generations. At several points, the family tree intersects with the Placheril and Tharayil ancestries. A branch of the Kalingela family of Ettumannoor, lived in Mannanam for some time, and was known as Thalassery. When they were invited to settle in Kaipuzha, they lived in Malayil. Ittikuruvilla of Malayil married a Malyekal girl, and settled in Poothathil. Their son, Chacko, married from Kandothu. They had two sons: Ittikuruvilla who came to be known as Tharakan, and Thomman who settled in Manjoor, and came to be known as Thomman Makil. Thomman married Mariam Padiyanickal, of Paingalam, and had five sons: Kochokan who settled in Pannivelil in Iravimangalam, Ittiavira who lived in Makil, Ouseph who became a priest, Ittikunju Pralel, and Thomman Makil Puthenpura. Kochokan Pannivelil married Naithy Thayil and had three sons and two daughters. Mariam was married to Kizhakeveettil, and Chachy to Placheril. His eldest son Chacko married Kochanna Maniala. Kochanna was the only daughter and had inherited great wealth. Chacko and Kochanna lived in Nellupadathu, which was one of the several properties that Kochanna owned. They had no children. Chacko was a pious person. He decided to go on a pilgrimage to Goa, to pray at the tomb of St. Francis Xavier, to grant him children. The legend is that he went to Goa by foot. However true that be, since faster modes of transportation were not easily available, he took a long time to return. On his return to Nellupadathu, he was shocked to see Kochanna in the company of Mathai, the steward. The story has it that Chacko saw them eat together. The real sight was probably more compromising. In any case, Chacko walked away in deep despair to Pannivelil, never to return to Kochanna. He built a hut for himself, and tried to kill himself by setting fire to it. Fortunately, the fire was put out before grave damage was done. After the initial period of depression, he lived in his own quiet quarters in prayer and fasting. He knew his end was approaching, and summoned the priest to give him the last rites. He died peacefully. Kochanna felt it her social duty to go for the funeral. She went there with the silk scarf with which the widow traditionally covered her husband"s body. The Pannivelil women who had already done the ceremony would not allow Kochanna to have anything to do with Chacko"s funeral. The Makil family revered him as a saint. Fr. Joseph Makil {Vallyakunjeppachan} kept the skull of Chacko for several 88 years. It is now buried under the cross in Manjoor Makidalayam church donated by P.C. Lukose Pannivelil. The second son of Kochokan Pannivelil was Ouseph who had married Mariam Tharayil. . The third one was Thomman who married Kocheeryam Kunnacherry. Thomman died six months after the wedding. The widowed Kocheeryam was one of the first four widows with whom the Visitation Congregation was started in 1892. Ouseph and Mariam had three sons and two daughters. The eldest was Kochokan who had married Mariachi Kaduthodil. They had no children. But Mariachi was a very dominant person. The second son was Chacko who married Anna Kocheril, and the third one- Thomman- married Thodukayil Ely, and lived in Pannivelil. Chacko and Anna lived in Pannivelil during their early years. The first four children- Naithy, Kunjeppu, Kunjanna and Mariamma,- were born in Pannivelil. (Hence Naithy always referred to Pannivelil as her home.) Chacko had set up a store in Kaduthuruthy, at the Kurishinmoottil house. He bought and sold whatever his customers wanted: rice, pots and pans, salt, fish, tobacco – anything. Barters and cash transactions took place. Chacko"s store became popular. People came from near and far by boat-the chief mode of transportation- to buy and sell. In time the family moved to the top of the store. Achamma and Luka were born there. Kochanna, the estranged wife of Chacko, also lived in Kaduthuruthy (Nellupadathu). Her relationship with Mathai continued for some time. He cheated her out of much of her wealth. Kochanna was a generous lady. She donated the golden statue of St. Anne to the Church in Kaduthuruthy. She had a predilection for Chacko and Anna and invited them to live with her in Nellupadathu. Susanna (who died young), Elyamma, Achukutty and Mathew were all born in Nellupadathu. Chacko expanded his business and relocated the store to the market place in Kaduthuruthy. Chacko went to bury his wife"s cousin in Thachettu, Neezhoor, who had died at the age of thirty-three, of cholera. As he returned, he knew that he himself was stricken with the dreaded disease. He stopped in the church, asked to make his confession, came to Nellupadathu, and died on December 18, 1918. He was only forty- four years old. But he had earned a name for himself as a successful businessman. He helped build the shrine for the Thazhathu Palli in Kaduthuruthy. He had also a coterie of friends beyond the confines of Christians. People, regardless of caste or creed, mourned his death. It was said that all establishments in the vicinity were closed on the day of the funeral, as a mark of respect for Chacko. Chacko"s untimely death was a tragedy for the Pannivelil family. There was no one to assume the responsibility of the store. Anna had the burden of seven more children. Her eldest son Joseph –Kunjeppu- was hardly nineteen. Chacko"s brother Thomman who ran a cooperative credit bank died within a few months of Chacko"s death. His father Ouseph was despondent. Ouseph"s eldest son Kochokan was not efficient. But his wife – Kaduthody Mariachi- made all decisions for Kochokan. She had no children of her own. 89 She was also a schemer. Mariachi asked Nellattur Kurian, the helper of Chacko in the store, to give her the accounts and the money, as well as the keys to the store. She entrusted the money- purportedly a large sum- to her brother Thomman to deposit in the post office (Anchal at that time). Chacko"s eldest son, Kunjeppu, accompanied Kaduthody Thomman. But the money was deposited in Thomman"s own name. Soon after depositing, he withdrew the money and appropriated it for himself. The Pannivelil household was left with huge debts. Joseph Vellappally, a young and ambitious lawyer suggested suing Thomman. But Kochokan consulted Mariachi and decided against it. Mariachi excused her brother"s embezzlement as a temporary financial transaction. Stories abound about Mariachi"s exploits. She took Naithy, a sister of Kochokan, hardly twelve years old, by boat to Kidangore. On the way, Mariachi plied her with arrack (a very strong intoxicant brew). In a drunken stupor, Naithy jumped in the river and died. Ouseph, Chacko"s father, was devastated, and helpless after the death of Chacko and Thomman. The Pannivelils had to pay off their creditors. Several fields and lands were pledged to a rich person in Pala for fourteen thousand rupees, and with that money the debts were cleared. He came to live in Nellupadathu, as that property belonged to Maniala Muthuki. In fact it was Maniala Anna"s remaining properties that Chacko"s children inherited. As a result of these disasters, Ouseph lost his mind and spent his days standing guard, fearing that Mariachi would come to swallow his grandchildren. He died in 1924 and was buried in Kaipuzha. Ouseph was a member of the Makil family, which was at least as prominent as the Tharayils. It was only a short time before his death that Kuruvilla Tharayil had died and had been buried in the Kaipuzha church. The Makils, therefore demanded that Ouseph too should be so honored. Bishop Choolapparampil came to mediate the dispute. The Makil group locked the good Bishop in his room until he would relent. The Tharayils rescued him down a ladder by the back door and sent him off to Kottayam. Makil Pannivelil Ouseph was buried in the cemetery meant for the ordinary faithful. It was more than a quarter century later, that Mathew; the grandson of Ouseph raised nine thousand rupees, and redeemed part of the properties so pledged. Dispute ensued between the Nellupadathu family and the Pannivelil family as to who should get what. Kochukunjeppachan, a priest of the Makil family, intervened and settled the dispute without resorting to lawsuit. Anna, the widow of Chacko had woeful responsibilities. She was only thirty eight years old when her husband died. Her eldst son was still a boy, though married. Naithy and Mariamma her two eldest daughters were married. Their husbands – Abraham Pathyil and Thomas Makil- were to be of immeasurable help as the years went by. A sketchy description of each follows. Mariamma: Mariamma was born on March 20, 1902. Her marriage to Thomas Makil took place on January 8, 1917. Thomas had completed his B.A. under the Jesuits in St. Joseph"s College, Tiruchirappally, and had taken his law degree from Madras. For the practice of his profession, Thomas and Mariamma relocated to Kottayam, from where he commuted to Law Courts in Ettumanoor. But Thomas was more interested in philosophy, 90 theology and history. He was a deeply learned person, and a savant. His writings on abstruse subjects show a mind imbued with faith and reason. He was the confidant and adviser to the Bishops of Kottayam. He was one of the founders and the first Vice President of the Knanaya Catholic Congress. He melded western philosophy and Eastern thought. Mariamma coped with this intellectual – no easy task, as he lived in a rarified world of concepts and ideas. But she was the practical person who worried about daily living and the upbringing of the children. Thomas insisted on education, regardless of obstacles. And all their children ended up well educated. The eldest was Annamma, born on March 7, 1918, and married James Vellappally. They had no children. Annamma traveled with her aristocratic husband, saw the world, and made numerous friends. She published two travelogues in Malayalam on Europe and America, which were well received by the reading public. She also wrote profusely, and helped charitable causes closest to her heart. She died on March 7, 1980, and her husband died on December 27, 1984. The next child, James, born on May 14, 1920, became a lawyer in his father"s footsteps. He married Leelamma Vellappally. After practicing law for several years, he founded the Kerala Planters Association, for which he was the Secretary General for many years. He wrote books on Company Law which are considered definitive works in legal circles. In addition to his professional writings, he has published numerous books on the Bible, several tracts and pamphlets on issues that concern the community. He was the President of the Knanaya Catholic Congress. He is revered as a public-spirited leader, who speaks his mind fearlessly, and is sought as a speaker and supporter of worthy causes. James had several bouts with cancer, which he has successfully overcome. He carries on nonchalantly, ready "to board the plane", as he euphemistically says about death. Baby (June 11, 1924) married Mathew Kandarappally, a planter. He died in a jeep accident in 1970. Baby herself succumbed to cancer and died in Milwaukee in 1994. Jose (October 24, 1926) also became a lawyer, though he took slightly longer to get there. He married Gracy Theranthanathu, and is practicing law in Kottayam. Pennamma (April 23, 1928) married Thomas Tharayil, and came to Chicago in 1959. They are the pioneers among the Knananites settled in North America. Mathew (Kunju) born on November 6, 1931, obtained several postgraduate degrees, and was professor in St. Philomena"s College, Mysore. He married Valsamma Makil Parasseril. Kunju died in 1991. Rajan (May 17, 1937) joined the Indian Civil Service. In 1965 he joined the United Nations in Geneva, married Mona, recently retired. The couple is settled in Switzerland. The youngest –Mol- , married to George Vettickat, is teaching in B.C.M. College, Kottayam. Kunjanna: Kunjanna was born on February 6, 1904. Her marriage to Joseph Kooplikattu on May 16, 1921, was arranged with the help of Abraham Pathyil and Thomas Makil. Joseph became a prominent manufacturer of coir products in Alappuzha. Kunjanna died prematurely with the birth of her second child. Their eldest daughter –Pennamma- was born on August 11, 1924. Pennamma spent many years in her maternal house, and was affectionately cared for by her eldest maternal uncle. Therefore when the proposal to marry her to John Kaduthody was mooted, Kunjeppu was upset as he was averse to any alliance with the Kaduthody family due to past history . But in time he was reconciled. James (April 3, 1927) too studied in Kaduthuruthy for many years. He married Mary 91 Koshappally. James died in 1985. Achamma: Achamma (February 5, 1907) married Mathai Vellappally on May 17, 1921, the day after her sister"s wedding. Mathai began as a supervisor of tea plantations, and worked his way up to become the head of one of the most famous business houses in Kerala. Their eldest daughter – Nancy- was born on December 29, 1924. She married Kuttyachan, Neelettu on May 10, 1937. Her children are in major construction activities in Kerala. Annakutty (October 1927) married Mathaikunju Makil Kallitikil on November 10, 1941. Some of their children are in North America.( Kunjumol, one of Annakutty"s daughters, married Babychan Chamakala.) Alexander (February 1, 1930), the eldest son of Achamma, completed his engineering degree and joined his father"s business. He married Mary Karituruthel. With Alexander"s drive his father"s business improved a hundred fold. He became the Chief Executive Officer of Asian Techs, a company he founded. At its peak, he was known all over the country as a premier entrepreneur. Jacob (October 31, 1932) married Annamma Tharayil. Several of their children are in North America. Jacob died in 1989. Mary (May 24, 1935) married Kuttyakutilil Alex. She is now settled in Peroor. Joppan (September 29, 1938) studied in Loyola College, and in Europe. He is a prominent building contractor in Cochin. He married Beena Kaduthodil on August 24, 1964. They have four daughters. Joppan and Beena are now settled in Kalamassery. Elyamma: Elyamma (March 19, 1913) studied more than her sisters. She tried out to be a sister of the poor. After a short stint in Bangalore, she returned home. On October 22, 1952 she married Vettical Kuttan. She lives in Areekara with her stepchildren. She is the only surviving sister of Naithy as of this writing. Achukutty: Achukutty was born on June 1, 1915. She married Thommy Malayil on November 30, 1930. They have seven daughters and two boys. Pennamma is married to John Pullanappally. Chinnamma is a Visitation nun. Gracy, Rosamma and Cicily, Jessy, and Denise are all married. Jose and James are in Kaipuzha, continuing the ancient Malayil family"s tradition of commerce. Joseph: Kunjeppu was born on August 23, 1899. He married Naithy Kaniyamparampil on May 10, 1915. When Chacko Pannivelil died Kunjeppu was only nineteen years old. He had to share the burden of settling his siblings, winding up his father"s affairs, and being responsible for his numerous nephews and nieces. He felt cheated by his aunt, and would bear a deep grudge all his life. But he was solicitous of his sisters and their children. As the family had lost much, Kunjeppu found himself in difficult circumstances for some time. And he was used to the comforts of life. He administered the properties left to the family by Maniala Anna. His only son – James- was born on August 3, 1922. James completed his High School in Sacred Heart Mount, Kottayam, and went to do further studies in St. Xavier"s College, Palayamkottah. He joined the civil administration of the State, was sent for further training in Kody Institute of Social Work in Nova Scotia, Canada, and retired as the deputy registrar of cooperatives. Kunjeppu was considered the expert on rituals in the family. She had an honorable place in the households of his siblings. He looked after his mother with great love, until her death on March 3,1966. Hisown wife had died in 1957. Kunjeppu was authoritative by nature and 92 would not brook any opposition. But he was a caring and affectionate person. His nephews and nieces had great respect and reverence for him. He died in 1975. Lukose: Lukose was born on June 11, 1909. He was educated in Kidangore and other places. After a short stint in Dar Salaam, Africa, he went to Alappuzha to learn coir manufacturing, and became the General Manager of Daras Mills, one of the premier manufacturers of carpets in Alappuzha. Lukose"s dynamic personality and public spiritedness wouldn"t be satisfied with merely making money for himself and the company. He was immersed in the welfare of the local community. In Mararikulam and Alappuzha he was a leader among the people. During the Police Action in 1946, Lukose rescued dozens of people from the clutches of the police. In 1948, he left the service of the Mills, and became fully involved in social action of the diocese of Kottayam. He worked unstintingly for the community, and was involved in all the major political and social movements in Kerala from 1947 to 1987. He expected no material reward for his selfless dedication. Politicians and social reformers sought him out. They knew that anything Lukose undertook would be successful. He occupied various positions of great importance in several organizations, dedicated to the betterment of the community. In 1989 The Pope conferred on him the medal "Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice" (For the church and the pontificate). Many in the family feel that he deserved much more recognition. His eldest daughter Annie (February 18, 1938) worked as a nurse in India and abroad. She is married to Abraham Kallolimannil. Philip, Vijayan as he is known, is a priest in the diocese of Kottayam. Chackochan became a prominent Brother of St. Gabriel. He died on May 5, 1986. Mary, Marti, Kunjumol, Lissy and Joemol are all married. Joemol is in Chicago with her husband. Kuriachan is the Physical Education Director of the diocesan college. Lukose broke his hip a few years ago and is confined to his bed and the wheel chair. But he continues to be actively interested in all the affairs of the families of his sisters and brothers. He is also the affectionate uncle to all of them. Mathew: Mathaikunju was born on August 31, 1917. After his early education, he went into carpet manufacturing, had his own plant, and became a prominent businessman in Alappuzha. On May 10, 1943 he married Elyamma Naduvilapprampil. In 1944, Mathew"s factory burned down, and he had to fend for himself. He bought a vast plot of land, and grew coconut trees, which eventually brought him a handsome income. Not satisfied with living away from Kaduthuruthy, he built a house in one of the ancestral plots of land. Mathew entered into the competitive field of building contract. By his magnetism and enterprising spirit, ably aided by his sons, he has built a vast business empire that is the envy of many, and the pride of his relatives. In the process, he did not forget or abandon his own. In fact, it was Mathew who redeemed parts of the Pannivelil properties that had been pledged after the death of his father. Mathew bought back the lands and buildings where his father had his business. He is considered not just a rich person in Kaduthuruthy, but a munificent and generous leader of the community. Elyamma and Mathew have had their share of tragedies also. Four of their children died while still young. But they have been blessed in the remaining children. Their eldest daughter, Valsamma, is a medical doctor, married to Thomas Kallolimannil. Mary is married to Mathew Karithuruthel. Mol is married to Philip Kurikottil. As for their sons, Chackochan is running the construction business in Palgat and parts of Tamil Nadu. Kuriachan is in financing and related businesses. Lambochan runs a restaurant in 93 Kaduthuruthy. Lukachan helps in businesses in Pondicherry and other places. Mathew himself has retired from daily activities of the businesses, but is constantly consulted. He and his wife spend part of the time in the cardamom estate in Munnar. Mathew is the golden link between the ancient and the modern. Anna Kocheril-Pannivelil-Nellupadathu, was known affectionately as Chathiyamma, which literally means the mother of the clan. And she was that and much more. Her husband died in 1918; she outlived him for almost half a century Her life as a widow, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother was a model to emulate. After having successfully settled her children, she had time to devote to others. She visited her children, and spent quality time with them. Chathyamma"s visit was an occasion of joy for all. Usually she would spend a few days with her daughters, especially if there was a function to prepare. She would join in the bustle of the kitchen, listen to the concerns of her daughters, soothe the hurts in families, calm the fears, diffuse the anger in people, and direct all to God. She was the calming spirit, the shoulder on which many found great comfort. Her voice was never raised. She would not interfere in other people"s affairs unnecessarily. While her sons and sons in law were far more learned than she was, they respected her, and valued her advice. When she died on March 3, 1966, hundreds of her progeny attended the funeral of a woman who did all things well. 94 10. CONCLUSION The story of the Pathyil Kalluvelil clan has no conclusion. It will continue to expand and grow all over the world, going beyond the bounds of Kerala and India. But we are what we are due to our antecedents of ancestry. We do not want to, nor can we, renounce our heritage. For good or ill, at least in part, that is what shaped us. The history of our ancestors is intertwined with the history of the Knananites in the last three centuries or so. And the history of the Knananite community is integral to the growth of Christianity in Kerala. It was Thomas of Kana who brought the Syrian rituals into India. It was Cathanar Ittithomman Anjilimoottil, a Knananite arch-deacon, aided by a few Knananite families, who led the revolt against the Portuguese domination of the Malabar church, and the subsequent koonan kurisu sathyam in 1653, where a substantial number of Christians pledged not to follow the Portuguese authorities on church matters. Only a few of the Knananites followed the archdeacon in this revolt. The majority of the Knananites helped reestablish the authority of Archbishop Garcia and subsequent Portuguese Bishops appointed by the Holy See. However when the Portuguese authorities continued to choke the indigenous church, seventy-two catholic parishes decided to send a delegation to Portugal and Rome to seek relief. Poothathil Ittikuruvilla Tharakan, one of our ancestors, was the chief organizer of the meeting held by the Catholics of the vicinity in Athirampuzha, He funded the journey of Rev. Dr. Joseph Cariatti, elected to lead the delegation to Rome. Chacko Malayil, the nephew of Tharakan accompanied Cariatti to Chennai in 1782. Rome appointed Cariatti as the Bishop of Malabar, but before he reached the shores of India, he died, probably at the hands of the Portuguese. Two centuries later, P.C. Lukose Pannivelil led the delegation that brought the remains of Cariatti from Goa to be interred in Kerala. Both Kaipuzha and Kaduthuruthy churches were bastions of Knananite belief and tradition. Our ancestors were prominent members of these churches. When Bishop Choolapparambil encouraged the integration of the Knananite Jacobites into the mother church, our people helped by intermarriages and common celebrations. Thus one of the early meetings of the Knanaya Catholic Congress was held in Kallissery, a centre of Jacobite community. Abraham Pathyil persuaded his colleagues to hold the third convention of the Knanaya Catholic Congress in Kalliserry, a bastion of Knanaya Jacobites. This tradition of service to society has continued to the present generations. The children of these stalwarts have been at the forefront of the community"s expansion to North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Wherever our members are, they have taken interest in the community"s growth and expansion. Their involvement in community activities embraces the Kerala and Indian communities. Some have also been participants in mainstream church and political realms. In the new realities of the Kalluvelil Diaspora we must continue to demonstrate our concern for each other and for our neighbors. We are blessed with members of the clan who are scattered in various places in the world, so that one can literally travel around the world and be guests of our own people. And generally we are hospitable and eager to receive our own. We must foster these qualities of closeness and affection for each other. 95 We must help and support each other in all that we set out to do. Differences in income and occupation are bound to occur. But that should not deter us from looking out for each other. The unity and love taught to us by our forebears must be transmitted to the next generation. Reunions and family gatherings should occur from time to time and we must foster these in our children. Several marriages have taken place in the family with spouses outside the Knanaya community. Several others are bound to take place in future. We must welcome and embrace them and make them part of us. There should never be a distinction in our own midst due to marriage alliances. Once married, all must find comfort in the bosom of the family. We must not confine ourselves to our own wellbeing. Our ancestors have taught us the duty of serving others. And we must remain steadfast to that tradition. We must encourage and support each other in their social and political activities. It is inevitable that such participation will invite criticism and jealousy. But we must disregard such obstacles and serve selflessly. The faith of our ancestors sustained them at all times. Their trust in God saw them through travails and crisis. Whatever be our circumstances, we must remain loyal to the faith transmitted to us. We must also pray for the dead and to the dead. Our ancestors are surely in heaven lovingly looking on us. It is only right and proper that we pray to them for help and guidance. And we must remember and revere them. And when our sojourn on earth is over, we must hope to enjoy the heavenly beatitude with our loved ones. 96 11. CHARTS 97
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