Adieu to P T Thomas

Adieu to P T Thomas

About a year ago, I had a call from P T Thomas. He had called me up to reintroduce me to an old acquaintance from my Mar Ivanios College days. When I met him for the first time in this college, he had completed his pre degree and was staying at a Maveli lodge close by.
The day opened with the shocking news that he is no longer with us. He had been struck down by Cancer. To me, it is a deeply felt blow. Not only have I lost a dear friend, I have also lost someone I trusted and took advice from. For the people of Thrikkakara in Ernakulam District, their much-loved Member of the Legislative Assembly and a much-loved leader is gone. And for Congress, it is a body blow of incalculable magnitude.
During my days in Congress, he had given me guidance and kept watch on my progress. Even as he climbed the political stairways, he had never lost grip of the bottom line that held him up. It is not always that politics gives back unto the uncorrupt, their dues. Neither did it in the case of P T Thomas. He had reached the heights not by begging, borrowing, or cheating others, nor did he climb over others’ shoulders. His commitment has never been under question.
As a friend, even after I had left the Congress party, he was one person I went to when I required so help or other with the assurance that it will be forthcoming. He was always my friend and never the high and mighty Congress leader, that even the lower level leaders pretended to be and had no airs of power. One thing that keeps him apart from the common politician is the fact that he does things of his own volition. In fact, when my younger daughter shifted to Ernakulam, he got her voter ID moved to Kochi without even being requested. That is why he is a very special person, more than a politician.
His demise is one that has really made a deep impact on the political scene of Kerala. His loss will definitely impact the fortunes of the Congress Party. And for me, it is a loss that will rankle in my mind forever….Truly a great loss for me.
Adieu, my Friend.