'Vibrant and full of life, attended class on Monday'; Thrissur still in disbelief over Anoop Vellattanjur's death

THRISSUR: Why did Anoop Vellattanjur, the man full of life, exuding positivity with his music and occasional guitar gigs, commit suicide? Police found a note purported to be from Anoop, requesting officials not to investigate any further into the death as he cleared up any mystery angle.

Teachers in the school where Anoop worked are still in disbelief over the death. They only knew an Anoop, who was cherubic and bereft of any depression or financial obligations. Anoop was recently promoted to a higher secondary school, and in May, he bought a new car. Anoop had many friends as he was the leader of the Ilanjikkoottam music band in Thrissur.

After getting back from a shopping mall with friends, Anoop was found hanging inside his apartment in Thrissur on Tuesday. Anoop, a Gandhian Studies teacher at Vivekodayam Higher Secondary School in Thrissur, had even performed his swansong at a festival of the Vellattanjur Development Committee in his hometown on Sunday.

On Monday, Anoop came to work and even conducted classes. Anoop also coached the high school and higher secondary Vrindavadya Sangam. From 2022 to 2024, both teams had an A grade in the state school arts festival. Anoop is the grandson of iconic Chenda percussionist Moothamana Kesavan Namboodiri. Anoop learned music lessons from his paternal uncle, Kesavan Vellattanjur, a harmonium artist and drama singer.

Anoop leaves behind his wife Parvathy (Ayurveda Doctor) and children Parvana and Parthip. The funeral was held in the house compound in Vellattanjur.

Minister Bindu’s Facebook post:

Dear Anoop,

Why did you end your blessed life before it was halfway through? You had received so much love from your students. When you were a guest lecturer at Kerala Varma College, you filled the lives of our colleagues and students with music and light. You were a beloved person who captured everyone's hearts, but I don't know why you did this. I last saw you singing vibrantly among children in the south entrance gate (Thekke Gopura Nada) during Thrissur Pooram.