Public life and politics work in tandem. Some may use this opportunity to climb all ladders of power; for others, it will be an opportunity for image building and the rest will eye individual success. Oommen Chandy never found a place in any of the three. He worked to alleviate the grievances of people and was unwavering in his spirit to be with the masses, making him a politician par excellence.

Oommen Chandy always conversed with employees in his cordial best. Even if some employees altered in views or criticized him, Oommen Chandy would never raise an eyebrow but would be all ears for criticism. Vizhinjam port was Oommen Chandy’s vanity project. In the nascent stage of the project, K Jayakumar was assigned by the government to prepare a detailed analysis on the feasibility of the project. However, Jayakumar came back with a report that was much against the interest of the government. Oommen Chandy welcomed the report much to the awe of Jayakumar and the roster of other ministers. Such was the perseverance and humility the man espoused.

After some years, K Jayakumar was heading into retirement and then CM Oommen Chandy asked him curtly about his future plans. Jayakumar opened up about his interest in music, cinema, and writing. The talk ended abruptly with a ubiquitous smile from the erstwhile CM. However, after some days, Jayakumar was awestruck to learn about his new appointment as the first Vice-Chancellor of the Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University.

“Near to the hundredth day into my charge as the vice chancellor, a new building was opened for, Malayalam University and it was Shri Oommen Chandy who came to inaugurate. He was over jubilant about the development. I even anchored a daily program with him in which the public could call and engage with the CM. His patience in hearing the grievances of people was remarkable. Hemophilia patients and people with cochlear implants were helped by him through direct intervention, an unknown trait among political leaders.

He was a leader who clearly knew the pulse of the state. His humanitarian deeds are beyond our expectations. In this god's own country, Oommen Chandy was the god's own son. Kerala should strive to continue in the path set by his stellar works as a public representative.