KOTTAYAM: In a recent Facebook post, Hibi Eden reminisced about the profound impact Oommen Chandy had on his life and the lives of countless others. Describing him as a "king who conquered the world with love," Hibi Eden recalled the fond memories of standing among the crowd where Oommen Chandy's presence shone as brightly as the full moon.

One of the most striking attributes of Oommen Chandy was his remarkable dedication to listening to the concerns of the people. Hibi Eden recounted how the former Chief Minister spent a staggering 19 hours listening to the grievances of his constituents offering swift and practical solutions to many of them right on the spot.

Hibi Eden further praised Oommen Chandy's exceptional problem-solving skills which were often met with astonishment by those who witnessed his actions. His ability to tackle complex issues with ease and compassion earned him the respect and admiration of many making him a true leader in the eyes of the people.

Facebook post

Everyone will have stories to tell about the king who conquered the world with love. I have memories that will never die. At least a few things cannot go unmentioned.

The first time I came to the house at 'Karottu Vallakalil' in Puthupally was during the time when I was the district president of KSU Ernakulam. I remember coming to meet Oommen Chandy Sir on a Sunday morning like it was yesterday. The courtyard was full of a large crowd, among them Sir. He took me by the hand and talked to me for a while despite the huge rush. He always gave special consideration to the youth inside and outside the party.

I was a third-year graduate student, and my sister was a first-year graduate student when dad died. Having lost our mother at a young age, Dad's loss was too much for us to bear. There was a home loan of Rs 5 lakh taken by dad. We students did not have a situation where repayment was possible. The loan payments have been delayed. We met Oommen Chandy sir and told him about the matter. After searching for the details, he realized that we were not getting the pension of the former MLA. Normally, if the former MLA dies, the wife gets dependent pension. There is no such possibility in our case. Then he intervened and brought an amendment to the law to get a pension for children up to the age of 25 in such situations. This was a very beneficial decision for me and many others.

I have had the opportunity to stay with him full-time on two Jana Samparkka (mass contact) programs. Standing among the crowd, Oommen Chandy sir seemed as bright as the full moon. 19 long hours of listening to their concerns and suggesting solutions, some on the spot. The hours spent with him were a great experience. Finally, after everything, he returned from Ernakulam Collectorate in the morning and came to Aluva at 8 am to assess the construction of Kochi Metro. One who had no rest or did not want to rest would have to be called a people’s leader.

He gave special attention to the problems and difficulties faced by the people. His skill in solving them has often been looked upon with astonishment. A leader who influenced me a lot as a representative of the people. Oommen Chandy, the man and politician, is a great textbook for the coming generation.

Dear Oommen Chandy sir... now you rest. Sleep well.... It is the duty of every Congress worker, including me, to keep the light you have given to society without fading.

The story does not end here...