‘My Malayali Acchan’: Priyanka Gandhi pens heartfelt tribute to Cheruvayal Raman

KOCHI : Priyanka Gandhi Vadra paid an emotional tribute to Cheruvayal Raman, the celebrated tribal farmer from Kerala’s Wayanad known for preserving indigenous rice varieties, remembering him as her “Malayali Acchan” — a father figure whose teachings she would always cherish.

A member of the Kurichiya tribal community, Raman dedicated decades to conserving traditional paddy seeds and protecting agricultural knowledge passed down through generations. He received the Padma Shri in 2023 for his contribution to agriculture and biodiversity conservation.

In an Instagram post following news of his death, Gandhi shared a photograph of the two walking beside a lush paddy field and recalled the affection that shaped their relationship.

“Cheruvayal Raman called me his daughter when I met him, and he touched my heart,” she wrote. “From then on, I teased him and called him my Malayali Acchan.”

Her tribute carried the sorrow of a promise left unfulfilled. When they last spoke a month earlier, Raman had asked her to visit. Gandhi said she promised she would, but had to cut short her Wayanad trip because of events in Delhi, believing she would return soon.

“When I heard about his passing today my heart sank,” she wrote.

Gandhi remembered Raman as wise, dignified and bold in thought and action, with an unwavering desire for his people to live better lives.

She recalled how he showed her his awards and honours with sadness in his eyes, saying they would mean nothing to him until his community’s circumstances improved.

His knowledge of paddy and agriculture was matched by a deep understanding of his culture and traditions, she said.

“He was proud of his heritage and lived it with every breath.”

For Gandhi, the loss was both personal and profound.

“I will miss my wise friend and keep his teachings in my heart for always,” she wrote. “India has lost a noble son.”