It has been a long time since anyone in the family has been in the politics chain.
Susanna's paternal great grandfather, K. C. Mammen Mappillai (KCMM), was a teacher and a headmaster when he entered and served for many years as a politician.
He was outstanding and many of his speeches of the 1920s on equality of sexes, against casteism and education are truly historic.
It is for his service to the people that he enjoys the title "Doyen of Kerala".
Even today, when I visit Karala, if anyone hears that I am the grandson of KCMM, I bask in that glory and respect.
Only yesterday I had an email from Canada:
from: George Varghese
to: Jacob Matthan
date : Apr 28, 2007 11:04 AM
subject: Re: GRANDDAD K C MAMMEN MAPPILLAI DOYEN OF KERALA Website
Dear Jacob Sir:
It is 1:00 a.m here in Fort Mcmurray, Canada and a search in Google with" Syrian kottayam bookstore" led me to your website on your grandfather "Mammen Mappillai ".
Recently I had the privilege of reading in a biography of Makarios Thirumeny of a journey in secret of your grandfather and Makarios Thirumeny to find the most fitting "Devalokam Aramana" for the prelate of the Orthodox Church In India. Also from Makarios Thirumeny's brother, Remban Lazarus, I have heard his first hand experience of the ability of your grandfather do many things at the same time.
Mammen Mappilai was truly a blessed man and may his example be an inspiration to others. Thank you for putting up the website.
George Varghese
Fort Mcmurray,AB
Note how he addresses me as "Jacob Sir"!
This was probably the very first page I set up on the internet, way back in 1996. It has been my beacon. Many thousands have read this page and emailed me, thanking me for bringing this great man alive in the new medium, which he, as a journalist and educationist, would have relished.
The first rung of her life.
Susanna is entering the very first rung of the political chain to stand for a seat on the district council. She is using an internet blog "Becoming a District Councillor" to tell people her views and position.
To enter politics is commitment to a lifetime service to the people with sincerity and honesty, willing to face many turmoils in life.
KCMM spent many years in prison for the crime of fighting for the people and for Indian Independence. His brother died in prison. But, he saw India regain its Independence.
At the age of 73 he returned to restart his newspaper, "Malayala Manorama", in 1947, which today is the largest circulating one in India with a readership of many millions (circulation is about a million and a half.)
Another relative who went into politics was my oldest surviving cousin, K. O. Kuriyan, who spent many years as a political worker, fighting for his principles. But, as far as I am aware, he did not enter into the election fray.
We pray, and also ask you to also pray, that God will guide Susanna in this arduous task.
1 comment:
Prayers really apprecited. Comments and visits to my councillor blog also welcomed.
Love, Susanna
(Probably the most unlikely candidate ever, though willing and honest!)
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