Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have condoled the death of Cheruvayal Raman, renowned conservationist of traditional paddy seeds, who passed away at the age of 74 on Wednesday (October 14, 2026). He was undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital for age-related ailments.
In a Facebook post, Mr. Gandhi, also a former Wayanad MP, said on Wednesday, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Padma Shri Cheruvayal Raman, our beloved Ramettan. He devoted his life to preserving Wayanad’s indigenous paddy seeds, keeping generations of Adivasi knowledge alive. I join the people of Wayanad in mourning him. My heartfelt condolences to his family and all who loved him.”
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi honouring Cheruvayal Raman. | Photo Credit: File photo
In a post on X, Ms. Vadra said Mr. Raman had touched her heart by calling her his daughter whey they first met. “From then on, I teased him and called him my Malayali Achan. When we last spoke to each other a month back, he wanted me to go and meet him. I promised that I would, but I had to cut short my trip to Wayanad because of events in Delhi so I missed meeting him thinking that I would return soon. When I heard about his passing today, my heart sank,” she said.
“My Malayali Achan was wise, dignified, and bold in thought and action. He wanted more for his people, he refused to accept less. His mind could not tolerate discrimination and injustice. He showed me his awards and honours with sadness in his eyes - he said they would mean nothing to him until his people could live better lives. He was a genius in his knowledge of paddy and agriculture and he understood the great value of his own culture and tradition. He was proud of his heritage and lived it with every breath. I will miss my wise friend and keep his teachings in my heart for always. India has lost a noble son,” Ms. Vadra’s post said.
