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Bombay for the International Eucharistic Congress. Some of the pilgrims went by ship _
Islamia - from Cochin to Bombay, with a side trip to Goa.. Unfortunately, the ship was
not equipped to look after the physical and culinary needs of hundreds of people. There
was general malaise and open criticism about the lack of facilities. Abraham thrived on
such inconveniences. He instructed people in the joys of yoga, meditation, naturopathy
and fasting. Some indeed followed his counsels. Others abandoned ship in Bombay. As
for Abraham he was well looked after in Bombay by one of his sons who had gone by car
and by others. He returned with the pilgrims to Kerala.

During all these many journeys, Abraham kept his eyes and ears open. He would read up
on the places before he would go. After he reached a place, he would leave no stone
unturned to learn everything he could about the place. Whether they be historical or
religious, he was curious and full of questions about places and people. While he was not
a spendthrift - far from it - he would rope in the help of friends and strangers to find his
way about. The friendships that he developed during those journeys would stay on for
long. Having a photographic memory for people and places, he could recount details of
his journeys years later.

The glory days of the 30's and 40's slowly gave way to difficult times. After he
abandoned Abkari contract, his only income was from the lands and fields. These would
have been more than adequate for a large family. But Abraham’s household had known
and tasted luxury. Therefore it was difficult to cut back on expenses. In addition he felt
that his children did not come up to his expectations. Though he had been keen on the
education of the children, his boys (and girls) did not pursue their studies seriously. Since
businesses required the presence of the boys he did not worry too much about the absence
of education, though he complained about their abandonment of intellectual pursuit. And
they were used to high living. When his sons took over the management of the liquor
outlets, cash flow did not diminish, but savings were reduced to a trickle. They had their
own expenses and their own agendas. Abraham was deeply disappointed in them. As
years went on, he put very little trust in his children. He considered his eldest whom he
had groomed to take over the businesses a profligate. Luka had been his confidant in
business. But he did not live up to his expectation. Abraham tried to set him up in
business in Athirampuzha and again in Alappuzha. But he ended in disaster. In the mean
time Luka’s first wife died of cancer. His marriage to Alyamma Aronnil was a happy
union. They were settled in Neendoor for some time. But after another business failure
and attempts on his life, he was sent to Kurumulloor. In 1964 Luka himself died of
cancer, leaving twelve children and several debts. Abraham resisted attempts to settle his
son’s debts before his deaths. He knew that he had to end up paying out all Luka’s
obligations. The second son - Chackochan- who quit his studies to join the military for a
short time, and returned home, Abraham considered capable but uncontrollable. He
married Thressiamma Makil, a grand affair in 1946, his hay day. The third son _Thomas-
was always a rebel and did very much what he wanted. His fourth son had gone to join
the Brothers of St. Gabriel and had completed his studies, became Headmaster, Director
and Principal of schools, all of which gave Abraham reflected glory. He visited his son
when he was in responsible positions and was very pleased to receive praise for his
endeavors. In 1967 Joseph went to Europe and decided to leave the society. When his son

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