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healed much.

After the death of Abraham and Naithy, their children saw in Chummarukutty a confidant
and adviser. And Mariamma became the “mater familia”. Whether it be marriages or
illnesses, personal problems or family irritants, disputes over land or water, all went to
Chummarukutty and Mariamma for advice and guidance. And they dispensed their
opinions fairly and justly. Above all, Chummarukutty was known as an honest person.

Lukachan, the oldest in the Chamakala was always a handful. He had been brought up
lovingly by both the grandparents. He learned early in life how to escape the wrath of his
father. It was an easy matter to run to his maternal grandparents, where he was an integral
member. Besides, he developed the panache and the posturings of his uncles. He
completed his High School studies in Kaipuzha, and was sent to Mar Ivanios College, a
premier institution of higher learning in Kerala. There, having unfettered freedom, he
spent money, and time lavishly, with the result that he was invited by the College and
Hostel authorities to leave the place. On his return home, he embarked on several
innovative projects, all of which could have been successful, given his efficiency and
connection. He tried his hand in buying rice and processing it before selling at wholesale
prices; he went into processing of coconuts - both of which could have been lucrative
given the potential support from the families. However, Lukachan soon tired of these
efforts, would look elsewhere for things to do. He went into restaurant business, and later
had a furniture store. Any of these could have been successful, if he had bestowed
sufficient time and interest in them. But he became an addict of several habits, including
drinking, which ruined much of his business and his reputation. His marriage to Baby
Kochaana did not improve matters. Lukachan is now a respected leader of the
community. Unfortunately, his parents did not live to see his transformation. He was their
bete noir.

But Mariamma and Chummarukutty had much to be thankful for. Their eldest daughter,
named Georgia(after an aunt of Chummarukutty who was a nun in the Visitation
Congregation,) also joined the same Convent, held very important positions such as
Mistress of Novices, Headmistress of schools, and most recently the Mother General of
the Congregation - the highest honor that her colleagues could confer on anyone. Isaac
joined the Brothers of St. Gabriel, became very active in their reform movement, was in
great demand by students and their parents wherever he worked, ran schools, colleges
and institutions. He became the Director of St. Louis Institute for the Blind and Deaf-
Mute, and in the span of four years turned it into a first grade college, with the latest
buildings and amenities. Now he is the founder director of Montfort Community
Development, based in Madras (Chennai). Molly (Naithy) is married to Xavierkutty
Manappally, a high school teacher, who retired from the School system with high praise
as the headmaster of Kannankara High School. Molly inherited the good looks and
cheerful disposition and the culinary expertise of her mother. Sally (Salomi) completed
College degrees and became a teacher. Her husband, Mathew Koithara retired recently as
the first lay Principal of St. Stephen’s College, Uzhavoor. Sally herself is now the
headmistress of Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Uzhavoor. Thomas completed his
Master’s degree, worked in various places for New India Assurance Company collecting

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