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H. PENNAMMA
The youngest of the surviving daughters, Pennamma (named Alyamma, and born in
December 1932) inherited the great beauty of her mother and the charm of the whole
family. She was born to nobility, and knew it. Pennamma, along with Uppachan-her
younger brother- was privately tutored at home till they were admitted to Grade three in
the Convent school. Even then Pennamma could charm the daylights out of anyone.
Studies were not a primary concern of hers. Nor did she attempt to emulate her siblings in
public forums. She was dedicated to the task of being beautiful, and to helping learning
the culinary art from her mother. Therefore her education wilted and waned somewhat.
All the scoldings and good counsels of her father were of very little use. Pennamma knew
that sooner or later, she would get married and her life would be dedicated to domestic
activities. After a few years in St. George’s School, Kaipuzha, she was given in marriage
to Philip Mannathuparampil on April 25, 1949.
Theirs was a happy union. Philip is the son of a prominent farmer in Kallara-
Paravanthuruthil. He too had studied in St. George’s, Kaipuzha and in The Sacred Heart
Mount, Kottayam. They were a couple made for each other. Philip was a also a personal
friend of Pennamma’s brother Thommy. They tried their luck in some joint enterprises,
without too much success. But Philip was a farmer who knew the intricacies of
agriculture. His crops always did better than that of his neighbors. Thus agriculture
became the mainstay of his life. Pennamma’s great devotion to her in laws integrated her
to the Mannathuparampil family. Nor did she neglect her own folks. Both of them would
visit her parents often and bring them good cheer. Pennamma’s presence was especially
enjoyable to her father, as he could rely on her to lighten any mood, to speak her mind,
and to help in whatever way. Of course, Philip who had an inimitable way of telling his
stories suitably seconded her. At all gatherings everybody wanted the duo of Pennamma
and Philip.
Pennamma gave birth to Delilah on August 18, 1951. After her studies, she was married
to Jose Nadupparampil in 1968. Thomas Kutty , born October 4, 1953, studied in various
places, including in Bombay. He ultimately landed a good job with a Japanese company
in United Arab Emirates, married Jolly. His going to UAE was a god-sent, as he was able
to bring all his siblings there.( Whatever one might say of the agricultural holdings of any
family unit, when those fields are divided among all the children, there would be very
little to go around. This had always been a concern of all the members of the Kalluvelil
family, particularly as they had many children. Therefore the opportunity to go abroad -
whether it be in Europe, America or the Middle East - has been providential in the
fortunes of these families. Pennamma’s children were no exception. The chance of doing
well for themselves did not make them neglect others. On the other hand, all of them live
with their cousins in UAE and in the neighboring countries in great unity and happiness. )
His younger brother Avarachan (ne Francis of Assisi, on September 11, 1955) also went
to UAE for a few years, and decided to reurn to Kallara where he has set up business for
himself in wholesale rubber dealership, and is married Elsamma Pullukattu. He is the
steady support and help for his parents. Leila, born on 22 January 1958, married
Mathachan Kochuparampil. Mathachan is according to Pennamma’s heart, as he is not
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