Padma Shri award-winning tribal farmer Cheruvayal Raman, known for preserving indigenous rice varieties in Kerala, died on Wednesday. He was 74.
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra paid tribute to the farmer on X.
India has lost a noble son.” “My Malayali acchan 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 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,” the leader added.
Raman began focusing on farming at the age of 10, after completing his primary education. He reportedly turned down a government job at the Kannur District Medical Office in 1969 to pursue his interest in agriculture, according to PTI.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also expressed grief and said, “Cheruvayal Raman called me his daughter when I met him, and he touched my heart. 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. She further said, “I will miss my wise friend and keep his teachings in my heart for always.
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,” the Congress leader added.
Leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi , in a post on X, expressed condolences and said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Padma Shri Cheruvayal Raman, our beloved Ramettan.
