The Hindu : Kerala News : Governor, Antony condole death of A.M. Thomas

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 28, 2004

Kerala

Kerala

Governor, Antony condole death of A.M. Thomas

By Our Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, APRIL 27. The Governor, T. N. Chaturvedi, and the Chief Minister, A. K. Antony, are among those who have condoled A. M. Thomas' demise.

The Governor said that he had known Thomas who was an eminent diplomat and a true Gandhian personally for several years. He had occupied with distinction several high positions in politics and served the nation with a profound sense of dedication. He expressed deep grief at the demise.

Mr. Antony said that Thomas who had put in brilliant stints as Union Minister, High Commissioner to Australia and chairman of the Khadi Commission was known for his clean public life. His contributions for the growth and development of the Gandhian and khadi movements were priceless. One of the leaders of the Congress party during its initial days, he later became a respected guide of the party workers of the State. He had shown special interest in encouraging public workers of the younger generation and in imparting the noble ideals of the service of the nation to them. He had led a simple life in tune with the teachings of Gandhiji. His demise was a matter of deep grief to the Indian National Congress and the Gandhian movements

The Ministers for Finance, Parliamentary Affairs, Transport, Water Resources, Public Works, Tourism, Health, Revenue, Cooperation, Food and Civil Supplies, Excise and Electricity have also condoled the demise.

Tributes paid

Our Special Correspondent writes from Kochi:

People from various walks of life paid tribute to the memory of former Union Minister, A. M. Thomas, who breathed his last at his Pallimukku residence here this morning.

The Chief Minister, A. K. Antony, during his hectic campaigning schedule took time off to visit the `Alumkal' residence of the veteran Congress leader to pay tributes.

He placed a wreath on the body and also consoled the family members. Thomas, 92, was ailing for some time and had been unwell for the past one week. Family members from various parts of the globe had come to Kochi hearing about the worsening of his condition.

Among the early callers at Thomas' residence this morning were the former Supreme Court Judge, V. R. Krishna Iyer, MLAs, K. Mohammedali, Loudi Louis, and candidates, Sebastian Paul, the DCC president, K. P. Dhanapalan, the KPCC general secretary, N. Venugopal, and the NCP general secretary, T. P. Peethambaran Master.

The Transport Minister, R. Balakrishna Pillai, has expressed his condolences over the demise of the former Union Minister.

Family sources said the funeral will take place at the St Mary's Jacobite Church at Kandanad at 3 p.m. on Wednesday.

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