Priyanka Gandhi pays tribute to Cheruvayal Raman, visits family in Wayanad

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Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra pays tribute to late Cheruvayal Raman at his residence in Wayanad on Thursday. | Photo Credit: PTI

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday (November 12, 2026) paid an emotional visit to the family of renowned traditional farmer and Padma Shri awardee Cheruvayal Raman, who passed away last month, and remembered him as a rare individual whose life was devoted to the welfare of his community and the preservation of indigenous agricultural traditions.

Ms. Vadra, who is on a three-day visit to the Wayanad constituency, spent time with Raman’s family at their residence and enquired about their well-being.

Speaking to reporters after the visit, Vadra described Raman as “a really good man and a special soul”, saying that his passing had left her deeply saddened. Although she had met him in person only once, the two had maintained contact over the phone, she said.

Recalling one of their conversations, Ms. Vadra said Raman had told her that the numerous awards and honours he had received meant little to him unless they translated into meaningful benefits for his community.

Following Raman’s death on October 14, Ms. Vadra had also paid tribute to him through a post on X, recalling the affectionate bond they shared.

Describing him as wise, dignified and courageous in both thought and action, Ms. Vadra had said Raman always aspired for a better future for his people and was unwilling to settle for anything less.

Born on June 6, 1952, Raman belonged to the Kurichya tribal community and emerged as one of the most distinguished custodians of Kerala’s traditional agricultural heritage. He began concentrating on farming at the age of 10, developing an abiding commitment to agriculture that eventually became the defining purpose of his life. His dedication was such that he turned down a government job in 1969 to pursue farming.

Raman had earned widespread recognition for conserving more than 45 indigenous varieties of rice that were facing the threat of extinction. Through decades of painstaking work, he safeguarded these traditional seeds by adhering to indigenous and organic farming practices, preserving an invaluable repository of agricultural biodiversity. His conservation efforts had extended beyond paddy cultivation. He also maintained traditional varieties of vegetables, medicinal plants and several species of trees on his farm, turning it into a living repository of indigenous plant diversity.

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