Thomas Cherian's Long-Awaited Funeral 56 Years After Death

The remains of Thomas Cherian, found earlier this week after 56 years, had been stored at the Pangode Military Camp in Thiruvananthapuram since Thursday. They were transported to the home of Shaiju K. Mathew, son of Thomas’ elder brother, by 10:30 a.m. on Friday. The remains were brought in a solemn procession from the Elanthoor market junction in an open vehicle.

The funeral service at the family residence was conducted by Metropolitan Kuriakose Mar Clemis. After the public was allowed to pay their respects, the State police provided a guard of honour. The procession departed for St. Peter’s Orthodox Church, Karur, around 12:30 p.m.

The final rites began at 2 p.m., officiated by Metropolitan Abraham Mar Seraphim. Thomas was interred with military honors in a specially prepared burial site.

Dignitaries paid their tributes, including Health Minister Veena George, who laid a floral wreath on behalf of the State government, and Pathanamthitta MP Anto Antony, who conveyed condolences from Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. The day before, Goa Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visited Thomas’ family in Elanthoor.

At 22, Thomas Cherian was on board an Indian Air Force Antonov-12 aircraft that crashed over the Rohtang Pass. The twin-engine turboprop, carrying 102 passengers, disappeared on February 7, 1968, during a flight from Chandigarh to Leh. The discovery of Thomas’ remains, along with those of three others, was facilitated by the combined efforts of the Dogra Scouts and the Tiranga Mountain Rescue team.

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