It is with a heavy heart that I remember Mr. P.A. Mohammed, a beloved senior class fellow, who passed away at 3:30 PM on December 9, 2024. Mr. Mohammed was a remarkable individual whose life was a testament to dedication, kindness, and integrity.
I had the privilege of knowing Mr. Mohammed during our time at Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha, Kerala, where we were students of the B.A. Economics program under Kerala University from 1963 to 1967. As a senior student, he joined our cohort after completing his intermediate studies, while we were fresh from our Pre-University courses. At that time, Mr. Mohammed was already working with the Department of Statistics and had taken study leave to further his qualifications for promotions within the department.
Despite being a father of three children and balancing his professional and academic responsibilities, Mr. Mohammed was an exemplary role model for us. His demeanor was always calm, cheerful, and supportive. Our professor, George James, was younger than Mr. Mohammed, yet he displayed immense respect and cooperation as a student, thereby easing the faculty’s efforts to mentor us, a group of raw and energetic young students.
During the three years of our close association, there was not a single instance that cast a shadow on his character. Mr. Mohammed was a paragon of tolerance, humility, and secularism, embodying these values in every interaction. He guided and inspired us, encouraging many of us to pursue further education and personal growth.
Personally, I owe a significant debt of gratitude to Mr. Mohammed. Coming from the remote and underdeveloped village of Ooramana, I lacked exposure and direction. His encouragement and advice played a pivotal role in my decision to pursue postgraduate studies, eventually earning a Ph.D. in Economics and embarking on a fulfilling career with ADB and UNDP, which allowed me to work in over 12,500 villages worldwide.
Mr. Mohammed also served as the President of the Nirmala College Economics Alumni Association for the 1963-1967 batch. In this role, he tirelessly worked to foster unity among us, keeping our bond alive despite the passage of time and the loss of several classmates. His leadership and dedication will forever be cherished.
As we bid farewell to this extraordinary individual, I bow in reverence to his memory. Mr. Mohammed, or “Mammukka” as we affectionately called him, was not just a friend and mentor but also an elder brother figure who enriched our lives with his wisdom and kindness.
May his soul rest in eternal peace. A big salute to you, Mammukka.
Dr. K.M. George Former UN Advisor