K. P. Unnikrishnan

It feels utterly impossible to write this, to put into words the enormity of losing K. P. – Papa, as we all knew him. He slipped away on March 4th, 2026, after a life brimming with purpose, passion, and a truly remarkable warmth. I remember as a little girl, utterly captivated, sitting on his lap as he read aloud from stories, his voice shifting effortlessly between the gruffness of a warrior and the gentle cadence of a lullaby. He wasn’t just reading; he was building worlds, filling them with characters that felt utterly real, and making me believe, with every word, that anything was possible. That was Papa – always building, always believing, always sharing his love through stories. He had this incredible ability to make you feel seen, truly seen, and to understand you in a way that few people ever do. His career as an MP, serving Vatakara with such dedication, was important, of course, but it was just one facet of the incredible man he was. He was a fiercely loyal husband to Amma, a devoted father to me and my siblings, and a wonderfully mischievous grandfather to his grandchildren. He’d spend hours teaching them Malayalam, patiently correcting their pronunciations with a twinkle in his eye, and then launching into elaborate, fantastical tales of Kerala folklore. He loved his garden – the vibrant colours of the hibiscus and the scent of jasmine were his solace, and he’d happily spend an afternoon tending to his plants, sharing his knowledge and quiet joy with anyone who’d listen. And let’s not forget his writing! He poured his heart and soul into his books, capturing the spirit of Kerala and its people with such beautiful prose. More than anything, K. P. was a connector. He had a knack for bringing people together, for fostering understanding and empathy. He listened intently, offered wise counsel, and always, always had a kind word for everyone he met. He genuinely cared about the well-being of his community, and his commitment to public service was rooted in a deep-seated desire to make a difference. He wasn’t driven by ambition, but by a profound sense of responsibility and a genuine love for his people. The world feels a little dimmer without his light, but the countless memories, the laughter, the love – those will remain, a vibrant testament to a life extraordinarily well-lived. We will miss you terribly, Papa. Rest in peace.