Kottayam (Kerala) | Congress leaders and workers on Saturday organised commemorative events across Kerala to mark the third death anniversary of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, remembering him as a leader who dedicated his life to the welfare of ordinary people.

Special prayer meetings were held at Puthuppally, the Assembly constituency represented by Chandy for over five decades, while Congress leaders and party workers paid floral tributes at his tomb at St George Orthodox Church there.

Commemorative programmes were also organised at the KPCC headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram and at DCC offices across the state.

Chief Minister V D Satheesan, in a Facebook post, remembered Chandy as a "people's leader" whose passing left millions in grief.

Recalling Chandy's final journey three years ago from his residence in Thiruvananthapuram to Puthuppally, Satheesan said he and his colleagues had accompanied the late leader through a sea of mourners.

He said Keralities across the world had taken pride in knowing that, in times of crisis, Chandy would always be available at the other end of a phone call or a petition.

"Nobody can become another Chandy. But he taught every public representative that embracing and standing by ordinary people is their foremost responsibility," Satheesan said.

The chief minister said that whenever he occupied the chair once held by Chandy, he tried to live up to his example.

"For those who approach us as their last hope, the need of the hour is to become their Chandy," he said, paying homage to the late Congress stalwart.

Tourism Minister P C Vishnunadh, who visited Chandy's tomb, said the Congress stalwart remained an inseparable part of the lives of those who had worked with him.

"There is not a single day that passes without us remembering Chandy. Sometimes it is because of a person associated with him, sometimes an issue connected to him, and at other times simply a memory," Vishnunadh told reporters.

Recalling Chandy's role in nurturing young political leaders, the minister said neither he nor Congress MP Shafi Parambil came from political families.

"We came from ordinary families and became KSU workers. It was Chandy who recognised us, brought us into the Legislative Assembly and guided us to where we are today," he said.

Vishnunadh said one of the government's five major guarantees was the health insurance scheme named after Chandy and that the preliminary work for its implementation was underway.

"He always lived for the common man. He dedicated his life to the people, often neglecting even his own health. Activities aimed at the welfare of ordinary people will remain the true and lasting memorial to Chandy," he added.

Parambil told reporters that Chandy's greatest legacy was his lifelong commitment to serving the poor and the underprivileged.

"We all came from completely non-political backgrounds, beginning as ordinary KSU workers in government colleges. The inspiration that took us to the Kerala Legislative Assembly and the Parliament of India was Chandy Sir, who recognised us and guided us," he said.

Parambil said Chandy's memory continued to inspire public service across Kerala, with numerous organisations and individuals observing his death anniversary by undertaking charitable activities.

"Across Kerala, people are organising memorial meetings after carrying out acts of service, whether it is donating a wheelchair or undertaking much larger welfare initiatives. Even after his lifetime, his name continues to be associated with protecting the health and welfare of ordinary people," he said.

"The void left by his absence can never be filled. No one can replace him. But his work continues, and the legacy of Chandy will continue to benefit the people of this land," the MP added.

State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, in a Facebook post, said three years had passed since the veteran Congress leader bid farewell after walking alongside his colleagues in public life.

Chennithala said even now, whenever he wished to share his thoughts, he instinctively searched for Chandy's presence, describing his absence as a silent void.

At the same time, he said Chandy's care, guidance and compassion continued to remain with him and with every Keralite.

"With the deepest respect, I bow before the cherished memories of Chandy," Chennithala said.