The Kerala government has declared a holiday on July 19, 2023, as a mark of respect to former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who passed away on July 18.
Chandy was a popular and respected leader, and his death was mourned by people across Kerala. The government has declared a holiday to allow people to pay their respects to Chandy and to mourn his death.
The holiday applies to all government offices, educational institutions, and banks in Kerala. Private businesses may also choose to close on July 19.
Chandy was born on October 31, 1943, in Kumarakom, Kerala. He studied law at the Government Law College, Ernakulam, and then began his career as a lawyer. He entered politics in the early 1970s, and was elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1970. He served as Minister for Home Affairs, Education, and Industries in the A. K. Antony government from 1977 to 1979.
Chandy became Chief Minister of Kerala for the first time in 2004. During his first term, he focused on improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure in the state. He also introduced a number of social welfare schemes, such as the Kudumbashree program, which aimed to empower women through self-help groups.
Chandy was re-elected as Chief Minister in 2011. During his second term, he continued to focus on social welfare and development. He also played a key role in the rebuilding of Kerala after the 2018 floods.
Chandy died on July 18, 2023, at the age of 79. He was a popular and respected leader, and his death was mourned by people across Kerala.