Kochi: The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Sanumash, a renowned scholar, orator, writer, and thinker, whose legacy has left an indelible mark on Kerala's intellectual and moral landscape.
Describing him as a “guru-like presence” in the cultural and educational life of the state, the KCBC noted that Sanumash was not merely a man of letters but a torchbearer of values, someone who shaped generations with his insight, integrity, and humanism. His association with the Kerala Catholic Church was not one of mere formality but of heartfelt connection and shared commitment to enlightenment and service.
Sanumash shared a particularly strong bond with the Pastoral Orientation Centre (POC), the central administrative office of the Catholic Church in Kerala. This relationship came into public view most recently on June 3, 2025, when he delivered a stirring speech while accepting the first copy of the newly revised POC Bible. His address, filled with biblical insight and spiritual depth, stood as a testament to his profound scriptural understanding and personal faith.
“He remained active till his last breath, always radiating the light of knowledge and compassion,” the KCBC said in its condolence message. “In a time when public discourse often loses civility, Sanumash stood out as a beacon of clarity, conscience, and calm.”
Although widely celebrated with honors like the Padma Shri, Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, and the Vayalar Award, the KCBC underscored that Sanumash’s greatest accolade was the deep respect and love he earned from the common people. His voice carried credibility; his pen, conviction.
The KCBC paid homage to Sanumash, not just as a public intellectual, but as a friend of the Church and a spiritual thinker who bridged the realms of literature, philosophy, and faith. “In his passing, Malayalam society has lost one of its rare visionaries. The Church offers its prayers and respects in solemn remembrance,” the statement concluded.