93-year-old farmer in Kerala leaves behind a recorded farewell, Audio Recording Played at Funeral Service

Even in death, V T Antony , fondly known as Kochupappan, chose to be different,

At his funeral on Monday, mourners were moved by a heartfelt message of gratitude, recorded in his own voice before his passing.

Antony, 93, a farmer from Elampally in Kottayam district, breathed his last on Saturday. True to his lifelong spirit of originality, he left behind not just memories but a voice of thanks. His son Jomon played the audio first at his residence and later at Neyyattussery Church parish hall, where Antony's words resonated deeply; A world of thanks. I sincerely thank my dear neighbours, friends, relatives, family members, and parishioners who have come together to support my funeral. Please remember me in your prayers. Your belove Kochupappan, Attakuzhy".

Though Antony's formal education ended at school level, he transformed his life experiences into knowledge. He authored three books chronicling the history and social life of Anickkad, Elampally and Palikkathode. To make his narratives vivid, he often dressed up as the very characters he wrote about = appearing as a farmer, bonded labourer, landlord, Brahmin or Chenda percussionist. His photographs brought alive the customs, Onam celebrations and the farming practices of the bygone era.

Antony's curiosity and civic spirit never waned. During the 2025 local body polls, he prepared a questionnaire for candidates in his ward, drawing public attention. Even in his nineties, he personally tended to his homestead's farming activities until just months ago, embodying his "never say die " attitude.

For Elampally, Kochuapappan was more than a farmer; he was a chronicler of its soul, a performer of its past and a citizen who believed in questioning the present. His final recorded words of thanks were not just a farewell, but a reminder of the humility and warmth that defined his life.