Kerala CM Oommen Chandy, Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan and other ministers greet the couple on Sunday. (Source: PTI) Kerala CM Oommen Chandy, Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan and other ministers greet the couple on Sunday. (Source: PTI)

Congress minister and lone tribal member in the Cabinet P K Jayalakshmi on Sunday married the grand nephew of her father as per the traditional ritual of her Kurichiya tribal community. Her husband C A Anil Kumar is a farmer.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan, cabinet colleagues, members of the assembly and political leaders attended the solemn marriage function held her village Valad in North Kerala district of Wayanad.

Before stepping into the decorated marriage platform, Jayalakshmi touched the feet of Chandy and Achuthanandan in a bid to seek their blessings as her cabinet colleagues looked on.

But, sticking to the tradition of the community, Jayalakshmi remained silent. She did not speak to the guests on the marriage as per Kurichiya practice.

Jayalakshmi, minister of Welfare of Scheduled Tribes and Youth Affairs, is the only woman minister in the Congress-led UDF ministry. Her Kurichiya tribe is reckoned as the Brahmins among tribals.

The Kurichiya tribe had been the warriors of Pazhassi Raja, who had fought against the British imperialists in Wayanad district. They are most educated and economically progressed segment among tribals in Kerala.

The community is known for its skills in hunting and Jayalakshmi is adept in archery. She had won prizes in several archery events. Her Kurichiya family is known for following joint family tradition.

A first time legislator, Jayalakshmi represents Mananthavadi assembly segment in Kerala assembly. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi had spotted her during the talent hunt held in the past. That had helped her win a ticket contest the elections in 2011.

The marriage was held at the vast ground (nalukettu) of her traditional house, where five families live at present. A sumptuous feast was given to the guests who turned for the marriage.

Jayalakshmi has three sisters Jayalalitha, Jayalatha, Jayadevi and two brothers, Jayarajan and Jayakumar. Her younger sisters had been married off, but Jayalakshmi, in her thirties, delayed her marriage due to her political career, which has always been going up the ladder right from her student days.

Jayalakshmi also stuck to the tradition of her Kurichiya tribe. As per the tradition, she did not invite any guest, but her father Kunhamman, a former staff with the Postal Department, did that job (as per Kurichiya practice, father has to invite the guests for daughter’s marriage).

TV channels in Kerala had live telecast the marriage of the minister mainly on the ground that in a state ruled by aged politicians such event are rare.

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