Margam Kali Performance directed by Appachen in 2009 for the St. Thomas Orthodox Church Christmas Program.

Translation of Introduction to Margam Kali by Mr. George Mathew (Thankachen):

We are about to present to you a special item, “Margam Kali”. The person that sings for Margam Kali is called “Aashaan”. I am standing before you as the “Aashaan”. This evening, we have been watching and enjoying many different art forms.

What exactly is “Art”(kala)? Art is something of paramount importance in human lives. Those who do not appreciate art have a pet name in Malayalam: “Kalaa kolapaathaki”(murderer of art). Without art, our life will become very dry and colorless and barren. So whenever we get a chance we should all try to enjoy and participate in the arts. Whether at school, or college, or in church, if you get a chance to engage in art, you should utilize it. You should spend your time on it and also some of your money.

Reciting Malyalam poem about poetry (kavitha):

“ With the soft jingling of your golden anklets

With dreamy eyes and a bright smile on your red lips

You are dancing an enchanting dance in front of me

You beautiful lady, O Malayalam poetry (Malayala kavithae)!

Art is something that can gladden our hearts and rejuvenate our minds. So we want to present to you the oldest and most traditional art form for the Christians in Kerala called “Margam Kali”. The songs used for Margam Kali were written to impart Christian spiritual values to the audience. The songs are based on important stories from the Bible. I remember from my childhood how my father used to participate in Margam Kali. Some parts of this song are from my father. I added my own lines to it and adapted it to our times.

Margam Kali is an art form that is slowly becoming extinct, even in Kerala. You never see this dance form in any churches in Kerala anymore. We want to do this program because it is our duty to teach it to our children, so that this great tradition of our forefathers does not vanish forever. We invested a lot of effort into putting it together in a short time. Please excuse us if there are any shortcomings and pray for us. We welcome all of you to enjoy our traditional dance form, "Margam Kali".

Faithful man of God who spent time and talent for the Lord.it was always fun being with him 

He expresses his opinions very frankly and used his talents for the glory of God

Our deepest condolences and prayers to dear family 

Watch at 913  for speech by our dearest Thankachen uncle 

Panicker Achen and family are blessed to have known you and we are missing your presence 

In loving memory of Thankachayan, though our encounters were brief, his deep faith and genuine warmth left a lasting impression. His openness and straightforwardness made each conversation meaningful and memorable. Thankachayan's spirit will be cherished and remembered with love and  gratitude.

Love, 

Baby and Ponnamma, Bombay

Where do I begin? Well, let’s start with the Title, “Thankachen Uncle, the Master of the Art’s” ! A person who is creative in expression, storytelling, and cultural participation. With this said, Uncle was the center and leader of all our plays. Uncle was a great orator in speeches and poetry. His voice had a presence that would captivate an audience and a laugh that was infections which one couldn’t help but smile.

Weather it was plays for Christmas, Family Conferences/MGOSM or a production our church members did for a fundraiser, Thankachen uncle was the one who led and brought out our own creative talents and acting skills. Some better than others, which was definitely not I. Ha Ha Ha !!

There was a play we did at church when I was a teenager along with the rest of our youth members and being that Malayalam is not my first language, my line in the play ended up being the talk of town which to this day and forever will always follow me. The line I said to my acting husband was “Enthu patti /എന്ത് പറ്റി” aka “What Happened” but being that my Malayalam pronunciation is so terrible, it came out as “Enthu patti /എന്ത് പട്ടി” aka “What Dog” . The whole church laughed, and I was so embarrassed, but Thankachen uncle was so encouraging and sweet, saying, “it’s ok Molé, you tried, don’t worry everyone enjoyed it”. It made me feel so much better. As I remember this memory it makes me smile.

If ever one had a hard time in life, his smile warmed the Heart. I always remember uncle being one of my biggest supporters as I went through many bouts with cancer. He always warmed my heart, reminding me how strong I am and how he would always pray for me & my parents during that difficult time. He had faith in me and God that I would beat cancer, and he was right. I can say that uncle played a part in my healing and was a great means of support regardless of what I was going through.

His love for all of us youngsters then and now were massive. His talents so vast, and as I look back on my teenage years to adulthood, I’m so blessed and honored to have had the opportunity for uncle teach me the Arts.

And just for the record, I did not go into acting, Thank Goodness! I’ll leave that Talent to uncle’s legacy of the Arts.

With all my heart and soul uncle, thank you for all your talents to our Malayalee community as there is no one like you. You will be missed.

Love Jenee Areeckal  

My deepest condolences to the immediate and extended family of Thankachen Uncle. I met Uncle nearly 40 years ago when Sheba and I first met at UC Berkeley. Sheba and I started as roommates but soon we grew to be like sisters. Uncle treated me as his daughter. I was fortunate to receive Uncle’s warmth, his guidance and his blessings whenever I saw him.

 I see the gift of his legacy in his children and grandchildren in the way they respect and love other. I also see Uncle’s smile in Jake’s smile, Uncle’s wit in Matt and Uncle’s gift of music in Sheba. 

The respect and love that Auntie and Uncle shared is truly inspirational. 

May God grant Uncle eternal peace and may this difficult time pass with ease for the family.  

Love,

Sophia

I think from the very first time I met uncle, he called me Bengali Babu! And he would greet me with a huge smile, a hug, and that singsong phrase. I always looked forward to seeing uncle. There was such love and warmth. And for some reason, I would like to believe that my name also became ingrained in his memories deep down. 

We will all miss uncle deeply. 

My heartfelt condolences & prayers to the family. Our heart is broken with the loss of Uncle ( I call Appacha from Cali) but know that he is in the hands of our heavenly Father. My fond memories was visiting Cali & what an awesome time having so much food Uncle made for us. His jokes, smiles & laughter was memorable. May God be the comforter and strength to the family during this difficult time & for the days to come. Love you all. Always in our prayers. Cousins from New Jersey

Ammini & Shirey & rest of the family 🙏😢💔

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers to  Amama and children. At church  after services I usually  meet Thankachayan uncle downstairs , His encouraging , kind and caring words uplifted me many times and he never forget to mention how proud he is with Ruben and Roshan .kids enjoyed his presence. We surely will miss him. 

He was blessed . 

May his soul Rest In Peace ❤️

Dear Ammniammamma and all  other  family members  our deepest condolences and prayers 🙏 we  pray that Tankachen uncles  soul rest in peace 🙏 He was very   brilliant  in  every aspect of his life. ,he  was very caring and  loving person. His  smile will never  fade  from my heart ❤️ .we will miss you forever Amen 

Eulogy For our beloved Thankachan Uncle from Very Rev Fr. K O Philp CorEpiscopa (Preetha Kurian's Dad). Achen has memories spending time with Uncle and Aunty while listening to his days in puthencavu helping writing matins hymns. I Still remember Uncle coming to our rescue when achen was hospitalized day before Hannah's Baptism and helping panicker achen during baptism @ last minute.

The good memories and his love will keep Uncle  alive in our hearts.

Memories Eternal 🙏 

Gigi, Preetha & Hannah