Thiruvananthapuram: Renowned paediatrician Dr. Malathi Damodaran, daughter of Kerala’s first Chief Minister and legendary Communist leader E.M.S. Namboodiripad, passed away on Saturday at the age of 87. She breathed her last peacefully at her residence on Sasthamangalam Lane, following age-related health complications.
Daughter of Kerala’s First Communist Chief Minister
Dr. Malathi was widely respected not only for her medical contributions but also for being the daughter of E.M.S. Namboodiripad, the state’s first democratically elected Communist Chief Minister and the leader of the world’s first elected Communist government.
Career in Medicine and Public Health
Beginning her career at the prestigious Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, Dr. Malathi served as a paediatrician before retiring. Even after retirement, she continued her service to society at the Sri Ramakrishna Charitable Hospital in Sasthamangalam, earning admiration as a dedicated doctor and public health activist.
Condolences from Political Leaders
Her passing was deeply mourned across Kerala. CPM Central Committee member M.A. Baby expressed condolences, while Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in his tribute, noted that Malathi lived by her father’s principles and upheld his belief that women should be known by their own identity and not that of their husband or father.
Family and Funeral
Dr. Malathi is survived by her children, Prof. Sumangala, based in Delhi, and journalist Harish Damodaran of the Indian Express. She was married to the late Dr. A.D. Damodaran, a distinguished scientist and former CSIR director, who passed away in 2023. The cremation is scheduled for Sunday at 12 noon at Santhikavadam, Thycaud.
