മത്തായിയുടെ സുവിശേഷം: Life is a collection of memories

I remember Matthew as a person who was supportive and very kind to me. He showed utmost patience towards people and I remember crying out to him due to the kindness and comfort that he had enabled for me. I want to share a few memories of Matthew.

Let me begin with this incident of a bunch of us playing a game at Amma’s bhajji corner nearby Shamirpet lake. The game was basically one that needed stealth and intelligence. It was simple, one would be the thief, one would be the witness, rest of them must guess who is who. We are all supposed to close our eyes except one of us, who is the witness in that round.

The witness is supposed to touch one of us and that person opens the eyes and acknowledges that he/she is the thief and then closes the eyes. After this, each of us take turns to guess who the thief is. I remember Matthew being chosen as the thief in one of the games and he played it so well that not one of us in that round could ever guess that he was the thief. He stole the show, literally, that day.

Another thing I remember about Matthew is him playing basketball. I remember his kurtas and pants. I remember his love for his sister whom he thought of as a child. I remember him clicking photographs in almost all the events of NALSAR. He had in fact done a photoshoot for me one day which I put up in my social media profiles. I never understood the joy in clicking others’ pictures but now, a significant part of it makes sense.

I never knew that Matthew was suffering from chronic illness since childhood. Maybe that’s why photos meant so much to him. He found it special because he truly understood that life is a collection of memories and that we tend to feel that life is mundane and monotonous as it passes every day.

But, when we look at the photographs, it serves as a testament and reminder to how much fun we have had in our lives. It is a time-machine to relive those moments and remember the emotions we had felt at that point in time when we had clicked the pictures.

Today, Matthew is not here but I cannot be thankful enough for his presence and the impact he had made in my chapter of life called “college”. Matthew, Rest in Peace buddy, you shall be remembered fondly and I truly cherish the memories. Adore you, dear friend.

Chandini Raj

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Enrich the heavens with intellect,

wit, and warmth, Matthew!

Hello uncle,

I am Jayavardhan (Jaya), Matthew's childhood friend and batchmate from college. A small collection of his photos is attached herewith.

For me, he was someone who truly personified the phrase 'friend, philosopher, and guide'. His endless knowledge and boundless energy and willingness to share it makes him one of the best story-tellers I have ever known.His magical narration would never cease to spellbind his listeners and they continue to reverberate in my ears till today.

I will fondly look back at the life I got to share with him as his roommate for over 3 years, in addition to playing together in our formative years. Lots of sweet memories, childish fights, and disagreements, gentlemanly and otherwise have been essential aspects of our relationship with each other.

I wish and pray that Matthew rests in peace, power, and knowledge, enriching the heavens with his intellect, wit, and warmth.

Love,

Jaya

J V Jayavardhan

Roll No.15

B.A.,L.L.B. (Hons)

NALSAR University of Law

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Greetings to Matthew's family

Matthew has been a unique person to have ever met. He was exceptionally intelligent and hardworking but also compassionate and kind towards others. From sharing his Arthashastra to making witty remarks at our blunders, he was a joyous friend to have. He always extended a helping hand to those in need.

Despite overcoming painful battles, he always held a positive outlook towards life, his wisdom was rare and his achievements are unparalleled. May your soul rest in peace Matthew, you shall always live in the hearts of Batch of 2019, Nalsar.

Regards,

Shagun Devarakonda.

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Matthew, a real fighter!

Dear Mathew (Unnikuttan),

I know you for the past one and half year. You would have been a good teacher if you were with us. But meanwhile, you taught us a lot.

You were a fighter, not of battles, but of hearts. You conquered ours, and those of:

•⁠ ⁠Your parents and Annakutty

•⁠ ⁠Teachers and friends

•⁠ ⁠Loved ones

You taught us:

How to gain wisdom through hard work

How to remain humble

How to be hopeful

How to face challenges without complaint

Your reading habit took you far, yet humility remained.

We'll miss you dearly, but your hope remains: we'll meet in His abode.

Forever in our memories and prayers.

Fr. Jeomon Kalleri

Vicar, St Euphrasia Parish

Hyderabad

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Inspired me to read so much

Biji aunty,

I’m so sorry about Mathew. I can’t comprehend what you and Kurian uncle must be going through, and I did not know what to say to you.

Mathew is one of the earliest friends I have that I can think of. Thinking back, it was Mathew who inspired me to read so much, and I remember seeing his books and being fascinated by that big cupboard full of knowledge, and a friend who knew even more. I know he’s at a better place, but it’s difficult to accept that he won’t be there when I come back.

I am proud to have been friends with one of the most genuine people I know, and I hope I make him proud one day. My prayers are with you, uncle and Annakutti. Please take care.

- Allan Thomas

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Gallery of random clicks

Matthew loved photography. During his college days in NALSAR, he used to move with is Nikon DSLR cam, capturing the events of the campus. However, these pics are not captured by him, but about him, from his Father's (Kurain CM) collections: