New Delhi: P.P. Madhavan (73), who was a personal secretary of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, suffered a heart attack and passed away late Monday night at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi.
His demise came as a shock to his friends and family as he only had minor health issues during the last few months.
Madhavan’s career was marked by integrity and dedication. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi personally chose him during the early eighties and joined the personal staff of Rajiv Gandhi in the mid-1980s while working in the Home Ministry. It was an association that continued even after the passing away of Rajiv Gandhi. After his retirement, Madhavan was asked to continue as the trusted aide of the Gandhi family. Hence, he assumed charge as an additional private secretary to Sonia Gandhi in her capacity as the Congress party president and then as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to her when she was the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Known for his humble demeanour and unwavering commitment to work, Madhavan served three generations of the Gandhi family, from Indira Gandhi to Rajeev and Sonia and finally to Rahul and Priyanka.
His closeness to the Gandhi family was evident when Madhavan’s son Deepak married at Thrissur in Kerala. Sonia’s children, Rahul and Priyanka, paid a surprise visit to bless the newlyweds.
The Gandhis did not forget their most trusted aide in death either. Soon after the news of his demise broke, Priyanka, who is now an MP from Wayanad in Kerala, reached AIIMS accompanied by senior Congress party leader KC Venugopal and made arrangements for Madhavan’s body to be flown by air to his native Thrissur in Kerala.
It is worth mentioning that due to his proximity to Sonia Gandhi, Madhavan was considered one of the most influential persons in the political circle in the capital, especially during the UPA government’s rule. He, however, held this responsibility with great humility. When asked about his status, he would dismiss it with the indifference of a monk who had risen above such mundane concerns of the world. His humility was a testament to his character, and a firm believer in Karma, Madhavan rendered selfless service in many spheres of life.
Close friends and well-wishers attribute his success in his official and personal life to his strength of character and integrity.
Madhavan leaves behind his grieving wife, Savithri, and two children – daughter Deepthi and son Deepak.
While his wife, Savithri, had always been a source of strength for Madhavan, he was more than just a husband and father. He was a role model who showed that work and worship were the two sides of the same coin. His influence and inspiration will be greatly missed.
Madhavan was a member of Kerala’s Namboodiri community, the state’s main priestly class. As a youngster, he thought he would become a priest, a role that held great significance in his community. However, God had other plans for him, which Madhavan fulfilled with utmost dedication while always staying true to his community’s values and traditions.
He will be missed greatly by family and friends who will forever cherish the memories of time spent with him. Our deepest condolences go out to his grieving wife, Savitri, and his two children, Deepthi and Deepak. May the Almighty grant him a special place at His Lotus Feet. Rest in Peace, my friend.
