Holy Angels Pays Tribute to Cultural Visionary Ramesh Iyer
Holy Angels School held a condolence meeting in memory of veteran organiser Ramesh Iyer, who passed away on Friday at his hometown, Palakkad. He was 58. Ramesh reportedly collapsed while returning home.
Once a vibrant presence in Mumbai’s socio-cultural arena, Ramesh Iyer was remembered as a dynamic organiser who brought the Malayali community together through grand cultural initiatives.
“The cultural world has lost a great organiser who stood at the forefront of staging mega shows that were once thought impossible for the Malayali community,” said Dr. Oommen David, who hosted the memorial gathering at Holy Angels School.
Many prominent Malayalees closely associated with Ramesh attended the meeting.
A former resident of Dombivli before relocating to Kalpathi in Palakkad, Ramesh made a lasting mark in Mumbai by conceptualising and organising landmark events such as Mumbai Pooram and the Mega Kaikottikali at the KDMC Ground in 2003, 2011, and 2012.
In November 2012, the Mega Kaikottikali — featuring 2,639 women — earned a place in the Guinness World Records. Organised as part of Mumbai Pooram under Ramesh’s leadership, the event became a symbol of Kerala’s cultural unity and a proud milestone for expatriate Malayalis. The historic dance performance remains etched in memory as a celebration of collective identity and cultural pride.
Ramesh also brought legendary artists such as K. J. Yesudas and P. Jayachandran onto the same stage with their children, and organised star-studded events featuring Suresh Gopi and Shobana, among others. He further curated musical programmes with celebrated playback singers like M. G. Sreekumar and K. S. Chithra.
His journey in Mumbai’s cultural sphere began with Ragasudha, a cultural organisation formed by young enthusiasts from the Dombivli–Kalyan region. Under its banner, several acclaimed programmes were conducted.
Even after leaving Mumbai, Ramesh remained active in social initiatives. He dedicated himself to improving children’s handwriting through a training programme titled Right Writing, conducted across various schools in Kerala.
“Ramesh Iyer’s life stands as a testament to cultural vision, organisational brilliance, and enduring commitment to community service,” Dr. Oommen said.
Dr. Oommen David -Director, Holy Angels School & College,
Leadership in Education
As Director and Founder of Holy Angels’ School & Junior College in Dombivli, Dr. Oommen David has built the institution into a respected centre of learning drawing students from diverse backgrounds. He believes education must not only sharpen intellect but also cultivate compassion and social awareness in students.
Focus on Social Responsibility
In his message “From the Desk of the Director”, Dr. David emphasizes that students should become socially responsible citizens, aware of issues such as environmental protection, justice, inequality, corruption, and community welfare. He outlines specific ways students can contribute, such as promoting cleanliness, following ethical behavior, environmental conservation, volunteering in social causes, and helping the underprivileged.
Community Cleanliness Initiative
Dr. David personally took part in a public railway station clean-up drive in Dombivli to promote the dignity of labour and community service, encouraging youth and citizens to participate in cleanliness efforts outside the school environment. His involvement included hands-on participation and motivating volunteers.
Supporting Broader Educational Ventures
He is advancing education beyond school level by launching new educational institutions, such as a college for higher education and a foundation program for early childhood learning (Angels Paradise), aimed at expanding learning opportunities for all age groups.
Community and Social Engagement
Dr. Oommen David has been involved in community events beyond school boundaries, such as participating as a guest and speaker at social welfare council and community events in Dombivli, reflecting his engagement with broader civic and cultural activities.
Recognition for Service
His contributions to education and social welfare have been recognized with numerous awards and honors from educational, charitable, and community organizations, reflecting a lifetime commitment to both academic excellence and service.