Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan stepped back into the halls of his youth on Sunday, September 13, addressing a gathering of alumni at Panangad High School with warmth and nostalgia. Standing where his journey began, he credited the school for shaping the communicator he is today.

Key facts

  • Event: Alumni meet at Panangad High School
  • Date: September 13, 2026
  • Attendees: Kerala High Court judge Devan Ramachandran, Ministers N. Samsudheen, Roji M. John, V.E Abdul Gafoor, Hibi Eden, MP, Deputy Speaker Shanimol Osman

A Foundation in Confidence

Satheesan didn’t hold back. He spoke openly about the insecurities he felt as a student from a Malayalam-medium school entering higher education. But what he learned at Panangad—rigorous grammar, patient encouragement from teachers—gave him an unexpected edge.

“Standing here today, I’m at a loss for words. It was the teachers here who encouraged me to read and learn.”

That grounding, he explained, wasn’t just academic. It was emotional. It taught him to listen, to observe, and eventually, to speak without fear.

From Classroom to Global Stage

His school-day lessons didn’t just help him survive college. They propelled him. Years later, that same foundation in English grammar and clarity supported him as he stood before an audience at Harvard University—a long way from Panangad, but built on its bedrock.

He laughed as he recalled realizing that other, more “fluent” students often made errors he’d been taught to avoid. That moment was a quiet triumph—a validation of the education he’d received.

Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

The event, inaugurated by Kerala High Court Judge Devan Ramachandran, wasn’t just a trip down memory lane. It was a recognition of how education shapes leaders. Ministers, MPs, and community figures joined, listening as Satheesan wove personal history with public gratitude.

His message was clear: great voices often start in humble places—with great teachers.