An Assistant Professor in Commerce Department at Sacred Heart College in Thevara, Kochi, passed away on Thursday during Onam celebrations at the college. A native of Thodupuzha, James V George, a 38-year-old was actively participating in the festivities when he suddenly collapsed.
James, who was also the staff secretary and responsible for coordinating the events for the teachers, participated in a tug-of-war game during the celebrations. Shortly after the game, he collapsed and was immediately taken to the college clinic, where his vitals were found to be normal. However, while resting at the clinic, he collapsed again and was subsequently rushed to Ernakulam Medical Trust Hospital, where he could not be saved, as reported by Manorama.
James joined the Department of Commerce at Sacred Heart College as an assistant professor in 2014 and was also a member of the Commerce PG Board of Studies at Mahatma Gandhi University. He is survived by his wife, Sona, and his son, Varghese, as per a report on Mathurubhumi.
His remains have been kept at the college for public homage, and the last rites will be performed at his residence in Thodupuzha.
Onam, celebrated by the people of Kerala, is a major annual harvest festival that involves a wide range of cultural events.
The festival is celebrated during the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September) and spans ten days. Onam marks the return of the legendary King Mahabali, a mythical ruler who is believed to visit Kerala during this time. The festival is characterized by various cultural activities, including traditional dances such as Kathakali, Thiruvathira, Pulikali (tiger dance), and Kaikottikali. It also features music performances, folk art displays, and theatrical presentations.
In Kerala, this year, the Onam festivities started on September 6 and is set to end on the last Thiruvonam day, September 15.
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