Remembering P. R. Soman on His 78th Birthday
A Salute to an Indian Army Veteran, Visionary Leader, and Eternal Presence
On this day, as we remember the 78th birthday of Late Shri P. R. Soman, our hearts are filled with pride, gratitude, and deep longing. Though he is no longer with us in physical form, his spirit, discipline, and values continue to live on through his family, his work, and the countless lives he touched.
An Indian Army veteran, P. R. Soman served our nation with honor, courage, and unwavering discipline. The soldier in him never rested not during his years in uniform, not in civilian life, and not even when adversity tested him to the extreme. Even after the amputation of his leg, he displayed the indomitable grit of a true Army man, remaining fully active in business and leadership until his very last day. His life proved that once a soldier, always a soldier.
He was a highly respected PWD and Railway Class I Contractor, admired for his integrity, professional excellence, and fearless decision-making. He also served as the President of the Contractors Association, where he stood firmly for fairness, unity, and the rights and dignity of fellow contractors. His leadership earned trust across departments and industries, and he was widely regarded as a man whose word was his bond.
His contributions to society and service were recognized with several prestigious honors, including the Best International Lions President Award. For decades, he also served as the President of the Malayali Samajam, where his visionary leadership strengthened cultural roots, united communities, and inspired generations.
Behind this extraordinary man stood his strongest pillar and closest friend his beloved wife, Smt. Ampili Soman. More than a life partner, she was his constant companion and caregiver, standing by him 24/7 with unwavering love, patience, and devotion. Their relationship was a rare bond of friendship, sacrifice, and unconditional support.
He was a proud father to two sons, Sisel Panayil Soman and Sibin Panayil Soman. To them, he was not just a father, but a mentor, guide, and foundation. He taught them how to dream boldly, how to build their own empires with honesty and hard work, and how to lead a family with responsibility, courage, and compassion.
Nearly ten years before his passing, with remarkable clarity and calm acceptance, P. R. Soman chose his final resting place within the estate he loved deeply. While Hindu tradition often follows cremation, he expressed a heartfelt wish to be laid to rest in the soil of his own land. He would say, “I should always know where my body rests after my death.”
With profound simplicity, he believed that by returning to the earth, nature would embrace him allowing life beneath the soil to spread him across the land. In his belief, he would live on in every corner of his estate, becoming one with the soil, the trees, and the life he nurtured and cherished.
On his 78th birthday, we remember P. R. Soman as an Indian Army soldier, a visionary leader, a principled contractor, a devoted husband, and a loving father a man whose courage never faded and whose presence never truly left.
Happy 78th Birthday, Daddy.
You served your country.
You led with honor.
You live on—in us, and in the land you loved. 🇮🇳🤍
By:- Meghana Ganesh
