T M Jacob Biography

T.M Jacob was born at Thirumaradi in Ernakulam to Thanikkunnel Mathew and Annamma on 18th September 1950. He completed his education from Mannathoor GLPS, St.John's HS, Wadakara, Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram and Law College, Thiruvananthapuram. He was active in KSC, the students movement of Kerala Congress. He became the State President of KSC, and then Youth Front General Secretary. He was the General Secretary of Kerala Congress in 1979-81 and 1987-91 periods. He quit from KC in 1993 and founded KC (Jacob). He was also a part of Democratic Indira Congress founded by K Karunakaran briefly.

Jacob became MLA for the first time in 1977 from Piravom constituency. He was 26 then and was also the youngest member of the Assembly. He then won the assembly election 8 times from Piravom and Kothamangalam. He worked as Education Minister in 1982-87 period. He was also the Minister for Irrigation and Culture in 91-96 and Minister of Irrigation in 2001.

He is the holder of many records in the Kerala Legislative Assembly. He is one of the few those who have presented most no.of private bills. He amazed everyone answering a question and its subquestions for 3 hours during his tenure as Education Minister. He was also instrumental in bringing the bill that gives every 18 year old the right to vote. He has played a good role in making the State School Youth Festival the largest festival in Asia. He also parted the Pre-degree from Colleges. It brought controversy, though later it was introduced as Plus Two.

Jacob has won the Gandhi award for Best Parliamentarian. He also recieved Ponnara Foundation Award, National Shramaveer Award, Amicos Award among other few.

TM Jacob passed away on 30th October 2011. He died at around 10.30 pm in Lakeshore Hospital, Kochi. Wife Daisy and son Anoop were beside him at the time of death. Jacob has been under treatment for a rare disease named Pulmonary Hypertension for the last 18 years. He was admitted to Lakeshore Hospital on 17th October. His cremation will be carried out at St. Mary's Church, Koothattukulam on 1st November 2011, Tuesday at 10 AM.