On Wednesday, 119-year-old Kesavan Nair, widely considered to be the oldest man in the state, passed away in Kollam. According to Aadhaar documents, Kesavan Nair's date of birth is recorded as January 1, 1901.

Kesavan lived through the entire 20th century and even 20 years of 21st century, witnessed two pandemics, saw the freedom struggle, Mahatma Gandhi’s demise, and many more historic events. He was fondly called as Kesavan Ashan as he used to teach young kids how to write the Malayalam alphabets on a bed of rice or sand and was respected by all people. Kesavan Ashan had taught thousands of children in his lifetime and is also said to have met Gandhi and spun thread on the spinning wheel.

Though his vision and hearing were slightly affected, his memories were said to have never faded until his death. His daily practice of Yoga and Pranayama is said to be the secret of his health. His wife Parukutty Amma passed away at the age of 80. Among their five children, the eldest one died at the age of 87.He lived with his fourth daughter, Santhamma, who is 80.