KOCHI: Fr Justin Panakal (91), renowned Carmelite priest, composer and biblical scholar who played a pivotal role in shaping Christian devotional music in Kerala, passed away on Maundy Thursday. A member of the Discalced Carmelite (OCD) congregation, Fr Panakal leaves behind a rich legacy of spiritually resonant music that transcended denominational boundaries. He is best known for the iconic Christmas devotional “Paithalam Yeshuve,” immortalised in the voice of K J Yesudas and widely regarded as one of the most beloved Christian songs in Malayalam. Fr Panakal composed around 28 devotional songs, many of which were recorded at Tharangini Studio, Thiruvananthapuram. He also composed all songs in devotional albums like Thalirmalyam, Snehapravaham and Snehadhara, with Thalirmalyam being among Tharangini’s earliest Christian music collections.

Source: Indian Express April 02, 2026 13:34 UTC