Prof. Dr. P.K. Mathew Tharakan, a distinguished educationist, historian, and researcher, has passed away at the age of 89. He was a resident of Brussels. Formerly the Chairman of Ernakulam Law College, Prof. Tharakan also served as the Director of the Centre for Development Studies at Antwerp University in Brussels.

An accomplished author, he wrote 12 globally recognized books, including "Profiles of Parayil Tharakans," which gained international acclaim. He was also the editor of the European edition of The World Economy. Prof. Tharakan left India for the U.S. in 1958 for higher studies and later moved to Belgium.

Born to the late Kochupappu Tharakan and Kallivayalil Rosakutty, residents of Thekkanat Para, Thaikkattusseri, he is survived by his wife, Annie Belpayer, sons Joseph and Thomas, and daughter-in-law Lisa.

His siblings include former DGP and head of RAW Hormis Tharakan, former Vice Chancellor Mikhail Tharakan, Antony of the SPG of Rajiv Gandhi, Reatha Joseph Alappat, Kochuthresia Philip Manippatam, the late Mariyamma Mathew Alappat, Abraham Tharakan, Joseph Tharakan, Elamma Thomas Alappat, George Tharakan, and Jacob Tharakan.