Why Clint’s father did not want to be buried with his son
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Kochi: Child prodigy Edmund Thomas Clint's father did not want to be a burden on his son's grave. M T Joseph (74), who died on Thursday due to old age-related ailments, had given directions to hand over his body to a medical college at Kolencherry because he did not want to disturb his son’s final rest by breaking open the family tomb.
Joseph’s wife Chinnamma has also left directions to donate her body to a medical college when she dies. Joseph and Chinnamma spent much of their lives preserving and promoting the artworks by their son who passed away at the age of 7 in 1983. Clint made a mark as a talented artist before his life was cut short due to an illness.
Clint used to draw and paint in the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology quarters at Thevara in Kochi. Joseph tried to retain the memory-filled house even after he retired from the central government institute but official rules were against his wish. He later shifted to a house at Kaloor and named it after his son.
Memories came flooding back when Clint’s life was made into a movie by director Harikumar. Joseph and Chinnamma broke down when they met the artiste who played their son’s part. They hugged the child actor, Alok, and wept for their son. They said that they felt like their son had returned.
The movie featured many of Clint’s works as well as his chair and toys.