The Gagarins in Kerala met here on Saturday to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the historic spaceflight of their more famous namesake.

Several individuals from across Kerala bearing the name Gagarin met at the Honorary Consulate of Russia here in the State capital at a get-together organised in association with the International Russophile Movement to mark the April 12, 1961, spaceflight by Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, who became the first human in space.

Held on the consulate premises, the gathering brought together five individuals from across Kerala named after the legendary cosmonaut: Gagarin (65), a retired Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel from Kannur; Gagarin Babu (65), a businessman from Ernakulam; Yuri Gagarin (64), an agricultural farmer; Gagarin Kumar (64), a retired Canara Bank employee from Punalur; and P. Gagarin (62), a contractor from Ernakulam.

As part of the commemorative event, the participants paid floral tributes at a bust of Gagarin installed in front of the Consulate.

The occasion also offered a glimpse into the experiences of those who carry the name. Gagarin, a retired CISF personnel, said it had brought both unusual opportunities and occasional inconveniences. Recalling an interview during his service career, he said the interviewer had been curious about his name and had wanted to know more about Yuri Gagarin. “When I explained it, he asked me some more questions about him. Fortunately, the officer was also an admirer of the first cosmonaut, and I ended up scoring well,” he said. At the same time, he noted that the name was often mispronounced or misspelt in hospitals, railway stations and offices, sometimes requiring him to write it down. He also recalled being mistakenly addressed as ‘Gangadharan,’ a more familiar Malayali name.

For the attendees, the name remains a source of pride and a marker of admiration passed down through generations. Gagarin Babu said the legacy extended across his family. “Not only I, but my wife and children too are named after Gagarin,” he said, referring to his wife Bindhu Gagarin and sons Akshay Gagarin and Abhijith Gagarin.

Gagarin Kumar said he had named his children Agassi Gagarin and Vismaya Gagarin.

Ratheesh C. Nair, Honorary Consul of Russia in Thiruvananthapuram, said the gathering reflected the deep regard for Gagarin in Kerala. “Few figures in history continue to be remembered in such a personal and enduring manner decades after their achievement,” he said.

The programme also included a seminar attended by students from the Central University of Kerala. R.A.D. Pillai, Deputy Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), was the resource person. The event concluded with an elocution competition for college students on the theme ‘65 Years and Beyond: Journey from Gagarin to the Future.’