Precious in the sight of Yahweh is the death of his saints – Holy Bible
Veteran pioneer missionary doctor, Dr (Mrs.) Aley Ninan was born as the eldest of six children of Mr Thomas Oommen and Mrs Gracy in the lush green riverside village of Thiruvanchoor in the kingdom of Tranvancore. In her childhood, she lost her father. Her maternal uncle, an Orthodox priest, stepped in to provide foster care.
Like other Christian families, her family treasured and educated their girl child Ammukutty, as she was affectionately known, long before their kingdom joined the Union of India. After her secondary education, she pursued a preliminary medical education at the Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, and, later, earned her MBBS from Government Medical College, Thiruvanthapuram.
In 1961, Dr. Aley married C. N. Ninan, a seminarian who aspired to become a priest, in line with the most venerated Orthodox traditions of the Chirathalattu family. Eventually, Ninan became Pastor Ninan, who dedicated himself to the proclamation of the Gospel. Dr. (Mrs.) Ninan, therefore, served as a missionary doctor in various Christian mission hospitals. Initially, she served at the Christian Fellowship Hospital, Oddanchatram, Tamil Nadu. The Ninans had their first son Subhash at Oddanchatram. In accordance to divine guidance, they moved to Basel Mission Hospital in Uduppi, Karnataka. Their second son Santhosh was born in Uduppi.
While at Uduppi, Dr Ninan was offered a promotion as Head of the Institution. She sought God’s face in prayer. God spoke to her from Jeremiah 45:5 and Matthew 6:33:
Do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them.
…
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all
these things shall be added to you.
Following God’s directions – “Go further north” – the Ninans moved to Ashwood Memorial Hospital, Daund, in Maharashtra, with their sons aged 5 and 2. Dr (Mrs.) Ninan was the only lady doctor in the entire taluk, a sub-district. She had to perform at least a couple of Caesarean sections every night. Being the only lady doctor around, she had to help deliver three to four women of babies every day. She served at Ashwood for fifteen years, until in 1984 they moved to Pune. There, in the inner city, she served as a medical officer at N.M. Wadia Hospital for seven years.
In 1991, she began her illustrious innings at the Pandita Ramabai Mukti Mission Hospital. She tirelessly served the inmates of Mukti Mission. A whole generation of Kedgaon villagers were born into her hands. Even while she was past retirement age, she went to bed each night fully dressed, ready to answer that midnight call at her door, Doctor! patient aaly (Doctor, a woman patient has come). Finally, by 2010, at the age of 80, Dr Ninan retired.
Even though Dr. Ninan led a busy life, she was always available to her family. The Ninans valued a life of austerity. But, as a generous hostess, Dr. Ninan entertained thousands of visitors and guests. There was always a smile on her face—even when she silently battled several diseases and personal trials. She found rest and peace in her beloved Saviour Jesus Christ.
