In Kerala, thousands have gathered to pay their final respects to the esteemed communist leader, VS Achuthanandan, who passed away on Monday at the remarkable age of 101. Known affectionately as VS, he was not only a founding member of India's largest communist party but also served as Kerala's chief minister.
Achuthanandan's funeral is scheduled for Wednesday near his hometown in Alappuzha district, where he will be honored with full state protocols. His death has triggered a wave of tributes from across the political spectrum, with many crediting him as a pivotal figure in Kerala's political landscape. MA Baby, the general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M), emphasized Achuthanandan's lifelong commitment to fighting for the rights of the marginalized, dubbing him "the epitome of struggle".
As a symbol of persistence and resilience, Achuthanandan's life narrative is compelling. Forced to leave school due to harsh economic circumstances as a child, he rose from extreme poverty to become one of Kerala’s most cherished leaders. He spent the final months of his life in a Thiruvananthapuram hospital following a cardiac arrest. His influence extended beyond his tenure as chief minister; he held three terms as the leader of opposition and was a member of the CPI(M) Politburo for an impressive 23 years.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described Achuthanandan as a source of unwavering inspiration and a font of lessons for future generations. His popularity, particularly among Indian communists, stands on par with that of other political giants like Jyoti Basu, though their paths diverged uniquely. Unlike Basu, who had a higher educational background, Achuthanandan's legacy was built directly from the grassroots as he advocated for the common man’s issues.
The late leader’s journey began after he lost both parents at a tender age. By the time he was 17, he had joined the undivided Communist Party while working in a coir factory and showing early promise as an organizer for agricultural workers in the Travancore region during British colonial rule. His commitment to labor rights, land rights, and social justice was resolute. Notably remembered for his role in a 1946 rebellion, he faced police brutality, enduring tortures that would mark his fight against oppression.
Even as he became a figure of authority, Achuthanandan was unyielding in his principles, often challenging the established party line. Throughout his storied career, his work encompassed labor rights, environmental conservation, and women's rights, solidifying his reputation as a leader who truly represented the people. After retiring from political life following a stroke in 2019, he continued to be revered by many until his passing, leaving behind a profound legacy rooted in the struggle for justice.
