Kerala honours veteran Communist leader V.S. Achuthanandan as he turns 100
The Hindu
Kerala honours veteran CPI(M) leader V.S. Achuthanandan on his 100th b'day. A towering presence in Kerala politics, he has been a standard-bearer for the underdogs and uphill causes. Politicians across the aisle, hundreds of people feted him. He was born into a family of agricultural workers & joined the Communist movement in 1940. He was actively involved in the militant left agitation against the colonial govt. He was a corrective force in society, an anti-corruption crusader, fought for gender rights & championed environmental protection. He is an icon of the communist movement in Kerala.
Kerala honoured veteran Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] leader, freedom fighter and former Chief Minister of Kerala V.S. Achuthanandan on his 100th birthday on October 20 (Friday).
Mr. Achuthanandan, popularly known as V.S., has been a standard-bearer for the underdogs and uphill causes, particularly environmental protection, gender equality and free software.
He has been a towering and fiery presence in Kerala politics for decades till a minor stroke in 2019 forced him to retreat from public life.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described “Comrade VS” as a battle-scarred warrior of bitter anti-feudal agitations and violent agrarian struggles who marched in lockstep with Kerala’s history.
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan tweeted: “My heartiest greetings and best wishes to former Chief Minister Shri #VSAchuthanandan on his 100th birthday. I join the people of Kerala in wishing the beloved & respected people’s leader good health &happiness.”
Politicians across the aisle and hundreds of people from different walks of life feted the centenarian on social media.
Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan wrote that Mr. Achuthanandan has been a corrective force in society.
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