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.
Maharashtra sets a world record by installing over 45,000 solar agricultural pumps in a month, enhancing irrigation and farmer income.
U.N. agency reports Chernobyl plant's protective shield damaged by drone strike, compromising its safety functions amid ongoing conflict.
Discover key takeaways from the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw, highlighting exciting matchups like England vs. Croatia in Group L.
The design team at The Indian Twist works on the spontaneous artworks by children and young adults from A Brush With Art (@abwa_chennai) and CanBridge Academy (thecanbridgeacademy), “kneading” them into its products, thereby transforming these artworks into a state of saleability. CanBridge Academy provides life skill training to young adults with autism. And ABWA promotes “expression of natural art in children with special needs”.
Australia imposes sanctions and travel bans on Taliban officials over human rights abuses against women and girls in Afghanistan.
U.S. and Ukrainian officials meet for a third day to advance a security framework amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
IndiGo flight cancellations: Follow LIVE updates from The Hindu as Indigo scrambles to restore flights operations on December 6, 2025.
Twenty-three individuals arrested in India Gate protest face serious charges, including assault on police and obscenity against female officers.
Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged fire along their border, with no casualties reported amid ongoing tensions and a fragile ceasefire.
Honduran candidate Salvador Nasralla alleges fraud in presidential vote as rival Nasry Asfura narrowly takes the lead amid controversy.
Sri Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha celebrates its 80th anniversary, highlighting culture's role in identity and community preservation.
Migrant voters in Kerala are increasingly participating in local body polls, shaping their communities and electoral landscape.
Trump commends Congo and Rwanda for signing a U.S.-mediated peace deal, aiming to resolve ongoing regional conflicts and enhance economic ties.