Remembering VS Achuthanandan: A Legacy of Resistance and Resilience

VS Achuthanandan, Kerala's iconic communist leader, known for his lifelong dedication to the oppressed, has left a remarkable legacy. His funeral, set to take place in Alappuzha, reflects the profound impact he made in Indian politics and society.

Thousands of mourners are lining the streets, paying their respects to the beloved veteran communist leader VS Achuthanandan, whose funeral is scheduled for Wednesday. Popularly referred to as VS, he passed away on Monday at the age of 101, leaving behind a monumental legacy as a founding member of India's most significant communist party and as a former chief minister of Kerala.

Achuthanandan's life story is one of extraordinary resilience. Raised in poverty after losing both parents at a young age, he rose to prominence despite dropping out of school. His political journey began as a teenage laborer in a coir factory, where he joined the Communist Party and started advocating for farmers' rights during the British colonial era. He was known for his fearless leadership, famously leading a revolt in 1946 against oppressive state authorities, an event that resulted in the deaths of many communists and his subsequent arrest and torture.

As a key leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M), Achuthanandan served as Kerala's chief minister from 2006 to 2011 and held various influential positions, including serving as the state's opposition leader multiple times. General secretary of the CPI(M) MA Baby described him as "the epitome of struggle," while Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called him a "limitless repository of inspiration and lessons."

Throughout his political career, Achuthanandan fiercely championed fundamental issues such as labor rights, land distribution, women’s empowerment, education, anti-corruption initiatives, and environmental protection. His commitment to these causes often placed him in direct conflict with party directives, showcasing his integrity and deep-rooted beliefs.

As people bid farewell to a figure whose popularity among Indian communists is second only to that of Jyoti Basu, it is evident that Achuthanandan’s legacy as a champion for the marginalized will endure. Following his retirement after a stroke in 2019, he lived with his son in Thiruvananthapuram, but his fight for justice and equality continues to resonate with the generations he inspired.