Keralam Honors V. S. Achuthanandan; Memorial Inaugurated at Valiyachudukadu

Alappuzha: Keralam paid homage to CPI(M) founding leader and former Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan on his first death anniversary, with commemorative programmes held across the state in memory of the veteran communist leader who came to be known simply as "V S" and remained a symbol of resistance and people's politics for generations.

A memorial dedicated to V S Achuthanandan was inaugurated at Valiyachudukadu, where the martyrs of the historic Punnapra-Vayalar uprising are laid to rest. The memorial was unveiled at 9 a m by CPI(M) State Secretary M V Govindan, followed by flag hoisting and floral tributes.

V S, who was one of the leading figures of the Punnapra-Vayalar struggle, was cremated at Valiyachudukadu, where the CPI(M) later constructed the memorial. The structure was designed by renowned architect G Shankar.

Thousands attended the ceremony, including CPI(M) Central Committee members Dr. T.M. Thomas Isaac, K.N. Balagopal and C.S. Sujatha, State Secretariat member Saji Cherian, Alappuzha District Secretary R. Nasar, members of V.S. Achuthanandan's family and party workers.

A public memorial meeting scheduled for 5 pm will be inaugurated by CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Pinarayi Vijayan. Processions organised by the Alappuzha and Mararikulam Area Committees will begin from Thiruvampady Junction, while those organised by the Ambalappuzha, Thakazhi and Kuttanad Area Committees will commence from Kalarkode Junction.

Commemorative rallies and public meetings will also be held at area centres across the district in the evening. Leaders addressing the gatherings include P. Rajeeve in Aroor, C.N. Mohanan at the Municipal Ground in Cherthala, M. Swaraj at Puthenambalam in Kanjikuzhi, M.V. Jayarajan at Bhavani Mandiram in Haripad, V.N. Vasavan at Sree Ramakrishna Ashram Hall in Muttom, Karthikappally, Puthalath Dinesan at Elmex Ground in Kayamkulam, P.K. Biju at Mankamkuzhi Junction in Mavelikkara, K.K. Shailaja at Charummood, K.N. Balagopal at Market Junction in Chengannur and K.S. Saleekha at Ennakkad Junction in Mannar.