Punnapra-Vayalar survivors remember revolt that shaped ‘a true communist'
Having participated in the Punnapra-Vayalar peasant uprising in 1946, a frail-looking Thampi narrates his experience of lining up behind the communist stalwart who passed away on Monday.
'VS was in his early 20s when he took part in the revolt,' he says. 'He organised coir workers and fishermen. He was tortured and thrown into prison. He became a popular leader after the party split in 1964. But even prior to that, he was loyal and a true communist,' says Thampi.
And it is not just Thampi. Most people in Punnapra, Vayalar, and nearby areas have stories to share about VS and the space he holds in their hearts.
Recounting the agitation that shaped the communist movement in Kerala, they say they have no idea how many were killed by the troops of Sir CP (Ramaswami Aiyar).
Chellappan, 98, who was in the Valiyaveedu camp during the revolt, says VS was a good orator and a crowd puller.
'Comrade T V Thomas led the revolt while Achuthanandan organised the people and labourers. He [VS] spoke about the significance of the protest. I was part of the coir factory workers unions from 1944. I felt I should also stand for the cause. It was a horrific situation. The labourers struggled a lot. We could only stand together and protest to protect our lives and rights. The government was also with the oppressors. The revolt helped in establishing democracy and ensuring the right to vote,' says Chellappan, who hails from Kalavoor.
Thampi was working in a coir factory, and later when the factory closed, he joined the fishermen community in Alappuzha Padinjaru (West). 'My siblings and relatives were also part of the revolt. We were given training by former military officials. We never knew there would be killings and gunshots. Some were killed, others were jailed and a few escaped. VS was in the prison, later he was released from the jail,' Thampi adds.
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The Hindu
7 hours ago
- The Hindu
Kerala Cabinet expresses condolences over V.S. Achuthanandan's passing
The Kerala Cabinet on Thursday (July 24, 2025) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan. In a detailed obituary statement, the Cabinet highlighted the late leader's sacrifices and contributions as a freedom fighter, as a founding leader of the Communist party as well as the organiser of numerous agrarian and workers' protests. Achuthanandan's political journey began through struggles against British imperialism, feudalism and casteist hegemony and later evolved into struggles against authoritarian rule and communal divisive forces. He dedicated his life to an uncompromising struggle for the protection of democratic values. His name is synonymous with the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising. His life of more than a century, where he stood with the people and raised their issues, is inextricably linked with the history of modern Kerala. With the demise of VS, democratic progressive movements have suffered an irreparable loss. He led the struggles to end wage and caste slavery faced by agricultural workers in Kuttanad, organising them into an organised force. He intervened in various areas from environment and human rights to women's equality and called social attention to them. During his tenure as the Chief Minister, he led Kerala forward through several administrative measures. As Leader of the Opposition, he raised many popular issues in the House. VS is a personality who has made unparalleled contributions in the field of administration, legislative matters and the political history of Kerala, said the Cabinet note.
News18
9 hours ago
- News18
Kerala Cabinet calls Achuthanandan a symbol of relentless democratic struggle
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New Indian Express
19 hours ago
- New Indian Express
VS always stood by common man: Mar Thoma Metropolitan
PATHANAMTHITTA : Mar Thoma Church supremo Theodosius Mar Thoma Metropolitan has said former chief minister V S Achuthanandan's life was defined by relentless commitment to justice and people's struggles. He described VS as a leader who stood unwaveringly with the common man. In a condolence message, he recalled how Achuthanandan rose from the agitations of Kuttanad's agricultural workers and remained a powerful voice for the marginalised throughout his political career. 'Whether as chief minister or Leader of Opposition, he stood by the people at every turn,' the metropolitan said. Highlighting that VS was the one who implemented Paddy, Wetland Conservation Act, he said VS did everything from his experiences. 'His life experience was his textbook, and his politics was rooted in lived realities. He strongly advocated for environmental protection, including protection of paddy fields. With his demise, Kerala has lost not just a leader, but the voice of the poor and the ordinary citizen,' he said.
