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Economic Times
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
Comrade's glory and folly: VS Achuthanandan's century-long life mapped the state's social revolution
Agencies Representational Veteran communist leader and former Kerala CM V S Achuthanandan died on Monday. He was 101. VS lived 23 years longer than the average life expectancy in Kerala. Which, at 78, is the highest among all states - and nine years longer than in UP. The increase in the average lifespan of a Malayali is but one example of the social transformation the state underwent, driven by people like VS. That a tea seller could rise as a political leader seems remarkable to many. But not in Kerala. Pinarayi Vijayan started life as a weaver. VS started off as a tailor, joined a coir factory, and became a trade union worker at the factory, commencing the political career that took him to the CM's office, and into the hearts of millions of Malayalis. Communists of Kerala came out of Congress Socialist Party. Their leaders were ordinary people who organised mass movements, taking forward the dynamic of emancipatory change that decades of social reform, including socio-religious reform, had set in motion in the princely states of Travancore and Cochin, and, to a lesser extent, in Malabar, directly under British control. Kerala's communists were the most radical of the freedom fighters, in the forefront of championing interests of peasants and workers against landlords and their overlords, the British. They spoke of socialism, Marx and the Soviet Union. But by organising people to break the resistance of entrenched authority, Kerala's communists effectively ushered in democratic modernity. This was in line with the official goals of Congress and other political formations. By going farther than other parties in using organised strength to secure the people's rights, the communists hegemonised the state's other parties as well - so much so that there is little to distinguish the actual political imagination of any party in Kerala from that of the communists, except, of course, in the case of BJP, and some fringe Muslim is true that Congress led the Opposition to the radical land reforms Bill brought by Kerala's first elected government, of communists, and the Congress government at the Centre used Article 356 to dismiss the government. But Congress was part of the coalition government that subsequently implemented provisions of the of Kerala were a force for democracy, abolishing pre-capitalist property relations in the primary form of property of the time: land. They carried forward the tradition of Kerala's social reform movements that had identified education as the key to social empowerment and universalised primary education. Adult literacy movements, a library movement that established at least one library and reading room in every village, and substantial investment in the expansion of healthcare - all these were not all done by communists, true. But the ideas of equality and empowerment of the common man that inspired all such activity were championed most effectively by the communists. They got a disproportionate share of the resulted from the ordinary people's political empowerment. Adult franchise remains a formal ideal in those parts of India where a dalit can still be attacked for riding a horse, or showing other uppity challenges to traditional hierarchy. In Kerala, adult franchise universalised human dignity because all the state's political formations bought into the ideology of progress towards equality through the organised strength of the is not what an enlightened state dishes out to grateful subjects. It's the consequence of popular of Kerala adored the initial generation of communist leaders - who changed them from powerless, assetless, unlettered bits of labour at the disposal of those who owned land or factories, into citizens with entitlements, to political power and what power could do to allocate resources in a pro-people as one of Kerala's foremost communists - who had been jailed and tortured, had to go into hiding when the party was banned, led an austere lifestyle, and was incorruptible - was adored, like A K Gopalan and E M S Namboodiripad. But his active political life extended to the time of 24x7 TV, and later, into that of celebrity, promoted by social his long stints as leader of opposition, and one term as CM, VS dominated the public discourse as other leaders had not. He championed environmental causes and acted against overt misogyny. But he shaped and reflected the limitations of Kerala's communist movement as well. Women hold up half the sky, said Mao. Labour force participation rate for Chinese women is 60%. While Kerala women are as educated as men, their presence in the workforce is low. Patriarchy governs norms of acceptable conduct. Reform of culture and caste ossified in Kerala. Not so much despite, as because of communists. After having laid the ground for rapid capitalist growth - removing pre-capitalist restraints on deployment of labour and creating an educated workforce - opposition to capitalism stunted the economy and aborted social and cultural changes associated with growth. Only of late has pragmatism allowed the communists to promote private was decisive, and could rally public support. But limitation of his party's appreciation of the emancipatory potential of broad-based capitalist growth curtailed his legacy short of prosperity. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Apple has a new Indian-American COO. What it needs might be a new CEO. Central banks' existential crisis — between alchemy and algorithm What if Tata Motors buys Iveco's truck unit? Will it propel or drag like JLR? Paid less than plumbers? The real story of freshers' salaries at Infy, TCS. Stock Radar: HDFC AMC gives a breakout from Cup & Handle pattern to hit fresh highs – time to buy or book profits? These large-caps have 'strong buy' & 'buy' recos and an upside potential of more than 20% Weekly Top Picks: These stocks scored 10 on 10 on Stock Reports Plus Stock picks of the week: 4 stocks with consistent score improvement and return potential of more than 19% in 1 year
Daily Tribune
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Achuthanandan Touched Bahrain Lives
TDT | Manama V.S. Achuthanandan, the towering Communist leader and former Chief Minister of Kerala, passed away aged 101, prompting a wave of remembrance across the Indian diaspora in Bahrain. Though best known for his relentless fight against corruption and advocacy for the underprivileged, Achuthanandan also carved a place in the hearts of Malayalis abroad, particularly through his 2015 visit to Bahrain. V.S. Achuthanandan receives a warm welcome from the Indian community during his visit to Bahrain Kingdom. In 2015, at age 90, he travelled to Bahrain to attend the silver jubilee celebrations of the Sree Narayana Cultural Society. No longer in office but still commanding immense respect, Achuthanandan used the visit to engage closely with various Malayali organisations in the Kingdom. The meetings were not symbolic. He listened carefully to the struggles of working-class expatriates, acknowledged their contributions to Kerala's economy, and encouraged community unity. During his political career, Achuthanandan consistently raised issues faced by expatriates, including legal protections, social benefits, and migration support. His engagement with Bahrain's diaspora reflected the same grassroots sensibility that marked his governance in Kerala. Community members who met him during the visit recall his warmth, humility, and genuine concern for their lives abroad, qualities that earned him lasting admiration far beyond India's shores. In Kerala, Achuthanandan leaves behind a formidable political legacy built on discipline and integrity. In Bahrain, he is remembered for something more personal, taking the time, even in retirement, to connect with a community thousands of miles from home. For Bahrain's Malayalis, that gesture still speaks volumes.
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Mohanlal and Mammootty's emotional goodbye to VS Achuthanandan: He will never die in our minds'
Malayalam superstar penned an emotional farewell note to former Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, who passed away on Monday at the age of 101. Taking to Facebook, Mohanlal remembered the late leader as a 'people's hero' who dedicated his life to the struggles of the common man. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'A tearful tribute to the people's hero, beloved comrade VS, who made his life a struggle… He will never die in the minds of Malayalis,' wrote Mohanlal. Mohanlal's Facebook note in Malayalam read, "ജീവിതം തന്നെ സമരമാക്കിയ ജനനായകന്, പ്രിയപ്പെട്ട സഖാവ് വി.എസ്സിന് കണ്ണീരില് കുതിര്ന്ന ആദരാഞ്ജലികള്. സാധാരണക്കാരുടെ പ്രതീക്ഷയും, പ്രത്യാശയുമായി തിളങ്ങി നിന്ന ആ മഹത് വ്യക്തിത്വവുമായി എക്കാലത്തും സ്നേഹബന്ധം പുലര്ത്താനായത് ഭാഗ്യമായി ഞാന് കാണുന്നു. മൂന്ന് തവണ പ്രതിപക്ഷ നേതാവായും, ഒരു തവണ മുഖ്യമന്ത്രിയായും സേവനമനുഷ്ഠിച്ച അദ്ദേഹം നിലപാടുകളിലും ആദര്ശത്തിലും എക്കാലവും ഉറച്ചുനിന്നു. മലയാളിയുടെ മനസ്സില് അദ്ദേഹത്തിന് മരണമില്ല". ("The people's leader who turned life itself into a struggle – heartfelt tributes in tears to our beloved comrade V.S. I consider it a blessing to have always shared a bond of love with that great personality who stood as a beacon of hope and faith for the common people. Serving three times as the Leader of the Opposition and once as the Chief Minister, he always remained steadfast in his principles and ideals. In the hearts of Malayalis, he will never die.") wrote on Facebook, "പ്രിയ സഖാവ് വി.എസ്. അച്യുതാനന്ദന് ആദരാഞ്ജലികൾ". ("Tribute to beloved Comrade V.S. Achuthanandan") Manju Warrier took to Instagram and wrote, "I once read that V.S. Achuthanandan had an unhealed scar on his foot — a mark left by a bayonet during the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising, a living memory of that struggle. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It was with that very foot that he walked into the hearts of the people. And because he carried that wound in every step, he remained a fighter forever. His stance on women's safety was not just progressive, but a necessity of the times. A heartfelt tribute to the leader who gave true meaning to his name." VS Achuthanandan: The people's own warrior leader Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan, fondly known as VS, passed away at 3:20 pm on July 21 at SUT Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram. The veteran CPM leader had been undergoing treatment since June 23 due to age-related ailments. He was 101. A towering presence in Kerala politics, Achuthanandan served as Chief Minister once and Leader of the Opposition three times, remaining firm in his ideals and a symbol of resistance and reform. His family — wife Vasumathi and children V A Arunkumar and V V Asha — were by his side during his final moments.
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Remembering the Malayali comrades of Madiba
Billy Nair and Paul Joseph. They may sound like ordinary Malayali names, but their tales are extraordinary. These two South African nationals with Kerala links had fought against Apartheid alongside Nelson Mandela. A recent book has shed light on their roots in Kundalassery and Vazhakulam — two villages far away from each other. Billy, son of Krishnan Nair from Kundalassery in Palakkad, and Paul, son of Annamma from Vazhakulam in Idukki, were two Malayalis among the 21 Indian anti-Apartheid activists accused in the infamous Treason Trial of 1956. Krishnan and Annamma were migrant workers who had settled there. Their sons were part of the uprising against racial discrimination that prevailed in South Africa. Billy spent 20 years in the notorious Robben Island Prison, just two cells away from Mandela's. Paul, meanwhile, was in and out of jail for several years.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Coconut oil prices singe household budgets in Kerala
With the festival season round the corner, the rising price of coconut oil has become a concern for many households in the State. If the prevailing copra and coconut prices are any indication, the average price of a litre of coconut oil will be anywhere between ₹500 and ₹600 during the Onam festival season. In addition, the demand for coconut is expected to rule high till December with festivals in northern India and the Sabarimala pilgrimage in Kerala. Speaking to The Hindu, an officer at the Coconut Development Board (CDB) said there had been a big drop in coconut production in the country due to shrinking patronage for coconut cultivation and the adverse impact of climate change. 'Besides this, there was a glut in the market during the pandemic outbreak in 2020 and 2021, with sales and consumption of copra and coconut oil plummeting. However, as soon as the market reopened after the pandemic, the hoarded produce flooded the market, significantly lowering the price of copra and coconut oil, with coconut farmers taking a hit,' the officer said. This was followed by a drop in coconut production in equatorial countries, including in India, due to climate change and the reluctance of farmers to take care of trees, lowering production and increasing the price for copra, coconut oil and allied products, the officer said. Talath Mahamood, president, Cochin Oil Merchant's Association, said the rise in coconut oil prices had opened the window for adulterated coconut oil manufacturers to flood the market with spurious products. The alarming price rise had also upset the family budget of many. The retail coconut oil price was ₹460 a litre on Thursday, almost a 100% rise compared to ₹235 during the first of January 2025. Although cooking oils such as palm oil (₹120/850 gm) and sunflower oil (₹150/litre) are available in the market, the majority of Malayalis prefer coconut oil for home cooking. Mr. Mahamood said as an immediate measure to protect the industry, the Centre should urgently intervene and ban the export of coconut, copra, coconut oil, and allied products, at least for a brief period. Further, the restrictions imposed on the import of coconut and copra from countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines should be lifted, considering the precarious situation.
