Comrade VS’s 100th Birthday Celebration

Today, on the 20th of October, 2023, Kerala’s revered leader, Comrade VS Achuthananthan, celebrates his 100th birthday. Comrade VS, a staunch materialist, is not one to seek grand birthday festivities, but this remarkable milestone deserves recognition. His life, spanning over seven and a half decades of unwavering public service, remains a testament to dedication and integrity.Born into an almost orphaned childhood, Comrade VS embarked on a lifelong journey of political activism, where every day posed the dilemma of life and death decisions. Yet, it was precisely these struggles that defined his existence. His militant determination was a reflection of his deep-seated commitment to representing the aspirations, protests, and grievances of his class. In his political journey, one could find a rare consistency and an unadulterated dedication that earned him the people’s trust.

Comrade VS emerged not only as the voice of the grassroots but also as a guiding light, offering direction to the masses. He was the first to recognize the critical link between Kerala’s unique geographical layout, resembling the hypotenuse of a flat triangle, and its potential impact on the state’s very existence. Comrade VS’s environmental advocacy, rooted in his early struggles, inspired a wave of green politics in the region.Even during his tenure as Chief Minister, his focus remained steadfast on environmental concerns. The Munnar initiative wasn’t merely about tackling encroachments; it aimed to create a new Munnar that distributed land equitably, especially to plantation workers. The Paddy Watershed Protection Act was another testament to his dedication. Today, when four out of five individuals who visit Akshaya Kendra are looking to transform fields into homesteads, it’s thanks to the efforts of those who followed his lead.

Comrade VS staunchly opposed attempts to seize land under the guise of special economic zones, even as he spearheaded the establishment of IT parks across the state. Those who once labeled him as anti-development now acknowledge the critical role he played in preventing the adverse consequences of unchecked special economic sector projects in Bengal. His unwavering resistance stood as a bulwark against those who sought to exploit land for personal gain.