Thiruvananthapuram: An outpouring of love and grief marked Kerala’s farewell to one of its tallest political figures, V. S. Achuthanandan, as thousands gathered to honor the legacy of the former Chief Minister and veteran Communist leader. From ordinary citizens to political dignitaries, all came together to bid a tearful goodbye to the beloved statesman.
Achuthanandan, who passed away at SUT Hospital in Pattom after battling age-related illnesses and suffering a heart attack, was a towering presence in Indian politics for decades. His mortal remains were first brought to the AKG Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, where throngs of mourners filed in to pay their last respects.
Following a solemn tribute at the AKG Centre, his body was taken to his residence in Barton Hill on Monday night. This morning, at 9 AM, the final journey resumed with the body being moved to the Durbar Hall for public homage, before proceeding in a grand funeral procession along the national highway to his native district, Alappuzha.
The cortege is expected to reach Punnapra Paravoor by 9 PM on Tuesday. On Wednesday morning, his body will be kept at the District Committee Office for public viewing, before the final rites are conducted at the Valiya Chudukadu cremation ground in the afternoon.
Recognizing Achuthanandan’s unparalleled service to the state, the Kerala government has declared a public holiday on July 22 (Tuesday) for all government offices, schools, colleges, and institutions under the Negotiable Instruments Act.
Furthermore, the state will observe three days of official mourning. National flags will fly at half-mast as Kerala reflects on the life and contributions of a leader who championed the rights of the common man and left behind a legacy rooted in justice, equality, and integrity.
