THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An unforgettable final journey indeed! A befitting tribute to a mass leader who had deeply etched his unique niche in the minds of people with his socio-political interventions.
The funeral procession carrying the mortal remains of V S Achuthanandan took long, winding hours to cross each point along the nearly 160-km stretch from the state capital to his home town of Alappuzha, where the funeral will be held on Wednesday.
Accompanied by thousands, the convoy made multiple halts along the route, giving thousands of people a chance to offer their final tributes to one of the most iconic political figures in Kerala’s history. The people who gathered on both sides of the National Highway waited patiently for long hours to catch a final glimpse of the late leader.
Earlier in the day, similar scenes unfolded when the body was kept for public homage at the Secretariat Durbar Hall. Under an overcast sky, they waited patiently, with solemn faces and aching hearts. The ambulance carrying the mortal remains arrived at the Durbar Hall at 9.20 am, accompanied by CPM general secretary M A Baby and state secretary M V Govindan. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan arrived earlier, having made a brief visit to Achuthanandan’s residence in the morning.
The police draped the national flag over VS in a gesture of respect, following which a guard of honour was given. Pinarayi was the first to place a wreath along with CPM leaders Brinda Karat and Prakash Karat. A host of prominent leaders, including Governor Rajendra Arlekar, ministers, and spiritual and business personalities, paid tributes. Pinarayi along with senior leaders and Achuthanandan’s son V A Arun Kumar sat near the casket.
As hours passed, the slogans grew louder, with mourners expressing their deep affection for the leader who had been a pillar of strength for them for years. The Secretariat walls that once echoed the firm declarations of the late leader now reverberated with slogans of ‘Illa illa marikkunnilla, Jeevikkunnu njangaliloode’.
People from all walks of life, men and women, the aged, differently-abled, transgender persons — each of them with their own reasons — poured in to pay their last respects. Queuing up, many carried flowers with them.
VS meant different things to different people. To some, he was an environmental
warrior; to others, a champion of women’s rights. For workers, he was the leader who stepped out of the assembly to address their concerns. For Leftist leaders, he was an inspiration; and for the Opposition, a steadfast ally; and for scores, a living legend of the revolutionary movement in Kerala.
‘Oh dear VS’: Thousands pay homage to departed leader
As they stood in line, some could not contain their grief, breaking down in tears as memories of a ‘VS moment’ in their lives came flooding back. Others raised clenched fists in a final red salute, shouting slogans such as ‘Oh brave VS!’ and ‘Long live VS!’. But the favourite among them, one that had been reserved for VS long ago, was ‘Oh dear VS, the rose flower in my heart’ (‘Kanne Karale VSey, Njangade Karalile Rosa Poovey’). The chants resonated deeply with the crowd, capturing the deep emotional bonds shared by the masses with their beloved leader.
Among the mourners, there were also people who had travelled from far-off districts to catch a final glimpse of the man they had long admired. “I am an admirer of VS’s speeches. He spoke the truth and gave us hope. There is none like him,” said a teary-eyed O P Sudharma who had come all the way from Malappuram.
When it was time for the late leader to bid his final adieu to the state capital, the overcast sky gradually cleared. Around 2.30 pm, the mortal remains were moved to a specially-arranged low-floor bus, with the side windows removed to allow the masses to see the body from both sides.
The procession took many hours to cross each point as it halted at many places with 52 scheduled halts along the way, ensuring that even those in the farthest corners could pay their respects. It took almost seven hours to cover 21 kms. The streets were lined with people who had come to say goodbye to the man whose life was a testament to struggle, resilience, and undying commitment to the people. For them, V S Achuthanandan will always remain a symbol of hope, strength, and the relentless pursuit of justice.