For Kochiites, A K Seshadri, the city’s first Mayor, is nothing short of a visionary. As the man who initiated various development projects in the city turns 80, there is indisputable that it was his initiatives and ideas that formed the foundation of the present Kochi.
It was Seshadri who put forth the idea of constructing a bus stand at Kaloor along with a shopping complex. The area where the bus stand is located was a waste dumping yard then. He also arranged bus services in consultation with the transport officials and bus owners.
Apart from being the first Mayor of the Kochi Municipal Corporation, Seshadri also holds the credit for being the youngest person to assume the office of Mayor.
He was just 32 years when he held the post and was also the last chairman of erstwhile Ernakulam Municipality. Kochi Corporation was formed in 1967 by merging municipalities of Fort Kochi, Mattanchery and Ernakulam. Seshadri who was the then chairman of Ernakulam Municipality became the Mayor.
Born to Seshadri Krishna Iyer and Pachanayaki Ammal at Ayiloor in Palakkad district, Seshadri was brought up in Ernakulam. His father Krishna Iyer was a leading criminal lawyer in Ernakulam Bar.
Seshadri, who studied at SRV School and Maharaja’s College, followed the footsteps of his father and graduated from Ernakulam Law College and began practice as a junior to his father. He was active in the socio-cultural activities and went on to become the office-bearers of various organisations.
Later, he was elected to the then Ernakulam Municipality and became its chairman. He contested as an independent candidate in the election.
It was Seshadri who took the initiative to construct Ambedkar stadium and the jhankar service.
He, however, does not conceal his disappointment for not being able to proceed the project for a waste treatment plant at Chilavannoor. “It was not realised due to protest from certain members,” said Seshadri. He is of the opinion that still there is no timely execution of projects though funds and proposals are aplenty. An ardent fan of football, Seshadri also was the office bearer of the Kerala Football Association in early 70’s and later the vice-president of All-India Football Federation.
When Kochi played host to the Santosh Trophy Tournament for the first time, Seshadri was there as the main organiser of the event.
And to honour the veteran, various organisations have decided to accorded him a reception on March 27 at Gouri Kalyanamandapam.