UAE: Malayalis recall former Kerala CM VS Achuthanandan's support for struggling expats
Achuthanandan, who served as Kerala's Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011, passed away on Monday at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) at the age of 101.
A towering figure in Kerala's political landscape, the veteran communist leader and freedom fighter was widely admired for his iron will, incisive rhetoric, and unwavering commitment to social justice.
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Despite visiting the UAE only once, his legacy has left a lasting imprint on the Malayali diaspora. Speaking to Khaleej Times, O.V. Mustafa, Director of NORKA Roots, highlighted Achuthanandan's pivotal role in addressing the needs of expatriate Malayalis, especially the working-class population in the Gulf.
'He was always an ardent supporter of the Kerala diaspora,' said Mustafa, who has lived in the UAE for over 40 years. 'You may be aware it was the government before him, under T.K. Nair, that set up NORKA — Non-Resident Keralites Affairs — as a department. But when V.S. became Chief Minister, one of his earliest decisions, in line with the Left Democratic Front's (LDF) election manifesto, was to introduce a pension scheme for Malayali expatriates, especially those in the lower income bracket.'
'In 2007, the first such scheme was launched through NORKA Roots under his leadership. It provided a modest monthly pension of Rs500 (approximately Dh22) to members who subscribed. For the first time, these expatriates received a pension, including arrears,' Mustafa added.
He emphasised that Achuthanandan was never a passive figurehead. 'Whenever we faced challenges, he worked through the Government of India and involved the missions here to help resolve them. He was always there. I've seen him many times, and he was always curious to know about the real conditions of workers in the Gulf — their rights, their wellbeing.'
Mustafa recalled how Achuthanandan would zero in on the most pressing issues. 'The first thing he would ask was about the challenges faced by ordinary workers. Whenever he took up a cause, he ensured it reached its logical end. He never left things halfway. He was one of those rare people who would study a subject thoroughly, take it up, and then deliver on his promise. His focus was always on the marginalised — whether they were, in Kerala or abroad.'
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