23-07-2025
V.S. Achuthanandan' s last journey draws thousands
At around 12.15 p.m. on Wednesday, the specially arranged bus carrying the mortal remains of former Chief Minister and senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader V.S. Achuthanandan entered Pazhaya Nadakkavu Road at Paravur in Punnapra North grama panchayat.
The cortege took more than 22 hours to cover a distance of around 150 km from Thiruvananthapuram to Paravur, as thousands lined the route to pay their last respects.
As the vehicle reached Velikkakathu, his house at Paravur, it was greeted by emotional cries of 'Kanne Karale from party workers and supporters. Amid a sea of mourners, his body was gently taken out of the bus and carried into the house, marking his final homecoming.
After a brief pause inside the house, the mortal remains were brought out and placed in the courtyard, allowing the public to offer their final tributes. What followed was a moving display of love and reverence for a leader who had devoted his life to the people.
Thousands had gathered, many arriving as early as Tuesday evening, some travelling from distant corners of the State and even beyond, to bid farewell. The queue of mourners waiting patiently to pay their respects stretched over two kilometres, bearing silent testimony to the deep emotional bond Achuthanandan shared with the masses he served for decades.
'I've seen many leaders come and go, but there was no one like V.S. He was one of us — simple, honest, and fearless. Today, as his body entered this road for the last time, it felt like a family member was returning home,' said Ramakrishnan K., a resident of Kuttamangalam in Kuttanad.
There were also people who had travelled from distant places. 'When we shouted 'Kanne Karale it came from our hearts. He stood for the poor, for justice, and never compromised. His memory will stay alive in every corner of Kerala,' said Abdul Hakkim from Valad in Wayanad.
From Velikkakathu, the mortal remains were taken to the CPI(M) Alappuzha district committee office around 2.45 p.m., where thousands more paid their respects. The body was later taken to Recreation Ground around 5.30 p.m. for the public to offer tributes. Despite heavy downpour, a large number of people turned out to say adieu to their beloved leader.
By the time the cortege reached Punnapra-Vayalar Martyrs' Memorial at Valiya Chudukkad around 9 p.m. the farewell had become a powerful and emotional moment in the collective memory of Alappuzha.
