Latest news with #Onam
New Indian Express
14 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
V S Achuthanandan: A rebellious journey rooted in compassion
ALAPPUZHA: Even after becoming one of Kerala's most renowned communist leaders, V S Achuthanandan remained deeply rooted in his humble beginnings. He was born and raised at Venthalathara, his ancestral home in Paravoor, before building a house just a kilometre away, in Velikkakathu. VS married late, at the age of 44. On July 16, 1967, he married Vasumathi, a nurse at TD Medical College, Alappuzha. They built a modest home near his childhood house and raised two children, V A Arunkumar and V A Asha. An atheist and a staunch Marxist, VS was known for his deep compassion and his enduring connection with the people of his village. 'He never missed an Onam till 2018,' recalls Mani P K, a resident of Paravoor. 'Even when he was the CM, he found time to visit the village, share meals, and interact with everyone.' While his public speeches, especially in the 1990s, were fiery and aggressive, those who knew him personally remember a very different man. 'He was always kind, soft-spoken with the poor and the downtrodden. He never refused to help anyone. And he never did anything through the back door,' Mani adds. VS's commitment to the working class had roots in personal experience. The small tailoring shop his brother ran after his parents' death became an informal hub for labourers to discuss the injustices they faced at the hands of landlords, which angered VS. His brother was unaware, but VS had begun engaging with the underground Communist movement. At just 18, he left the shop and started his own tailoring unit at Kuttamangalam, Kainakary. It was here that his transformation into a trade unionist began. During the fabled Punnapra-Vayalar uprising, VS remained in hiding. When police stormed his home, it was the neighbours who misled the officers. 'Had they not intervened, none of them would have survived,' said Narayankutty, a resident. VS' life was a remarkable blend of rebellion and empathy. His sister Azhikutty, 95, and family live now in the ancestral home. His other sibling, V S Purushothaman, died several years ago.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Supplyco to make market intervention to rein in prices during Onam season: Minister G.R. Anil
The Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation (Supplyco) will make market intervention to ensure adequate supply of rice and coconut oil at reasonable price during this Onam. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Food and Civil Supplies Minister G.R. Anil at the Supplyco headquarters in Kochi on Monday (July 21, 2025). All essential items, including subsidised items, were available at the Supplyco outlets, Mr. Anil said, adding that efficient interventions were being made to ensure the availability of all essential items at low prices during the Onam season and to bring down the price of rice. Talks with FCI Direct discussions had been held with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) for procuring rice. Discussions would also be held with the Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, if need be, the Minister said. Vehicles would be deployed to supply rice and other essential items in the interiors. Food and Civil Supplies Secretary M.G. Rajamanikyam, Supplyco Managing Director Aswathy Sreenivas, and Supplyco managers attended the meeting.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
V.S. Achuthanandan, a leader who never forgot his roots
By the side of Pazhaya Nadakkavu Road at Paravur in Punnapra North grama panchayat in Alappuzha, Kerala, stands a modest house with a compound wall bearing a nameplate that reads 'V.S. Achuthanandan Velikkakathu'. A pall of gloom has descended over Velikkakathu and the surrounding region following the death of V.S. Achuthanandan, fondly known as Sakhavu V.S. (Comrade V.S.) among the masses. Hundreds visited the house in the hours following his demise at a hospital in Thiruvananthapuram to pay their respects. Though Mr. Achuthanandan had not visited the house since 2019 due to health issues, people in the region continue to cherish fond memories of him. 'My father and V.S. were very close. We used to visit him whenever he was at home. He would ask about everything. He was very gentle and always willing to help. He cared for all of us,' says Sethulal, a neighbour. No matter how busy he was, Mr. Achuthanandan would come to the Velikkakathu house for Thiruvonam. Whenever he was home, people from far and near would visit him, often seeking help and renewing old ties. The house also assumed political significance in February 2015, when he returned there after walking out of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] State conference in Alappuzha in protest against the scathing criticism directed at him by some delegates. He refused to meet the media and several sympathisers rushed to Velikkakathu, raising slogans in his support. Apart from visiting Velikkakathu, Mr. Achuthanandan would also visit the Venthalathara house, located about a kilometre away. It was at Venthalathara that he was born and raised along with his brothers, V.S. Gangadharan and V.S. Purushothaman, and their sister, Aazhikutty. Both Gangadharan and Purushothaman have passed away. Aazhikutty still lives at Venthalathara. 'She (Aazhikutty) used to call Achuthanandan Annan (elder brother). He would gift her Onapudava (new clothes given as gifts) every Onam. However, due to health issues, they (Achuthanandan and Aazhikutty) had not seen each other for quite some time,' says Parameswaran, a relative. According to Latheesh B. Chandran, a former member of his personal staff, the veteran leader shared a deep bond with his native place. 'He always stood with the poor and downtrodden. He was ready to listen to their problems and help resolve them,' Mr. Chandran says. Local residents used to celebrate Mr. Achuthanandan's birthday by cutting a cake and distributing payasam.
News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
‘Pookie Lal': Malavika Mohanan's Reaction On Hridayapoorvam's Teaser Is Too Cute
Last Updated: Hridayapoorvam's teaser shows a humorous interaction between Mohanlal's character and a non-Malayali fan of Fahadh Faasil (lovingly called 'Fafa'). Social media lit up this weekend after actress Malavika Mohanan affectionately called superstar Mohanlal 'Pookie Lal.' The charming nickname was given after the release of the teaser of their upcoming Onam release, Hridayapoorvam. The teaser, dropped on Saturday, has already racked up millions of views across platforms. It has been praised for a blend of humour, heartwarming scenes, and the quintessential Sathyan Anthikad touch. Now, co-star Malavika Mohanan also took to her social media to praise the veteran actor's character, adding to the buzz surrounding the highly anticipated film. Pookie Lal The teaser opens with a humorous interaction between Mohanlal's character and a non-Malayali fan of Fahadh Faasil (lovingly called 'Fafa"). When the fan gushes over Faasil's acting, Mohanlal responds with subtle wit. He even handed back the prasadam the fan had offered, earning laughs and applause for his impeccable comic timing. In the teaser, we can also see different facets of Mohanlal's innocent and sweet character in the film. Viewers were quick to point out Mohanlal's return to his classic form, with many describing the teaser as a 'return to vintage Lal," highlighting his effortless humour and childlike innocence. Directed by filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad, Hridayapoorvam marks a nostalgic reunion between the veteran filmmaker and Mohanlal—one of Malayalam cinema's most beloved actor-director duos. Their past collaborations include timeless hits such as Rasathanthram, Vinodayathra and Ennum Eppozhum, with the latter released nearly a decade ago in 2015. Hridayapoorvam features a stellar ensemble cast, including Malavika Mohanan, Sangeeth Prathap, Sangita, Siddique, Nishan, Baburaj, Lalu Alex and Janardhanan. The family entertainer is written by Akhil Sathyan, with the screenplay and dialogues by Sonu TP. Anu Moothedath handles cinematography, while music is composed by acclaimed Tamil composer Justin Prabhakaran. Backed by Antony Perumbavoor under the Aashirvad Cinemas banner, Hridayapoorvam is slated for a grand theatrical release this Onam, on August 28. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Kerala Khadi Board set to launch eco-friendly advocates' coats
KOZHIKODE: The Kerala Khadi and Village Industries Board is set to launch a new line of eco-friendly advocates' coats next month. The initiative will be introduced in the state first and then likely be expanded to other parts of the country in the coming months. The official launch of the khadi advocates' coat will be held at St Teresa's College in Ernakulam on August 19. Industries Minister P Rajeeve will inaugurate the initiative by presenting the first coat to Kerala Advocate General Gopalakrishna Kurup K. The event will coincide with the launch of the Khadi Board's Onam collection. The concept was inspired by the board's success in introducing khadi coats for doctors and nurses in government medical institutions. 'Following the launch of khadi overcoats for medical professionals, the Directorate of Medical Education issued a circular recommending their use in all government medical, dental and nursing colleges. The Medical Commission of India too supported the initiative. This encouraged us to explore similar attire for advocates,' said Khadi Board secretary K A Ratheesh. P Jayarajan, the vice-chairman of the board, and Ratheesh had met the AG on July 15 to discuss the feasibility of adopting khadi, a fabric known for its low carbon footprint, for advocates. In a discussion, the board officials highlighted the practical and health-related benefits of using khadi. 'Black coats traditionally worn by advocates can get extremely uncomfortable during summer and may lead to skin issues. Khadi, on the other hand, is breathable, skin-friendly and suitable for all weather conditions,' Ratheesh said. Meanwhile, a fashion show, showcasing the board's new line of digitally printed sarees and full Onam collection, will be held in collaboration with the fashion technology department of St Teresa's College on August 19. The Khadi Onam rebate sale will be held from August 1 to September 4, under the slogan 'Enikkum Venam Khadi' (I too want khadi). To promote sales, the board has announced customer rewards worth `25 lakh. Prizes include an electric car, 14 electric scooters, and Rs 5,000 cash awards for 50 customers, all to be distributed through a lucky draw.
