Kerala Pays Heartfelt Tribute to V.S. Achuthanandan

Quick Summary

• V.S. Achuthanandan,former Kerala Chief Minister and senior communist Party of India (Marxist) leader,was cremated with full State honours at Valiya Chudukkad in Alappuzha on July 23,2025.
• The funeral took place at the punnapra-vayalar Martyrs’ Memorial site at 9:15 p.m., a meaningful location for Kerala’s communist history.
• His cortege traveled from thiruvananthapuram to Alappuzha over a span of more than 22 hours,passing through multiple towns where thousands lined the roads to pay tribute.
• Heavy rain did not deter thousands of mourners who gathered throughout the journey and at the cremation site.
• Achuthanandan’s son, V.A Arunkumar, lit the funeral pyre. Family members including his wife Vasumathi were present during his final rites.
• Prominent figures such as Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI(M) leaders along with other ministers and representatives from across political divides attended to pay their respects.

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Indian Opinion Analysis

V.S. Achuthanandan’s funeral marks the end of an era for Kerala’s Left politics and its strong ancient ties to communist ideology rooted in movements like Punnapra-Vayalar. Being laid to rest amidst memorials of legendary socialist leaders underscores his significance within this lineage.

The unprecedented turnout by both citizens and political leaders reflects deep respect for his contributions as a stalwart figure known for unapologetically championing people-centric governance during turbulent times in Kerala’s political history. Despite ideological differences among attendees, their presence highlights Achuthanandan’s ability to transcend party lines in public memory.

The event serves not just as a farewell but also as a reminder of how closely intertwined regional identity remains with ideological commitments-particularly Left ideology-in parts like Alappuzha. Looking forward, such moments reflect on how leadership rooted in integrity can leave legacies that resonate broadly across generations.

Images:

1. !1200/11073237202521583524TVAL29VS.JPG”>Punnapra-Vayalar Site
2. ![Family Farewell](https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/uh0q3q/article69847856.ece/alternates/FREE1200/110732372025185741%