V.S. Achuthanandan, not just a leader but a legacy

Comrade V.S. or Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan was the oldest living communist in India. I first saw him up close in 1970 at a Communist Party of India (Marxist) political meeting at the Kollam railway station ground.

Back then, he had a solid, well-built physique. His speeches, delivered with expressive hand gestures and vigorous body movements, demanded great physical effort. Often drenched in sweat by the end, his signature jubba, clinging to his body, created an unforgettable image that has stayed with me ever since.

After the Emergency, during the run-up to the 10th Party Congress, I became a member of the CPI(M) Kollam district committee. This gave me the opportunity to observe comrade VS more closely, particularly his leadership role. Initially, I found him to be extremely stern and strict.