On July 21, 2025, V.S. Achuthanandan, From a poor boy in a small village to the Chief Minister of Kerala, his journey was inspiring. This article tells the story of V.S. Achuthanandan in simple words. It shows how he became a hero for the common people of Kerala.
Early Life And Hard Beginnings
V.S. Achuthanandan was born on October 20, 1923, in Punnapra, a small village in Alappuzha, Kerala. His full name was Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan. His family was poor. His father, Sankaran, and mother, Accamma, worked hard to survive. When he was four, his mother died. At 11, his father passed away. Life became very tough. He had to stop school after the 7th grade. He worked in a tailoring shop with his brother. Later, he made ropes in a coir factory. These early struggles shaped his life. He saw how hard life was for poor workers. This made him want to fight for them.
VS Achuthanandan Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Caste, Wife
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Velikkakathu Sankaran Achuthanandan |
| Date of Birth | October 20, 1923 |
| Place of Birth | Punnapra, Alappuzha, Kerala |
| Family Background | Born to poor parents, Sankaran and Accamma. Mother died when he was 4, father died when he was 11. |
| Education | Studied up to 7th grade; stopped school due to poverty |
| Early Jobs | Worked in a tailoring shop and later in a coir factory making ropes |
| Political Start | Joined State Congress in 1938 at age 15; joined Communist Party of India (CPI) in 1940 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Key Political Roles | Member of CPI state secretariat (1957); helped form CPI(M) in 1964; joined CPI(M) Politburo in 1985 |
| Major Achievements | Led Alappuzha land struggle (1970); fought for Land Reforms Act; Chief Minister of Kerala (2006–2011) |
| As Chief Minister | Led anti-illegal land grab drives in Munnar; convicted corrupt minister R. Balakrishna Pillai; promoted free software in schools; improved tourism and IT sector |
| Environmental Work | Opposed big dams and nuclear plants; supported Adivasi and women workers; fought against water-wasting projects like Coca-Cola |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Personal Life | Lived simply and humbly; walked to Sabarimala temple at age 84 |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Legacy | Known as “Fidel Castro of Kerala”; symbol of courage and honesty; fought for workers, farmers, and nature; inspired generations |
Career
As a teenager, Achuthanandan saw the pain of workers in the coir factory. They worked long hours for little pay. This made him angry. He wanted change. In 1938, at 15, he joined the State Congress. He began working in trade unions. In 1940, he joined the Communist Party of India (CPI). He worked with a famous leader, P. Krishna Pillai. Together, they organized workers in Alappuzha. Achuthanandan fought for better wages and respect for workers. He also joined the freedom movement against British rule. During the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising in 1946, he fought against the Travancore rulers. He was arrested and tortured. He had wounds on his feet from bayonets. He spent over five years in jail and four years hiding from the police. His courage made him a leader among workers.
Rise In Politics
Achuthanandan’s hard work made him a strong leader. In 1957, he became a member of the CPI’s state secretariat. But in 1962, he faced a big challenge. During the India-China war, the CPI did not support Indian soldiers. Achuthanandan disagreed. He organized blood donation camps for soldiers. This made the party angry, and they removed him from the secretariat. In 1964, he helped form the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M). He was one of 32 leaders who left the CPI to start this new party. He became a key member of the CPI(M) Politburo in 1985. His strong beliefs made him stand out. He always spoke for the poor and against injustice.
A Leader for the People
Achuthanandan became a voice for farmers and workers. In 1970, he led the Alappuzha land struggle. He demanded that the government follow the Land Reforms Act of 1967. This act was meant to give land to poor farmers. His efforts helped many get land. He also fought against caste discrimination. He wanted equality for all. His speeches were simple but powerful. People loved him because he was honest. He lived a simple life. He never wanted money or power for himself. Even when he became a leader, he stayed humble. People called him the “Fidel Castro of Kerala” because of his strong ideals and love for the people.
Chief Minister of Kerala
In 2006, at the age of 82, Achuthanandan became the Chief Minister of Kerala. He was the oldest person to take this role. His time as Chief Minister was full of action. He fought against illegal land grabs in Munnar. He led a team to take back land from powerful people. This made him popular among the poor. He also fought against film piracy and the lottery mafia. He helped convict a corrupt minister, R. Balakrishna Pillai. Achuthanandan loved free software. He wanted schools in Kerala to use free software instead of costly ones. This saved money and helped students. He also improved tourism in places like Malampuzha and Ashtamudi. His work made Kerala’s IT sector grow faster than the rest of India. He served as Chief Minister until 2011.
A Fighter for Nature
Achuthanandan cared deeply about the environment. He believed nature belonged to everyone, not just the rich. In the 1980s, he opposed big dam projects and nuclear plants. He said they harmed Kerala’s land and water. He marched with Adivasi people in Muthanga. He supported women workers in Munnar. He also fought for people hurt by chemicals in Kasaragod. He spoke against projects like Coca-Cola that wasted water. He warned that malls and highways were hurting Kerala’s nature. Many leaders did not like his views. But he never stopped speaking the truth. His love for nature made him a hero for many.
Personal Life
Achuthanandan lived a simple life. He never wanted luxury. Even as Chief Minister, he stayed humble. He did not like the comforts of power. A writer, M. Kunhaman, said Achuthanandan felt uneasy in the Chief Minister’s chair. He lived for others, not himself. His home was simple. His clothes were plain. He walked to the Sabarimala temple at 84, refusing help. His discipline and honesty inspired many. People loved him because he was like them. He understood their struggles. He never forgot his roots as a poor worker.
Legacy And Final Days
Achuthanandan turned 100 in October 2023. Kerala celebrated his life. People called him a symbol of courage and truth. He died on July 21, 2025, in a hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. He had a cardiac arrest. For 28 days, he fought death, just as he fought for justice all his life. Thousands came to say goodbye. Leaders from all parties praised him. They said Kerala would never forget him. His life showed that one person can make a big difference. He fought for workers, farmers, and nature. He stood against corruption and greed. His legacy lives in every person who fights for what is right.
Why He Matters
V.S. Achuthanandan was more than a politician. He was a fighter for the poor. He was a voice for those who had none. His life was full of challenges, but he never gave up. He spent years in jail and hiding. He faced criticism from his own party. Yet, he stayed true to his beliefs. He showed that leaders can be honest and simple. He proved that power is for helping others, not for personal gain. His work changed Kerala. He made it more equal and just. Young people can learn from him. He teaches us to stand for truth, even when it is hard.
Conclusion
V.S. Achuthanandan’s life was a story of struggle and hope. From a poor boy in Punnapra to a beloved leader, he never stopped fighting. He loved Kerala and its people. He cared for nature and justice. His simple life and strong heart made him special. When he died at 101, Kerala cried for him. But his ideas live on. He showed us that one person can change the world with courage and honesty. V.S. Achuthanandan will always be remembered as Kerala’s true hero.