AIAWU observes first death anniversary of former Kerala CM Achuthanandan
The All India Agricultural Workers’ Union (AIAWU) observed the first death anniversary of veteran communist leader, former Kerala Chief Minister, and its founding member VS Achuthanandan at its central office at HKS Surjeet Bhawan in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Representatives and activists from several left-wing mass organisations, including the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Students' Federation of India (SFI), and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), gathered to pay floral tributes and recall his decades-long legacy of peasant and working-class struggles.
Addressing the gathering, leaders recalled the pivotal role played by Achuthanandan in spearheading agricultural workers' movements across Kerala, particularly his militant struggle for land rights, housing, and the protection of agrarian livelihoods.
Speakers highlighted his historic contribution following the enactment of the Land Reforms Act under the EMS Namboodiripad administration. Achuthanandan, alongside legendary communist icon AK Gopalan, led the nationwide movement for its immediate enforcement, including presiding over the historic January 1970 Alappuzha convention of farmers and agricultural labourers. His campaign to prevent the illegal conversion of paddy fields for non-agricultural purposes was also highlighted as a cornerstone of his agrarian legacy.
Prominent leaders attending the solemn event included B. Venkat, Vikram Singh, T Babumohanan, and Sahil from AIAWU; Vijoo Krishnan and P Krishnaprasad from AIKS; M Saibabu and KN Umesh from CITU; Sanjeev Kumar from DYFI; and Abdul Wahab and Gopika K Babu from SFI.
Extending their heartfelt condolences to the family members and comrades of the late Marxist stalwart, the participating unions pledged to carry forward his legacy and continue the struggle for social justice and land rights.
