NewKerala.com

VS Achuthanandan's Family Hints at Rejecting Posthumous Padma Vibhushan

V.A. Arunkumar, son of late Communist stalwart V.S. Achuthanandan, has strongly indicated the family may not accept the posthumous Padma Vibhushan conferred by the government. He stated the decision will align with his father's Communist ideals and the party's historical position against accepting state honours. This follows a long tradition of CPI(M) leaders like E.M.S. Namboodiripad and Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee rejecting similar awards. The family believes Achuthanandan's place in the hearts of the people is a greater honour than any official recognition.

Key Points: VS Achuthanandan's Son Hints at Padma Vibhushan Rejection

  • Family may reject award
  • Upholds Communist party's stance
  • Historical precedent of rejections
  • Honour seen as people's recognition
3 min read

Achuthanandan's son hints Padma Vibhushan might not be accepted

V.S. Achuthanandan's son suggests the family may reject the posthumous Padma Vibhushan, upholding the Communist party's long-standing stance against state honours.

"The movement he represented had a clear political stand on accepting such official honours. - V.A. Arunkumar"

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 5

V.A. Arunkumar, son of legendary Communist leader V.S. Achuthanandan, has dropped strong hints that the Padma Vibhushan award conferred posthumously on his father might not be accepted by the family.

On Thursday night, taking to his social media account, Arunkumar posted the January 29-dated letter from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs informing him of the award conferred on his father.

However, in his brief note, he wrote: "We have been informed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs that a decision has been taken to confer one of India's highest civilian honours, the Padma Vibhushan, on my late father, V.S. Achuthanandan. I am sharing below the letter received today in this regard."

"The love and respect that the people have consistently shown towards V.S., who walked alongside Kerala's public life for decades through mass struggles and unwavering political positions, has always been a great source of strength for us. We view this honour as a recognition of his public life."

"However, the movement he represented had a clear political stand on accepting such official honours. As a Communist, he always firmly upheld those values and party decisions. The family's decision on this matter will be in keeping with my father's ideals and the party's position."

"We believe that the place V.S. holds in the hearts of the people is greater than any award. We express our gratitude for the affection and respect the people continue to bestow upon him."

The note written by Arunkumar assumes significance in the backdrop of the party's past positions.

During the Narasimha Rao government, veteran Communist leader E.M.S. Namboodiripad declined the Padma Vibhushan in line with party policy.

In 1996, when the United Front government explored conferring the Bharat Ratna on then West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu, both Basu and the CPI(M) conveyed in advance that the honour would not be accepted, leading to the proposal being dropped.

Similar positions were taken in the cases of Harkishan Singh Surjeet and, more recently, former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, who rejected the Padma Bhushan in 2022.

Party sources point out that earlier rejections were rooted in the belief that Communists work for social change and not for awards, and that state honours represent recognition from the ruling establishment.

They added that with Arunkumar making his stand clear, it is only a matter of time before the party formally clarifies its position.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I respect their right to follow party ideology, it feels like a missed opportunity for national recognition. Achuthanandan served the public for decades. Can't an award just be an award, separate from politics?
P
Priya S
Fully support the family's decision. EMS, Jyoti Basu, Surjeet... the line is clear. Communists work for the masses, not for awards from the "establishment." This consistency is admirable.
A
Arun Y
The note from his son is so dignified. He acknowledged the honour respectfully but made the party's and his father's stand clear. VS was a legend of Kerala politics. His place in history is secure.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see this ideological purity in action. In many countries, accepting a state honor posthumously is seen as a tribute to the family as much as the individual. The political symbolism here is very strong.
K
Kavya N
Whether one agrees with the ideology or not, you have to respect the commitment. They are putting principles before prestige. In today's time, that's rare. Hats off to the family for handling this with such grace.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50