MUSCAT : The Indian expatriate community in Oman is mourning the passing of V. S. Achuthanandan, the former Chief Minister of Kerala and a revered veteran communist party leader, who died on Monday, July 21, at the age of 101.

Paying tribute to the leader, Jabir reflected on his bond with the grand doyen of Kerala’s communist party. “Comrade VS has passed away. I had kept a close relationship with him ever since he came to Muscat in the late 90s,” Jabir recounted.

“He came to Muscat and he was our guest for almost three, four days. And ever since I had kept a close relationship with him. I had the privilege to be Non-Resident Keralite’s Affairs (NORKA) welfare board member during his tenure. He made me the NORKA director during his tenure.”

Jabir also recalled a personal moment of honour: “I had the privilege to give him an award in 2000 at a Muscat function.” He concluded his tribute by stating, “We deeply miss comrade Vyas, who was a fighter till his death.”

Fondly known as VS, Achuthanandan served as the Chief Minister of Kerala from 2006 to 2011. At 82 years old when he first assumed the office, he held the distinction of being the oldest person to have taken on the role of Chief Minister in Kerala’s history. His passing marks the end of an era for many, both in Kerala and among the global Malayali diaspora, including those in Oman who held him in high regard.

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