Alappuzha: As VS Achuthanandan’s hearse reached his hometown, a powerful moment unfolded near his residence. Aira B Hamith, a Class 1 student, stood among the mourners and chanted fiery slogans in tribute to the veteran leader.

“The comrade who led us.
Who says you're gone? No. No.
You haven’t died.
You live through us — in our blood.
Son of the revolution.
Brave comrade.
Forever brave comrade.”

Malayala Manorama photographer Aravind Venugopal captured the visuals from the terrace of a house opposite Achuthanandan’s residence in Punnapra. The stirring chants from the six-year-old captured the spirit of the crowd and reflected the deep imprint Achuthanandan had left on generations.

A founding member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Achuthanandan was a lifelong champion of workers' rights, land reforms and social justice. He served as Kerala's Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011 and was elected to the state assembly seven times, serving three terms as Leader of the Opposition. The mourning procession started from Thiruvananthapuram's Durbar Hall around 2 pm on Tuesday, and entered Alappuzha district around 6.45 am on Wednesday. The procession had 27 halt points in Thiruvananthapuram and eight in Kollam.