AK Antony turns 84
If a question arises about a politician who remained free from corruption while holding key positions, the name of former Chief Minister AK Antony can be confidently mentioned. In an era where the power of money often prevails, this is no small feat. If a new generation of politicians is rising with the sense of prioritizing the nation and people's welfare over money, then AK Antony's life serves as a textbook for them. Since his time in the Kerala Students' Union (KSU), he has adhered to values that have remained steadfast. His most significant belief is in leading an incorruptible and selfless public life. Not only has this belief remained unshaken with the passing years, but it has only gained strength over time. Today, December 28, marks the birth anniversaries of both the Congress Party and AK Antony. To put it poetically, it is the 84th birthday of someone who has witnessed a thousand full moons.
"I don't celebrate my birthdays. Since childhood, I have never been interested in birthday celebrations. While celebrating the party's birth anniversary at AICC headquarters in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi used to insist on me cutting the cake. Since I am in Kerala now, I will participate in the party's birth anniversary celebration at Indira Bhavan," this was Antony's response regarding his birthday.
AK Antony was born on December 28, 1940, in Cherthala, as the son of Arackaparambil Kurian and Elikkutti. He made his entry into politics through KSU's 'Orana Samaram' movement in the late 1950s. Antony's idealistic political stance remains his hallmark characteristic even to this day. In 1977, at the age of 37, Antony became the Chief Minister of Kerala, setting a record as the youngest Chief Minister in the state's history, a record that still stands. He became Chief Minister again in 1995 and 2001. He also served as a Union Minister for almost ten years over three terms. He is still a senior member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC). Above all, AK Antony is the most experienced and respected political leader currently alive in India. While many contemporary leaders who have held similar positions spend their twilight years in luxury, Antony's reality is quite different—he lives a simple life, managing the financial struggles of an ordinary person in his home, 'Anjanam,' in Vazhuthacaud.
R Shankar once said that no chair he sat on was bigger than himself. AK Antony never made any such statements. However, through his actions, he has often proven that no chair he held was bigger than his firm, dharma-based beliefs. After the Emergency, following the defeat in the 1977 Lok Sabha elections, he resigned from the position of Chief Minister in protest against the All India Congress Committee’s decision to support Indira Gandhi in the Chikkamagaluru election. This event marked the moment when AK Antony began to gain national attention. Though he eventually returned to Indira's camp, his strength has only grown over the years, and it remains undiminished even now.
Antony, who has cherished a close connection with Kerala Kaumudi since the era of its founder-editor K Sukumaran, continues to uphold that strong relationship. His pivotal role in bringing then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as the chief guest for Kerala Kaumudi's centenary celebrations remains noteworthy. On his 84th birthday, we extend our heartfelt wishes to AK Antony for a long and healthy life.