How Velikkakathu house ended up with VS Achuthanandan

ALAPPUZHA: Keralites with an ear for politics must have been hearing about Velikkakathu house for the past six decades. It is the first house that VS Achathanandan bought with his wife, Vasumathi. VS was born into the ‘Venthalatharayil’ house in Punnapra. ‘Velikkakathu’ house belonged to his brother Gangadharan. After Gangadharan’s death, his wife and children rented out the house and moved to Kalarcode.

At one stage, the thought of selling the house popped up, and it was Gangadharan's daughter Ponnamma who expressed interest in selling the house to her paternal uncle, V.S. Achuthanandan.

VS, who was actively into politics during those times, was an unlikely buyer as many thought he would not be interested in the proposal. However, after learning about the news, VS asked his wife, Vasumathi, to go and have a look at the house. Vasumathi, who was a nurse at Alappuzha Medical College, liked the house instantly. However, money proved to be an obstacle as the couple were not financially settled.

Gangadharan's wife and children handed over the house to VS Achuthanandan in 1968, with the assurance that the amount would be paid in instalments. Over the years, the house was renovated twice.

Gangadharan's children, Chidambaran, Peethambaran and Hemalatha, spoke highly of VS and the care he showed to them. Gangadharan’s two other children, Rajendran and Ponnamma, died long before. Chidambaran recalled the generosity of VS and Vasumathi and termed them as gems. Vasumathi never missed sending them new clothes during every Onam season. Even last year, the routine continued undisrupted.

In Photo: Chidambaran, Peethambaran and Hemalatha