Through the demise of Anathalavattam Anandan, we have lost a sincere leader who sacrificed his life for the labour movement till his last breath. Even when he was about to be defeated by age and illness, the warrior in him was not ready to give up. At the age of eighty-six, he bids farewell to his career spanning seven decades.

Therefore, everyone is very familiar with the various sectors of the labour movement that bear his signature. He was active in the trade union and social spheres as much as many others could not. Even at the peak of the disease, he did not hesitate to raise his voice for the interests of the workers and join them in leading the struggle. This magnanimity of character did not help him at all in winning the affections of even his adversaries.

Anandan's is a personality that will never be forgotten by labour movements in the state. His life is composed of many colorful chapters of fighting for their interests. He has not hesitated to confront the ministers of his own party and front in this regard. People saw Anandan as a tireless fighter in channel discussions. He was able to present opinions and positions in a way that did not leave room for ambiguity and was able to neutralize the opposing side with irrefutable arguments.

While working in the field of trade union, Anandan also showed a distinct personality in politics and was a member of the legislature three times. Many people still remember his performance in the assembly. His style was to study and present subjects. Anandan came to the House after defeating Vakkam Purushotham once in the Attingal assembly constituency. Before becoming a member of the legislature, he also served as president of Chirayinkeezhu Panchayat.

As the state leader of CITU, his struggles in the trade union arena in the state are memorable. He was careful to be a disciplined party leader even while fighting with the ruling class on behalf of the workers. As a capable leader in the parliamentary arena, he was acceptable to the opposition. Despite being a very capable leader, for some reason he could not rise from the organizational level to the administrative level. Perhaps this will remain a disadvantage in long-term operational fields.

Anandan was always at the forefront of fulfilling the living needs of the coastal people. He could not imagine a life without them. Like a member of the 'Kerala Kaumudi' family, Anandan has always been our benefactor and a leader who stood by us. His demise is like the loss of a loved one. We share this grief with his bereaved family.