THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dr VV Asha, the daughter of a prominent labour leader fondly recounted a revealing memory that highlighted the unwavering character of VS Achuthanandan.
In 1991, during her research, Asha received a stipend for six months. She wished to use that money to purchase a pair of anklets. However, when she expressed this desire her father's response was, "You are the daughter of a labour leader." With this reminder, her wish was set aside. She did eventually acquire the anklets for a wedding.
During the Emergency period, a night became unforgettable. Police surrounded their home. "I was a seven-year-old then. I got frightened as the police came to arrest my father. However, my father remained calm and went with the police after consoling my mother, me and my brother (Arunkumar). A few days later, I gave an orange to my father when we visited him at Poojappura Central Jail. I still remember him receiving the orange and returning it to me," Asha said.
Asha also recalled a unique experience while pursuing her MSc in Thiruvananthapuram. She and her family expressed a desire to visit Ponmudi. Her father, in his ambassador car, took them to the foothills but urged them to see Ponmudi within ten minutes before he joined a party event.
While watching the movie 'Sagarasangam' featuring Kamal Haasan at a time when cinemas were packed, Asha's father who preferred drama was less interested in films. Nevertheless, he accompanied them. As Asha and her mother enjoyed the film, they noticed her father peacefully asleep. He had been weary from party meetings. Asha mentioned, "We have always taken care of our father with immense love, then and now." Her eyes welled with tears as she spoke.