THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: ‘You are the daughter of a labour leader…’it was only later that she realized the extent of what her father had said. V S Achuthanandan's daughter Dr V V Asha proudly recounted the old memory that revealed the strength of her father’s character.

Asha said that she received her research stipend for six months in 1991. She expressed her desire to buy a gold anklet with that money. When she told her father about it, his reply was ‘You are the daughter of a labour leader. Keep that in mind and buy if you want and wear it…’. With that, she kept aside her wish. She said later she bought one for her marriage.

A night during the emergency. Police surrounded the house and premises. ‘A seven-year-old got really scared. They came to arrest my father. After comforting my mother, my brother (Arun Kumar) and planting a kiss on my cheek, he went with the police. After a few days went to see her father at Poojappura Central Jail, gave him the orange she had in her hand. He accepted it happily and returned it to me, it is still before my eyes.’

Asha also remembers the exciting experience of visiting Ponmudi when studying for MSc in Thiruvananthapuram. ‘When expressed my desire to see Ponmudi, my father took us in an ambassador's car and reached the foothills of Ponmudi. This is Ponmudi, should be back in 10 minutes. After saying this, he went to participate in a programme along with his party workers.

Kamal Haasan starrer Sagarasangamam was running in jam packed houses at that time. My father, who liked only drama was not interested in films. However, he came with us. When we were enjoying the film, my dad was in deep sleep then. My father was tired after attending party meetings. We are taking care of our father with great care then and now,’ she said. There were tears in her eyes.