Punnapra–Vayalar Commemoration Concludes With Tributes to Martyrs

Alappuzha: The week-long commemoration of the historic Punnapra‑Vayalar Uprising concludes today, honouring the martyrs who laid down their lives in the struggle for the liberation of their homeland.
As part of the observance of Vayalar Day, this morning a torch relay (Deepashikha relay) commenced from the Martyrs’ Column at Valiyachudukad and will proceed to the Martyrs’ Memorial at Vayalar, where the brave fighters made the ultimate sacrifice. Veteran CPI(M) leader G. Sudhakaran lit the ceremonial torch at Valiyachudukad and handed it over to participating athletes.
Accompanied by hundreds of vehicles, the relay set out towards Vayalar, receiving receptions at various points en route. The procession is scheduled to reach the Vayalar Martyrs’ Memorial by noon, where floral tributes will be laid in memory of the fallen. Thousands of descendants of the Punnapra-Vayalar combatants are expected to be present at the memorial.
This year’s commemoration carries added significance, being the first Punnapra-Vayalar remembrance week since the passing of veteran leader V. S. Achuthanandan, who actively participated in this historic struggle and passed away in July at the age of 101.
At 2 pm, the programme includes the Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Literary Conference. The closing public meeting will begin at 5 pm, inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Senior party leaders, including CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam, will be in attendance. On the occasion, the Chief Minister will also release the “Punnapra-Vayalar Freedom Fighters Directory,” a compilation of the names and details of those who took part in the uprising.