Thalasseri: A heartfelt tribute to the relentless fighter of perseverance, Pushpan (54), who transcended the ocean of suffering. Pushpan’s body was laid to rest at his home in Chokli Menapra at 5 PM after he dedicated his life to the illustrious struggle of Koothuparamba.
His body arrived in his birthplace of Chokli as part of a mourning procession from Kozhikode, having fought against life’s adversities with unwavering mental strength for three decades. Thousands lined up during public viewings in Kozhikode and Kannur to pay their last respects to their beloved leader. Tributes were offered by political leaders, public representatives, and leaders of various organizations.
Pushpan’s body, which was received from Baby Memorial Hospital in Kozhikode, arrived at the DYFI district committee office, Youth Center, on Saturday evening. The mourning procession set out from Kozhikode at 8 AM on Sunday. After public viewings at various locations including Elathur, Pookkad, Koyilandi, Nandi, Vadakara, Nadapuram Road, Mahi, Mahipal, and Punnol, the procession reached Kannur. Following public viewings in Thalassery Town Hall, Koothuparamba, Panur, Pookkom, Registries, and Chokli Ramavilasam School, Pushpan’s body was finally brought home, where the public came to bid farewell to their beloved leader.
On November 25, 1994, during the historic struggle of the DYFI, Pushpan stood against the UDF government’s corruption and commercialization of education, showing a black flag to Minister M.V. Raghavan. In the police firing that ensued, K.K. Rajeevan, K.V. Roshan, Shibulal, Babu, and Madhu became martyrs. Pushpan, then 24 years old, suffered a severe injury to his spinal cord from the gunfire. Despite enduring pain throughout his treatment and recovery, he meticulously observed contemporary political and social developments.
He lived in a house built by the DYFI. He was the son of deceased agricultural laborers Kunjikutty and Lakshmi. His siblings include Shashi, Rajan, Ajitha (Pullukkara), Janu, and Prakashan (Taluk Office, Thalassery).
