THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It was a quiet birthday for V.S. Achuthanandan as he turned 93 on Thursday. Born on October 20, 1923, Mr Achuthanandan is the seniormost Communist leader in the country today. A stream of visitors wished the nonagenarian leader at his official residence “Kawdiar House”. After his morning routine, he went to attend the ongoing session of Assembly. As he walked up to his seat in the front rows of the House, fellow legislators extended greetings.
Speaker P. Sreeramakrishnan made the formal announcement on Mr Achuthanandan turning 93 amidst thumping of desks from both Treasury and Opposition benches. After returning to his residence from Assembly, the veteran cut a cake to mark the birthday. This was followed by a simple “sadhya” along with family members. Known for his highly disciplined life style, he never skips his morning walk, exercise, yoga and sun bath to keep himself fit. For his age, Mr Achuthanandan is healthy, agile, alert.
The veteran who used to get up at 4 am has now delayed it by half an hour owing to family pressure. On many occasions he has himself stated that the secret of his health was disciplined lifestyle and food habits. After waking up, he drinks a glass of tender coconut water. Goes for a 30 minute walk at the university stadium or Assembly complex. This is followed by yoga and sun bath.
Breakfast often comprises idli, appam idiapam dosha either with sambar or chutney.
Now on doctors advise he has added egg white. It is followed by mixed juice of carrot, beet root, coriander leaves, ivy gourd, peeper and cumin. Lunch is at sharp 1 pm which includes rice and vegetables. After a short nap, he relishes vegetable juice. In the evening, he goes for a 30-minute walk at the university stadium. Dinner is very simple two three pieces of pappaya and two bananas. A daily routine health check is carried out by his son in law who is a doctor. He hits the bed at 9 pm daily.
