Veerendra Kumar was among the first in Kerala to talk about environmental protection: CM Satheesan

Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan was in Kozhikode to deliver a lecture in memory of the late socialist leader at an event organized by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on May 28, 2026. | Photo credit: K. Ragesh

Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan on Thursday (May 28, 2026) said late socialist leader and former Union minister MP Veerendra Kumar was among the first to talk about how human health is closely linked to the health of nature.

The Chief Minister was in Kozhikode to deliver a lecture in memory of Veerendra Kumar at an event organized by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

Mr Satheesan said the ‘One Health’ approach, which recognizes the interdependence of human, animal and environmental health, has gained momentum following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Veerendra Kumar highlighted the essence of this approach decades ago. “He was one of those political leaders who foresaw the dangers of climate change and the need to protect the environment much earlier. Veerendra Kumar always spoke about how humans are closely connected to nature.”

Veerendra Kumar: A Journey with Words

Kumar was also the first politician from Kerala to speak about environmental protection, Mr. Satheesan said.

“I was part of the United Democratic Front MLA group that championed such causes during the end of Oommen Chandy’s tenure as Chief Minister from 2011 to 2016. We were definitely inspired by Mr. Veerendra Kumar’s activities, including the agitation that eventually forced Coca Cola to close its Plachimada plant in Palakkad,” added Mr. Satheeskan.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas, filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad and RJD state president and Veerendra Kumar’s son MV Shreyams Kumar were among others present.

Published – 28 May 2026 20:14 IST