Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 31 July 2023
Former Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Vakkom Purushothaman, passed away at the age of 96 at his residence in Kumarpuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on 31st July 2023. His demise has left the nation mourning the loss of a prominent leader and administrator.
Mr. Vakkom Purushothaman had a remarkable political career, serving as the 6th Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands from 19th March 1993 to 18th March 1996. During his tenure, he earned recognition for spearheading the rapid development of the island territory.
Beyond his tenure as Lt. Governor, Mr. Purushothaman held several esteemed positions in public service. He served as the Governor of Mizoram and had a brief stint as the Governor of Tripura. Moreover, his contributions to the state of Kerala were significant, as he served as the Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly during two separate periods: from 1982 to 1984 and again from 2001 to 2004.
Throughout his political journey, Mr. Purushothaman occupied various ministerial roles in the Kerala Government under the leadership of different Chief Ministers. In 2006, he even held the office of Chief Minister of Kerala for a brief period.
His dedication and commitment to public service extended to the national level, as he was elected to the Lok Sabha for two terms.
The news of Mr. Vakkom Purushothaman’s passing has elicited an outpouring of grief and condolences from all segments of society. His exemplary leadership, dedication, and achievements have left an indelible mark on the regions he served, and his demise is deeply mourned by the entire nation.
As the nation pays tribute to this beloved leader, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations to serve the country with passion and integrity.