R. Nallakannu’s Final Act of Humanity: Body Donated to Medical College

Chennai, February 26: In death as in life, veteran Communist leader R. Nallakannu remained true to his ideals of service and selflessness. The 101-year-old stalwart of the Communist Party of India passed away at 1.55 pm yesterday, following a prolonged illness. In accordance with his long-expressed wish, his body will be donated to the Madras Medical College for medical research and academic purposes.

Nallakannu had been admitted to the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital on February 1 after suffering from kidney-related ailments, high blood pressure and complications that left him unable to swallow food. He was under intensive care, monitored by a team of specialists. On February 23, his condition deteriorated sharply, leading to his demise on Wednesday afternoon.

Following his death, his mortal remains were placed at the CPI’s Balana Illam office on Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Road in T. Nagar for the public to pay homage. Party cadres, leaders from various political formations, family members, friends and members of the public gathered in large numbers to offer their respects.

After full State honours this afternoon, his body will be taken in a procession and handed over to the authorities at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital and Madras Medical College in Chennai Central, fulfilling his final wish to contribute to medical education.

It may be recalled that Nallakannu had celebrated his 101st birthday on December 26 last year — a rare milestone in a life that spanned nearly nine decades of public engagement and political activism.

The CPI has announced seven days of mourning across its offices, with party flags to be flown at half-mast. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) will observe mourning for three days.

Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum.

Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan, in a message posted on X, said he was deeply saddened by the news of Nallakannu’s passing, describing his life of sacrifice and struggle as one that would remain etched in public memory.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the departed leader would be remembered for his close association with the grassroots and for consistently raising his voice for the rights of workers, farmers and the underprivileged. He noted that Nallakannu was widely respected across sections of society and that his simplicity was equally remarkable.

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described Nallakannu’s life as a rare example of integrity, humility and unwavering commitment to the poor. For nearly nine decades, he said, the veteran leader stood firm for justice and dignity.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, in his condolence message, termed Nallakannu an uncompromising fighter who dedicated the better part of his life to the freedom of the nation and the welfare of the working class. He recalled the late leader’s enduring friendship with M. Karunanidhi, and noted that Karunanidhi had honoured him with the Ambedkar Award during his tenure. Stalin added that it was his privilege to have conferred the Thagaisal Tamizhar award on Nallakannu on behalf of the DMK government.

“We lived in the same era as Nallakannu — that itself is a matter of pride,” the Chief Minister said, recalling that the veteran leader had donated the prize money from awards he received to the party and for public causes. “He never saw himself as separate from the movement; he lived as the movement itself.”

Nallakannu’s passing marks the end of an era in Tamil Nadu’s Left politics — a life defined by ideological conviction, personal austerity and an unwavering commitment to the working poor. Even in death, he chose to serve.