MP Veerendra Kumar 84th Birthday: Venkaiah Naidu, Rahul Gandhi, Others Pay Virtual Tribute To Legendary Parliamentarian

Vice president M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the event and delivered a keynote address in memory of the legendary socialist Veerendra Kumar.

(File Photos/Getty)

New Delhi: A successful politician, parliamentarian, an author and orator par excellence, late M. P. Veerendra Kumar was a man of many roles. Former CMD of Malayalam national daily Mathrubhumi, Veerendra Kumar was a renowned environmentalist and media personality who breathed his last on May 28, 2020.  In his memory, a virtual tribute has been organised to commemorate legendary leader M. P. Veerendra Kumar's 84th birthday on Wednesday, July 22. The event titled ‘M. P. Veerendra Kumar - A Virtual Tribute’ was livestreamed on Mathrubhumi’s Facebook page and YouTube from 6.30 PM. Hosted by renowned economist, Jairam Ramesh M.P delivered the opening remarks and an introduction, followed by a heartwarming three minute video depicting the journey of Veerendra Kumar. Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the event and delivered a keynote address in memory of the legendary socialist and the press baron. "It is an emotional moment for me today as we connect here to remember Veerandra Kumar who left us for heavenly board few months ago," Vice President said. "He was a multi facet personality, a politician, prolific writer, journalist and environmentalist. In his journalistic role and as member of various media bodies, Kumar pioneered the various campaigns over freedom of press," added Naidu. Further in the event, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi delivered a short remark saying that he shares an indirect connection with the 'immortal leader of Wayanad’. "I understand where he got the sense of environment. Wayanad is place with forests, people, multiple cultures and communities all living together. That is something I share with him. Today on his 84th birthday, I feel sad that I didn't have the opportunity to ask him abut his feeling about Wayanad and Kerala," Gandhi said. Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan spoke on Veerendra Kumar as the 'true secular’, while CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechuri in his speech described Kumar as a 'true parliamentarian’. Mizoram Governor P. S. Sreedharan Pillai was also present at the virtual tribute whete he delivered a personal note. The event organised by Mathrubhumi was also attended by some famous celebrities including actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam president Kamal Haasan, actress and former MP Jayaprada and environmental activist Vandana Shiva, who shared their experiences, incidents and thoughts over late Kumar. From the media fraternity, famous journalist N. Ram, former INS president and former PTI chairman H. N. Cama, and International Advertising Association global chairman Srinivasa Swamy were also spoke of their memorable moments and experiences with Kumar. Towards to the end of the event, Mathrubhumi chairman and managing editor P. V. Chandran delivered the vote of thanks.