Quit India veteran ‘Socio’ Vasu dies in Keralam at 103

P. Vasu, whose participation in the Quit India Movement included leading a protest march from Kundaithodu to Cheruvannur, died at his residence in Cheruvannur in Kozhikode, Keralam, on Thursday (October 8, 2026). He was 103.

Role in the freedom movement

Popularly known as ‘Socio Vasu’, he was beaten and imprisoned by the British police for his participation in the Quit India Movement.

After Independence, Mr. Vasu joined the socialist movement and received party membership from Jayaprakash Narayan in Kozhikode.

His association with the socialist movement led to him being known as ‘Socio Vasu’.

In 1951, he declined 10 acres of land and ₹2,000 offered by the Madras Presidency to freedom fighters.

Explaining the decision, he said he had participated in the freedom struggle for the country’s independence and did not seek material benefits.

The decision reflected his stated position that participation in the freedom struggle should not be linked to personal benefits.

Protest during the Emergency

During the Emergency, Mr. Vasu participated in a protest by picketing post offices.

He was beaten by the police during the protest and remained hospitalised for nearly a month.

His participation in the Quit India Movement, his later association with the socialist movement and his protest during the Emergency marked different phases of his public life.

Felicitation in New Delhi

For his contributions to the freedom movement, he was felicitated in New Delhi in 1997 by then President K.R. Narayanan.

The report was published on October 08, 2026 10:33 am IST.

Source: The Hindu