Vice President pays tributes to freedom fighter

Kozhikode, Dec 26 (UNI) Vice-President Mohammed Hamid Ansari today paid rich tributes to Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja, who fought against the British, at a function to commemorate the 202nd Martyrdom Day celebrations here.

Addressing the gathering after giving away the Pazhassi Raja Memorial Awards, Mr Ansari said the Kerala Varma fought relentlessly against the alien powers with the help of tribals.

Ultimately, the British accomplished their mission by befriending his dependent who betrayed him and facilitated his final capture and death.

The function, presided over by State Governor R L Bhatia, was also addressed by Opposition Leader in the Assembly Oommen Chandy and Minister Benoy Viswam.

Awards were given to Former Union Minister S Krishna Kumar, Actor 'Bharat' Suresh Gopi, Vaidya Bhooshan Chrasekharan Nair and Journalist Johny Lucos among others.

The award for Former Supreme Court Justice V R Krishna Iyer was received by his aide Venkitaraman on his behalf.

UNI