Kozhikode, Kerala: The 6th death anniversary of socialist leader, writer and journalist MP Veerendra Kumar is being observed across Kerala on Thursday.

Remembered as a leader who consistently stood for people and environmental causes, Veerendra Kumar was also widely respected as an acclaimed speaker, author and former Chairman and Managing Director of Mathrubhumi. His speeches and writings had long held a special place in Kerala’s public discourse.

To mark the occasion, the MP Veerendra Kumar National Thought Leadership Award presentation ceremony and memorial lecture will be held at the Kandamkulam Muhammed Abdurahiman Sahib Memorial Jubilee Hall in Thali at 11 am.

Former Union Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh will deliver the memorial lecture. The Thought Leadership Award instituted by Mathrubhumi in memory of Veerendra Kumar will be presented to Sunitha Krishnan, co-founder of Prajwala, for her work against human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The award, comprising a sculpture, citation and cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, will be presented by former Madras High Court judge Justice K. Chandru.

Mathrubhumi Chairman and Managing Editor PV Chandran will preside over the function, while Managing Director MV Shreyams Kumar will deliver the welcome address. Joint Managing Editor PV Nidhish will welcome the gathering, and Director (Digital Business) MS Mayura will propose the vote of thanks.

RJD memorial meeting today

The Kerala unit of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) will also organise a memorial meeting in honour of MP Veerendra Kumar on Thursday.

Chief Minister VD Satheesan will inaugurate the event, which will be chaired by RJD state president MV Shreyams Kumar.

The programme will begin at 2.30 pm at the Jubilee Hall. Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas and filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad will deliver speeches at the event.