Freedom fighter ‘Socio’ Vasu dies at 103 in Keralam

Veteran freedom fighter P. Vasu, popularly known as ‘Socio Vasu’, died at his residence in Cheruvannur in Kozhikode, Keralam, on Thursday (October 8, 2026). He was 103.

Mr. Vasu was a participant in the Quit India Movement and led a protest march from Kundaithodu to Cheruvannur. He was beaten and imprisoned by the British police for his participation in the movement.

After Independence, he joined the socialist movement and received party membership from Jayaprakash Narayan in Kozhikode. He came to be known as ‘Socio Vasu’ for his association with the socialist movement.

In 1951, he declined 10 acres of land and ₹2,000 offered by the Madras Presidency to freedom fighters. He said he had participated in the freedom struggle for the country’s independence and did not seek material benefits.

During the Emergency, he participated in a protest by picketing post offices. He was beaten by the police and remained hospitalised for nearly a month.

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