A N RAJAN

A. N. Rajan, the Founder President of the IT and Allied Employees Confederation (ITEC) and a native of Vadakunnapuzha in Kottayam, was a leader who rose to the forefront of the labour movement while serving as an employee of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB).

He held several key positions, including State President of the Kerala Electricity Workers Federation and Additional General Secretary of the All India Electricity Employees Federation. He played a pivotal role in building strong and effective trade unions in the IT sector as well as among private hospital employees.

He also left a lasting imprint through his public service as a Member of the Thrissur District Panchayat and as the first Syndicate Member of the Kerala Technological University.

We honour the contributions of these trade union leaders who dedicated their lives to the upliftment of the working class.

A N RAJAN AWARD

Thavam Balakrishnan

Revolutionary of the Struggle Path

Thavam Balakrishnan, a native of Thavam in Kannur district, entered public life as a worker in a weaving shed after discontinuing his studies at the age of 13. Beginning with organizing weaving workers, his activities later became a driving force behind several major struggles, including the Chakkittapara agitation.

He became a member of the Communist Party of India (CPI) in 1963. Later, he served as a CPI(M) branch secretary and, for a period, was also actively involved in the Naxalite movement. As part of this involvement, he endured imprisonment for nearly four years.

Subsequently, along with Kanthalot Kunjambu, he returned to the CPI and played a decisive role in building the AITUC movement in Kannur district. The historic 80-day struggle led under his leadership to regularize workers of the Bharat Plywood Company stands as a landmark in the labour movement.

Currently, he holds leadership positions in several unions and continues to remain active in organizational work. His wife is Radha, and his children are Bindu, Indu, and Nimmi.

3rd Award 2025

Adv.V.Mohandas

2nd Award 2024

Advocate.V.Mohandas is a prominent leader in the trade union movement and has played an important role in strengthening AITUC related organisations. He has provided strong leadership and guidance to ITEC and has continuously supported workers' struggles and welfare initiatives.

Through his legal expertise and commitment to social justice, he has stood firmly with employees in protecting their rights and ensuring fair treatment. His interventions in labour related issues, disputes, and negotiations have helped many workers secure justice.

Adv. V. Mohandas is known for his dedication, courage, and integrity in public life. His contribution to the trade union movement and to the empowerment of workers remains highly valuable and respected.

K P Rajendran

1st Award 2022

K. P. Rajendran, former Revenue Minister of Kerala and the State General Secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress (All India Trade Union Congress), is a respected leader known for his lifelong commitment to workers’ rights and social justice. With decades of experience in public service and the trade union movement, he has played a key role in strengthening labor organizations across the state and advocating for fair governance. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the working class and his leadership in the union movement, K. P. Rajendran was honored as the first recipient of the A. N. Rajan Award, marking a proud moment in the history of the award and the labor movement.