Thousands bid farewell to beloved critic Sanoo Mash

Kochi: Kerala bid a final adieu to M K Sanoo, one of the most celebrated socio-cultural figures in the state, on Sunday. People from all walks of life, including dignitaries, visited several venues like ‘Sandhya', Sanoo's residence, and Ernakulam Town Hall and later at Ravipuram public crematorium, to catch a final glimpse of their beloved Sanoo Mash.The mortal remains were brought to ‘Sandhya' at Karikkamuri in the city from the hospital around 8.45am. Water resources minister Roshy Augustine, CPM state secretariat member M Swaraj, district secretary S Satheesh, Dr C K Ramachandran, writer K L Mohana Varma and literary critic Professor M Thomas Mathew were among those who arrived at the house to pay their last respects. Friends, colleagues and students gathered for a final farewell to their beloved teacher. ‘Sandhya', which earlier witnessed many creative conversations and gatherings, was left with a sea of memories as Sanoo departed.The body was later taken to Ernakulam Town Hall for the public to pay homage. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan reached the venue and paid his last tributes around 11.30am. District collector N S K Umesh laid the wreath on behalf of the state govt. Industries minister P Rajeeve, higher education minister R Bindu, agriculture minister P Prasad, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, Hibi Eden, MP, BJP leaders K S Radhakrishnan and A N Radhakrishnan were among those who paid their last respects at Town Hall.As his mortal remains were brought to Ravipuram public crematorium around 4.15pm, tears filled the eyes of those present and a gentle drizzle set the mood. Numerous prominent figures from political, social and cultural spheres came to pay their last respects. As family members tearfully bade goodbyes, many struggled to find words to comfort his children and relatives. CPM general secretary M A Baby, CPM state secretary M V Govindan, minister Rajeeve, agriculture minister P Prasad, CPM state secretariat member C N Mohanan and Satheesh carried the body to the pyre. The funeral was conducted with full state honours. A guard of honour was given by the police. His sons M S Ranjith and M S Haris, along with grandson Rohan, lit the pyre, as the mortal remains of the beloved teacher and mentor to thousands was consigned to flames.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes, messages and quotes !