In a remarkable transition from disaster response to democratic duty, Vijayakumari N S, celebrated as the first civilian woman to brave the treacherous debris of the Wayanad landslide, has now stepped into the electoral arena. She is contesting as a candidate in ward 17 (Thazhe Arapetta) of Muppainad panchayat, bringing with her the same spirit of service that defined her heroic efforts during the calamity.
A Rescue Forged in Courage and Compassion
An anganwadi teacher by profession, Vijayakumari's moment of extraordinary courage came during the devastating landslide operations in Mundakkai and Chooralmala. She worked shoulder-to-shoulder with male rescuers and fire and rescue teams, playing a crucial role in the recovery and shifting of 17 bodies from the disaster site. This frontline experience, she says, is the very foundation of her decision to enter public life.
"Contesting elections is just a continuation of what I've always done," stated Vijayakumari, who previously served as a block panchayat member elected in 2015. Her motivation stems from a profound sense of duty, a quality that guided her through the grim disaster response and now propels her political journey.
From Shattered Dreams to a Life of Service
Vijayakumari's path to public service has been one of resilience. Once an aspirant for the police force, her dream was abruptly ended when her father tore up her police selection order. Undeterred, she channeled her desire to serve into anganwadi work. However, her commitment to frontline service never waned.
She expanded her contributions by volunteering with the district legal services authority, palliative care networks, and civil defence. Demonstrating remarkable versatility and discipline, she even earned a brown belt in karate. This multifaceted background paints a picture of a dedicated individual always prepared to step up for her community.
Electoral Battle in a Political Stronghold
Fielded by the CPM, Vijayakumari is contesting from ward 17, which is considered a stronghold of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). Interestingly, while she resides in ward 3, her party has placed its trust in her ability to connect with voters in this challenging constituency. She faces competition from IUML's Jasmin P and BJP's Smitha N.
Her campaign is deeply personal. "Many landslide-affected people are living in Muppainad and I see many familiar faces during the campaign," she noted, adding that their votes, however, remain in the Mundakkai-Chooralmala ward. The response from voters has been welcoming, and her promise is simple yet powerful: "I would be with them at all times."
Vijayakumari is not alone in this journey from volunteer to candidate. Another frontline hero from the same tragedy, Shyja Baby, a Kerala Sree awardee and ASHA worker, is also in the fray. Shyja, who served for days at the temporary morgue in Meppadi hospital helping identify around 100 bodies, is contesting from Attamala as an LDF candidate.
The entry of such grassroots heroes into the electoral process highlights a compelling narrative in Kerala's local politics, where direct experience in crisis management and community service is becoming a powerful credential for seeking public office.
