Kochi, 13 Feb (H.S.):Jason Panikulamkara, a senior national committee member of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), noted environmental activist, and the long-time leader of the Kathikudam Samara Samithi, passed away on Thursday at the age of 66. He had been undergoing treatment for a liver ailment at a private hospital in Ernakulam.

Jason was widely respected across Kerala for spearheading one of the State’s most sustained grassroots environmental movements. He led the prolonged public struggle against pollution caused by the Nitta Gelatin factory at Kadukutty, which affected the lives and livelihoods of local residents for years. As the patron of the Kathikudam Samara Samithi, he played a key role in mobilising communities and raising awareness about industrial pollution, environmental degradation, and public health concerns. His efforts helped bring statewide attention to environmental protection and accountability.

Beyond activism, Jason was also active in sports and student politics. A former university-level volleyball player, he was a founding member of the Angamaly Sports Association (ASA) and was serving as the general convener of the organising committee for this year’s All-India Volleyball Tournament in Angamaly. His public life began through student politics with the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), and he later worked closely with the UC College alumni association in Aluva.

Though he initially rose through the ranks of the Congress alongside his elder brother, Advocate Vincent Panikulamkara, his association with leader M.P. Veerendra Kumar drew him toward environmental and literary circles, eventually leading him to the Janata Dal (U). Following the party’s merger with the RJD, he became the party’s State Secretary and a national committee member.

He is survived by his wife Vatsa, daughter Arya Jason (Canada), son Arjun Jason, and their families. The funeral will be held on Saturday at 3.30 pm at St. Joseph’s Church Cemetery, Parakkadavu Puvathussery.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman