Revolutionary Singer M.L. Paulina Dies at 87

Quick Summary

• M.L. Paulina,known as Paulina Teacher,a revolutionary singer and cultural activist,passed away in Kannur on September 20,2025,at teh age of 87.
• Born in Thalassery in 1938, she became a prominent revolutionary voice in Malabar and was closely associated with the undivided Communist Party.
• Alongside her brothers M.L. Lawrence and M.L. Simon, she co-founded the “M.L. Brothers Music Club,” which was widely known for it’s revolutionary songs across Malabar during that era.
• Trained in music for 24 years by her father M.N. Thambi-a noted singer and percussion instrument maker-she served as a music teacher at St antony’s High School and later retired in 1993 from a Girls’ school at Paloor.
• Under mentorship from Communist stalwarts like E.M.S Namboodiripad, Paulina contributed to various HMV recordings that gained popularity during the 1960s while Lawrence composed music for amateur theatrical productions.
• She is survived by four children: Beena, Rani, Rafi, and sangeeth; her late husband M Govindan predeceased her.
• Funeral services will be held on Sunday morning at Kandikal Nidratheeram crematorium.

indian Opinion Analysis

Paulina Teacher’s passing marks the end of an era steeped deeply in India’s cultural history intertwined with political activism of the early Communist movement in Kerala. Her contributions to revolutionary music played a pivotal role not just artistically but also socially as it amplified ideological narratives through accessible mediums during formative years of leftist activism across Malabar.Her efforts symbolize how art can intersect meaningfully with politics to influence collective consciousness-a legacy still relevant today as India debates cultural spaces within socio-political movements.

The remarkable longevity of her influence serves as both inspiration and reminder about preserving local traditions aligned with larger national visions without undermining its grassroots vibrancy.

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