Kannur is in mourning following the passing of M.L. Paulina, the revered revolutionary singer and cultural activist, affectionately known as Paulina Teacher. She breathed her last on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the age of 87.
Born in Thalassery in 1938, Paulina quickly rose to prominence as a powerful revolutionary voice across the Malabar region. Her unwavering commitment led to a close association with the then-undivided Communist Party.
Together with her brothers, M.L. Lawrence and M.L. Simon, Paulina established the renowned M.L. Brothers Music Club in Thalassery. This group rapidly gained widespread acclaim throughout Malabar for their stirring revolutionary songs.
Inheriting her musical talent from her father, M.N. Thambi – a celebrated singer, mridangam player, and tabla maker – Paulina received an extensive 24 years of musical training. Her dedication to music extended into her professional life, serving as a respected music teacher at St. Antony’s High School, Peravoor, before her retirement from a girls’ school in Paloor in 1993.
Under the mentorship of Communist luminaries such as E.M.S. Namboodiripad and A.R. Joseph, the M.L. Brothers Music Club evolved into the vibrant cultural arm of the Communist Party. While Lawrence composed for over a hundred amateur plays, Paulina’s resonant voice brought numerous revolutionary songs to life, captivating audiences through popular HMV recordings during the 1960s.
Paulina was preceded in death by her husband, M. Govindan. She leaves behind a loving family, including her children Beena, Rani, Rafi, and Sangeeth. Her funeral is scheduled for Sunday morning at the Kandikal Nidratheeram crematorium.