Tue May 20 15:36:10 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, suitable for publication by The Hindu:

**News Article:**

**Kerala ASHA Workers Mark 100 Days of Protest with Torchlight March**

**Thiruvananthapuram, May 20, 2025:** Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in Kerala today marked their 100th day of continuous protest with a torchlight march outside the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram. The ASHAs, represented by the Kerala ASHA Health Workers’ Association (KAHWA), have been on strike since February, demanding an increase in their honorarium and the establishment of retirement benefits.

The symbolic torch-lighting ceremony, inaugurated by poet Rosemary, underscored the ASHAs’ determination to continue their agitation until their demands are met. Throughout the past 100 days, the protest has taken various forms, including marches to the Assembly, Pongala offerings, head tonsuring, and hunger strikes. A day-and-night protest march that began in Kasaragod two weeks ago is ongoing, currently in Palakkad.

“We will not waver,” stated a KAHWA representative. “Our demands are just, and we will continue to fight for fair compensation and recognition for our invaluable service to the community.”

A 100-day protest meeting at the Secretariat was presided over by KAHWA Vice President S. Mini. Prominent political figures, including Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President Sunny Joseph, MP Shafi Parambil, MLAs P.C. Vishnunath and Mathew Kuzhalnadan, and former Health Minister V.S. Sivakumar, addressed the striking workers, expressing their support for the ASHAs’ cause.

The ongoing day-night protest march reached Palakkad on Monday and will proceed through Thrissur on Wednesday.

The state government recently formed a five-member committee to review the ASHAs’ demands and submit a report within three months. However, the ASHAs remain steadfast in their protest, hoping for a more immediate and favorable resolution.

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