REAL nationalism and patriotism can be understood by learning about great patriots like Suryavathi and not from the preachings of the RSS and the BJP, said CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Brinda Karat at the birth centenary celebrations of CPI(M) leader Comrade Manikonda Suryavathi, organised in Vijayawada on November 16.

“Suryavathi had worked for the poor rural women. She had fought against the feudal forces. She did not look at caste or religion during her struggle as she considered that real patriotism and nationalism was in mobilising women, peasants, workers and the toiling masses. What was the role played by the ancestors of the RSS-BJP during the freedom movement? They had acted as agents of the colonial regime that promoted caste system and religious animosity,” she said and underlined that today, people at the helm are promoting sectarian policies and linking nationalism to religion.

CPI(M) state secretariat member D Ramadevi presided over the meeting and narrated the pivotal role of Suryavathi during the days of the national movement, the united communist party and later in organising rural women and building CPI(M).

The BJP leaders have forgotten the people and their mandate and have sold their souls to the corporate sector, Brinda Karat said.  “Only one mantra – Adani, Ambani and corporates – is heard in parliament now. The mandir of democracy, as prime minister Narendra Modi once described parliament, has turned into a mandir of corporates,” she said. 

Extending the Party’s support to the agitation of the workers and the peasants on November 26, she said, “The centre is destroying the rights of farmers and workers. Farmers have been agitating against the farm laws for the last year. But the BJP leaders are silent on it”. She added, “I do not know what Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is going to do. In Kerala, our chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has declared his full support to the agitation.”

Brinda Karat released a book, published by the family members on Suryavathi on the occasion. Party state secretary P Madhu recalled the days of reorganising the CPI(M) and the role played by Suryavathi. She was elected as the sarpanch for three terms and as an MLC for one term and served the people in an ideal way.  Party state committee member B Prabhavathi, Comrade Suryavathi’s eldest daughter Vani spoke on this occasion.

 COMRADE JOGARAO

The birth centenary meeting of Comrade Lanka Jogarao, a committed newspaper printer of the Communist Party in Andhra Pradesh was held at Vijayawada on November 21. Y Achyutharao, CGM of Prajasakti presided over the meeting. CPI(M) state secretary P Madhu lauded the services of Jogarao. He was the founder of the Press Workers’ Union in Andhra. He worked for Swatantra Bharat, published by P Sundaraiah and afterwards for Prajasakti, Navasakti, Visalandhra and again for Prajasakti weekly and daily. Prajasakti is the first Telugu newspaper printed on an offset press and Jogarao was the press in charge then. He trained many people to work hard and with discipline. Jogarao devoted his entire life and served the communist movement, Madhu highlighted.

V Krishnaiah, chairman of Prajasakti Sahitee Samstha recalled the days of working along with Jogarao and paid tributes. Party state secretariat members V Uma Maheshwar Rao and Ch Baburao narrated the discipline of Jogarao and the affection he showed towards comrades. MVS Sarma, editor of Prajasakti assured that Prajasakti will carry forward the rich heritage of Jogarao, DV Subbarao, Moturu Hanumantarao,  Manikonda Subbarao, Nagulapalli Koteswarrao like legends. S Venkatarao, editor Prajasakti book house announced that a booklet with the life and sacrifices of the founding fathers of Prajasakti will be brought in the coming days. Jogaraos’ daughter Vinata, son Haniman and other family members attended the meeting and paid tributes. The family announced a donation of Rs 50,000 for the conduct of the ensuing state conference of CPI(M) Andhra Pradesh committee.