PEOPLE across the world have paid glowing tributes in coming to terms with the heartbreaking news of Comrade Sitaram Yechury’s sudden departure on September 12. 

Britain, Canada, Italy, Ireland and USA, the overseas outposts of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), devastated by the loss of the general secretary of the CPI(M), shared their grief in scores of public meetings.

Ambassadors from China, Cuba, Laos, and Palestine, along with leaders past and present – from Jeremy Corbyn to Rob Griffiths – joined in expressing their condolences. People of all ages united in their sorrow, feeling both proud and privileged to share a common bond: their unwavering admiration for a phenomenal Marxist of their generation, a true exemplar of the praxis of Marxism-Leninism.

This outpouring of intense emotions culminated in a touching display of solidarity and remembrance. Friends and comrades gathered at Southall's Holy Trinity Church on October 19 to bid a final farewell to their beloved communist leader, Comrade Sitaram Yechury. The memorial service, led by Harsev Bains, national vice president of the Indian Workers Association (GB), testified to Yechury's profound impact on countless lives and the broader struggle for social justice.

Warm autumn sunlight filled the church. Colourful flowers adorned the altar, while banners proclaiming solidarity and unity draped the walls, embodying the values Yechury championed throughout his life. As attendees arrived, hushed conversations and occasional tears underscored the community's deep sense of loss.

 Harsev Bains, in his moving address, painted a vivid picture of Yechury as a multifaceted individual whose influence extended far beyond politics. One of the most poignant moments came when Md. Salim, a longtime friend and comrade of Yechury, paid a special tribute. Salim highlighted Yechury's role as a creative thinker and his love for cinema. He shared personal anecdotes that portrayed Yechury not just as a political figure, but as a warm, compassionate individual with a great sense of humour and zest for life.

Salim went on to say, “Sitaram will always be remembered for his contribution to the international communist movement, in upholding the validity of Marxism. After the demise of the Soviet Union and the crisis in the East Europe, when the world media gleefully proclaimed the end of Marxism – he made an immense contribution, analysing the concrete situation and guiding the CPI(M) and I think not just the CPI(M) but it’s a great contribution to the world in setting out the Marxist ideological position in the new situation, that is the example of concrete analysis of the concrete situation and trying to find the way forward.”

Professor Mary Davis, a renowned labour history professor and secretary of the Marx Memorial Library & Workers’ School, paid a moving tribute to Yechury. Her words highlighted the departed leader's significant contributions to Marxist thought and his unwavering commitment to workers' rights.

The gathering was bolstered by comrades from the Students' Federation of India (SFI) UK chapter, who attended to pay their respects. Their presence underscored Yechury's enduring influence on younger activists and his role in shaping the movement's future. The diverse crowd stood as a living testament to Yechury's ability to unite people under the banner of social justice and equality.

 As the sun dipped lower, the memorial concluded. Yet, the air was charged not just with sorrow, but with collective resolve. Comrade Sitaram Yechury may have departed, but his legacy – his intellectual contributions, unwavering commitment to the oppressed, and vision for a just society – would continue to inspire and guide the movement he so passionately led. The memorial service was more than a farewell; it reaffirmed the values he stood for and his commitment to the causes he championed. In life, he was a beacon of hope and progress.

Red Salute Comrade!