The Central Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) sent the following message of condolence to the Central Committee of the South African Communist Party on April 21, on the demise of Comrade Chris Matlhako

TO

The Central Committee

South African Communist Party

Dear Comrades,

VIVAN Sundaram, one of the most influential and radically creative artists of the post 1960s generation passed away on March 29 after a brief illness. Vivan actively aligned himself with the Left and progressive movement in general and with the CPI(M) in particular. His contribution to the anti-communal and pro-people movements and the formation and functioning of the Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust are a legacy to cherish. The Shergil Sundaram Art Foundation and the Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust organised a memorial meeting attended by artists, writers, poets, activists and friends of Vivan. S

GOVERNMENT officials never tire of repeating that India is currently the fastest growing major economy in the world.

THE joint cadre meeting of CPI(M) and CPI held on April 9 at Exhibition Grounds in Hyderabad was a huge success. Red flags of both parties filled the venue, and the cadres were brimming with enthusiasm.The air was filled with chants of ‘Idhi Saayudha Porata Gadda! Yerra Jenda Adda’ (This is a land of armed struggle! An abode of red flags).

MANY have argued that all history is contemporary history, and that it is always written by the victors. What is happening today is nothing new or surprising: When India was ruled by the English, it is they who dictated the narrative. When India became independent, the subsequent decades saw an ascendancy of the Congress, and as a consequence, the syllabi of history was tailored to suit their interests.