Marx and Capitalism

MARX’S contribution to the understanding of capitalism can be usefully seen through two profound insights that he had into this system. The first concerns the origin of surplus value. In a world of commodities where exchange between commodity-owners, among whom are also the workers, occurs voluntarily and at equivalence, without any swindle, how can surplus value arise?The solution to this riddle that Marx discovered lies in a distinction between labour and labour-power.

Karl Marx and His Conception of History

THIS is the bicentenary year of the birth of Karl Marx; and the best way of observing it is to recall the teachings of that great man – and act according to them.

New Defence Production Policy: Alice in Wonderland!

THE government recently announced a long-delayed Defence Production Policy (DPP 2018), coming after many years of continually updated defence procurement policies whose emphasis was on purchase of military hardware, invariably from foreign sources. These columns have long advocated the need for a defence production policy, with an emphasis on indigenous technology development and manufacturing, without which India would continue on the path of serial imports with consequent external dependence, security risk, and erosion of sovereignty.

Marxism as a Force for Change Today

Below we reproduce the text of the speech delivered by Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) general secretary at the ‘Marx 200: International Conference’, organised by Marx Memorial Library in London on May 5, on the bicentenary of Marx’s birth.WE have reached the conclusion of this remarkable gathering of Marxists, other intellectuals from various corners of the world and the working people in this city of London to commemorate the 200th birth anniversary of Karl Marx.

Comrade Ashok Mitra

ASHOK Mitra who passed away on May 1, 2018, was the doyen among Left intellectuals in the country, held in the highest esteem by one and all for his absolute integrity, his outstanding intellect and his commitment to the cause of the working people.Born on April 10, 1928, in the eastern part of undivided Bengal, he was a brilliant student who was drawn to the Communist movement and became an activist of the Student Federation.

How to Change the World

AS we observe the bicentenary of the birth of Karl Marx, one cannot but be struck by the innumerable times Marxism was declared dead or irrelevant after he had left the scene a hundred and thirty five years ago. However, Marx and his thought, kept bouncing back to public attention. This is because the ideas of Marx, concern social and historical change and that is something which cannot become anachronistic at any period of time. Karl Marx was born 200 years ago on May 5, 1818. He died on March 14, 1883 at the age of 65.

Inaugural Sessions’ Concluding Address

Below we publish the concluding address by Manik Sarkar, chairman of inaugural sessionAT the outset I would like to thank and express our gratitude to the people of Telangana who have extended their whole hearted support to organize our Party Congress in this historic city of Hyderabad.It is the constitutional mandate of our Party that after every three years we have to organize our Party Congress.

Welcome Speech at the Inaugural Session of the Party Congress

Below we publish the welcome address by BV Raghavulu, chairperson, reception committeeCOMRADES and Friends,Leaders of fraternal left parties, delegates, observers, guests, invitees, veterans, Friends from media and public,On behalf of the Reception Committee, I welcome you all to this inaugural session of the 22nd Congress of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) which is being held in this historic, cosmopolitan city of Hyderabad. Earlier, the 17th Congress of the Party was held here in 2002.

Inaugural Speech of the Party Congress

Below we reproduce the speech of Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) general secretary, at the inaugural session of the 22nd CPI(M) Congress, Mohd. Amin Nagar, Hyderabad, April 18, 2018Dear Comrades and friends,I thank all of you for accepting our invitation and joining us at this inaugural session of the 22nd Congress of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

Terms of Reference of the 15th Finance Commission

The 22nd Congress of CPI(M) expresses deep concern about the anti-federal and anti-democratic underpinnings of the Terms of Reference (TOR) of the 15th Union Finance Commission (FC).

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