V B Ganesan
“Human beings are naturally productive, sociable beings who find fulfillment and meaning in their lives through the free exercise of their natural powers. They fulfill themselves through their creations, so that what they make is an expression of what they are.” – Karl Marx.
As an apt example of this idea, Comrade Sitaram Yechury spent more than half a century fighting for the true emancipation of India’s toiling masses. To honour his contributions to society, the CPI(M) Tamil Nadu state committee organised a memorial meeting in Chennai on September 23. Leaders from secular and democratic parties in Tamil Nadu paid rich tributes to Comrade Yechury.
After unveiling a portrait of Comrade Yechury amid slogans echoing through the auditorium, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Comrade Ashok Dhawale remarked that the nation had lost a national treasure, a great loss for democratic and secular forces. He described Comrade Yechury as both a great thinker and a steadfast fighter for the causes he held dear. Dhawale emphasized that Yechury had lived the motto of SFI, “Study and Struggle,” throughout his life. He urged the audience to carry forward Comrade Yechury’s legacy of resoluteness, reminding them of Yechury’s famous words: “If you want to change India, you have to safeguard India first.” Dhawale also reflected on his 45 years of association with Comrade Yechury.
Presiding over the memorial meeting, CPI(M) state secretary K Balakrishnan expressed through tears that their hearts still refused to accept Comrade Yechury’s passing. Born in erstwhile Madras (now Chennai), Yechury had always remained deeply attached to Tamil Nadu. He was a leader with close relationships across the political spectrum in the state, making it natural that so many wanted to express their sorrow and share their experiences with him.
Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK president M K Stalin described Comrade Yechury’s evolution from a student leader to a national figure, widely respected across the political spectrum. Stalin recalled Yechury’s close association with the late DMK president Kalaignar Karunanidhi and himself over many years. He noted that while Yechury was the architect of the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) during the 2004 UPA rule, he was again the mastermind behind the formation of the INDIA bloc before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections – a crucial move in blocking the rise of Hindutva. Stalin emphasized that Yechury’s death represents a great loss to the democratic forces of the country.
DK president K Veeramani, in his tribute, described Comrade Yechury as a modern social scientist who pursued his passion throughout his life. Veeramani emphasized that the ideology Yechury propagated will outlast him, and the movement he championed will continue along the path he paved.
Senior journalist N Ram said that Comrade Yechury’s passing is a significant blow not only to CPI(M) but also to the Left and democratic forces in the country. Ram recalled his long-standing association with Yechury, dating back to their student days, and mentioned their interactions during the writing of Yechury’s famous salvo, “What is Hindu Rashtra?” for Frontline in the early 1990s. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Yechury emerged as one of the tallest leaders of the global communist movement, playing a key role in fostering unity among Left forces against a unipolar world.
CPI(M) Polit Bureau member G Ramakrishnan stated that Comrade Yechury’s extraordinary brilliance elevated him to great heights, making him a leading figure in the second generation of Party leaders who directly benefitted from the lessons imparted by the great ‘Navaratnas’ of the Party. His steadfast fight against Hindutva forces led him to expose the machinations of right-wing ideologues like Savarkar and Golwalkar among the masses. There is no doubt that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
CPI state secretary R Mutharasan, in his tribute, remarked that as a Marxist, Comrade Yechury naturally evolved into a leader of the masses, and it is a source of pride to see his qualities being absorbed by the younger generation of the Left.
VCK founder president Thol. Thirumavalavan recalled his long association with Comrade Yechury and reminded the audience that landmark legislations like MGNREGA, RTI, Food Security, Forest Rights Act, and the Right to Education – key to transforming the livelihoods of the country’s toiling masses – were the result of Comrade Yechury’s work through the CMP during UPA-1. He assured that the VCK will always stand with the Left in their struggle to change society.
Tamil Nadu Congress president Selva Perunthagai noted that Comrade Yechury was at the forefront of the Left’s efforts to tackle societal evils such as untouchability and caste oppression. Even in death, Yechury’s legacy endures, as seen in the thousands of JNU students who paid homage to him – a first in the history of the institution. He also recalled the close association between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Comrade Yechury. By donating his body to scientific studies, Yechury once again set an example for future generations.
MDMK leader Vaiko reflected on his close relationship with Comrade Yechury and shared personal experiences of learning from CPI(M) leader Harkishan Singh Surjeet. Vaiko also praised Yechury’s bold opposition to Indira Gandhi during the Emergency and expressed that his passing is a significant loss to the democratic forces of the country.
MNM president Prof. Jawahirullah remarked that Comrade Yechury was a fierce fighter against communalism and that his efforts to soothe the hurt feelings of minorities were a comforting balm. He emphasized that Yechury’s loss has come at a critical juncture in history and that it is now the duty of the younger generation to carry forward his legacy, safeguarding democracy, secularism, and social justice in the country.
CPI(ML-Liberation) state secretary Pazha Asaithambi said that Comrade Yechury employed his vast array of talents for the cause of the toiling masses and highlighted his unique valedictory speech in the Rajya Sabha, where he reflected on his role as an Indian. Asaithambi also emphasized Yechury’s legacy as a student leader at JNU, which continues to inspire the fighting spirit among students today.
National president of IUML Prof. Khader Moideen recalled his association with Comrade Yechury as a parliamentarian and spoke of Yechury’s significant role in espousing the cause of India and its people in the precincts of the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
CPI(M) Central Committee member U Vasuki delivered the vote of thanks.
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