LONG before assuming the role of the Party's general secretary, Comrade Sitaram Yechury's insightful writings in Bengali translation had been the pages of the Marxbadi path, the CPI(M) West Bengal state committee's theoretical quarterly. His insightful writings, translated into Bengali, have frequently graced its pages, starting with "Mao Zedong’s Revolutionary Initiatives" in February 1994. Over two decades, he contributed over 20 articles on diverse topics like "Caste, Class, and Contemporary Indian Politics" and "BJP: Not Now, Never." His final piece, "India @ 75," was published in August 2022. On November 22, 'Marxbadi Path' released a curated collection of these writings, titled "Matadarsher Proshne" (On Ideology), showcasing a Marxist's ideological understanding. Edited by Shubhrajyoti De, Anal Pal, and Abdul Kafi, the book, with a foreword by Prakash Karat, a close associate of Yechury, was launched at a well-attended programme at Rotary Sadan, Kolkata.

In his introductory essay titled ‘An Accomplished Marxist’ Karat has written: “Comrade Sitaram Yechury was an accomplished Marxist who brought his deep understanding of Marxism to bear upon every sphere of political and ideological work.  

“What was distinctive about his work at the Party Centre and the Polit Bureau was his role in shaping the Party’s ideological positions based on Marxism-Leninism. 

“The CPI (M), from the outset of its foundation, was marked by its fierce adherence to Marxism-Leninism and the struggle against both right and left deviations. The report and resolution which were adopted at the Burdwan Plenum on ideological issues in 1968 were a major landmark in the Indian Communist movement. They charted an independent path, applying Marxism-Leninism to the ideological issues and differences that existed in the international Communist movement at that time. It is this approach that Sitaram carried forward.  

“….The range of articles published in Marxbadi path, spanning nearly three decades, display his Marxist-Leninist understanding and capacity to make a “concrete analysis of the concrete situation”.  This collection of his articles will be of great value and enrich the understanding of the reader.”

BOOK RELEASE AND LECTURE SERIES

Eminent writer and columnist Anita Agnihotri who was  the special guest of the programme said, 'This book by Marxbadi path, is a highly significant publication in recent times. It is expected to be a meaningful addition to existing literature focused on Marxist discourse."

Md. Salim, Party's state secretary and the editor of Marxbadi path, proudly stated, "Our quarterly theoretical journal, Marxbadi path, is now expanding its reach with daily article publications. We are deeply committed to fostering Marxist studies and providing a dynamic platform for discourse and analysis. The recent compilation of Sitaram Yechury's insightful articles, previously featured in Marxbadi path, now refined with improved translations and enriched with footnotes, stands as a testament to our dedication. Furthermore, we have launched an engaging lecture series, commencing with the esteemed Kazi Nazrul Islam Memorial Lecture, delivered by the distinguished Professor Abdul Kafi from Jadavpur University."

Professor Abdul Kafi, delivering the inaugural Kazi Nazrul memorial lecture for Marxbadi path, unveiled intriguing connections between Kazi Nazrul Islam's fiery journals, Dhumketu and Langol, and Rabindranath Tagore's poignant play, Raktakarabi (Red Oleanders). Professor Kafi's compelling argument highlighted how the social and political fervour ignited by Nazrul's writings may have shaped Tagore's exploration of mortality, humanity, and the struggles of the toiling people in Raktakarabi.

The event drew a diverse crowd of left-wing intellectuals and Nazrul enthusiasts. Kazi Arindam, the grandson of Kazi Nazrul Islam, began the proceedings with a fervent, guitar rendition of Nazrul's songs, followed by captivating Nazrul songs by renowned singer Shukla Chatterjee. Esteemed figures like former Marxbadi path editors Biman Basu and Suryakanta Mishra graced the occasion.  Noted journalist Seema Chishti, wife of Sitaram Yechury, was also present. The gathering served as a vibrant celebration of Nazrul's enduring radical spirit and the continued relevance of Marxist thought in today's discourse.