Prachi Hatiwlekar
ON October 10, Martyrs’ Day and the death anniversary of Godavari Parulekar were commemorated with great resolve across Thane-Palghar district, Maharashtra. This year’s observance carried special significance, marking 80 years since the first five martyrs of the Warli Adivasi Revolt, including key leader Jethya Gangad, were brutally gunned down by British colonial police-acting in collusion with the landlord class-on October 10, 1945. In total, 61 Red Flag martyrs, most of them traibals, have laid down their lives in this district.
October 10 also marks the passing of Godavari Parulekar, who was cremated in Talasari in 1996, in the presence of thousands. A fearless freedom fighter and the legendary leader of the Warli Adivasi Revolt, she was a founding member of the Maharashtra Rajya Kisan Sabha, the only woman to ever serve as National President of the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), and a Central Committee member of the CPI(M) for over 25 years. Alongside her husband Shamrao Parulekar, she helped shape the course of India’s agrarian and tribal struggles.
To commemorate this historic legacy, a massive district-wide rally was organised by the CPI(M) at Wada in Palghar district, drawing more than 25,000 peasants and workers from all 11 tehsils. Thousands of women participated in the event, which saw large-scale mobilisation by CPI(M) and its mass organisations-AIKS, CITU, AIDWA, DYFI, SFI, and AARM.
A key highlight of the day was the inauguration of the new CPI(M) office in Wada-a three-storey structure named after the late Barkya Mangat. Barkya Mangat, a revered Adivasi leader, was a former State Secretariat member, District Secretary, founder District President of the DYFI, and a State Vice President of the AIKS. The new building was inaugurated by CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Dr Ashok Dhawale in an emotionally charged ceremony, attended by Mangat’s son, daughter, and daughter-in-law. Many in the gathering were visibly moved during the tribute.
The massive public meeting was addressed by leaders, including Polit Bureau members Ashok Dhawale and Mariam Dhawale; Central Committee members and State Secretary Ajit Nawale and MLA Vinod Nikole; former State Secretariat member Kisan Gujar; State Secretariat members Kiran Gahala (District Secretary) and Prachi Hatiwlekar; State Committee members Chandrakant Dhangda (Wada Tehsil Secretary) and Lahani Dauda; and senior activist Prakash Choudhari.
Speakers lauded the Wada Taluka Committee for constructing the new office at a strategic central location and extended heartfelt thanks to all who made it possible. They sharply criticised the anti-people policies of the BJP-led Central and State governments, highlighting the intensifying attacks on workers, farmers, women, and youth. The leadership outlined key political and organisational tasks for the coming period.
One of the key calls from the meeting was to ensure the success of the upcoming 13th Maharashtra State Conference of AIDWA, to be held from November 1–3, 2025 in Dahanu, Palghar district. A massive district-level women’s rally is being planned for the opening day. Preparations have been underway for over a month, spearheaded by AIDWA with support from fraternal organisations.
Looking ahead, the meeting strongly emphasised the need for united action in the upcoming Zilla Parishad, Panchayat Samiti, and Municipal Council/Corporation elections, scheduled for December 2025-being held after an unjustifiable delay of nine years. All Red Flag supporters were urged to work tirelessly to secure maximum victories.
