THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The political and social situation in the country demands a stronger Communist movement, said CPI state secretary Veliyam Bhargavan.
Inaugurating the 70th anniversary celebrations of the Communist movement in the state here on Thursday, Veliyam exhorted party workers to work for a stronger Communist party.
``The government is only facilitating the growth of corporate companies. The needs of poor citizens are not taken care of,’’ said Veliyam. In his brief address, Veliyam tried to recapture the struggles of early workers to build up Communist movement.
``Without the daring approach of young comrades and the courageous stand taken by our mothers, the movement could not have materialised,’’ he said.
There were a number of bold women in Travancore who shielded top leaders like M.N.Govindan Nair without caring even for their lives.
``They did so because they loved us that much. Their courage came from the care they had for us,’’ said Veliyam. ``Comrades of those days were daring enough to sacrifice their lives for the sake of the party,’’ he said.
According to CPI central secretariat member Amarjeet Kaur, the Kerala party had always been an inspiration to the comrades in other parts of the
country.
``The saga of Punnapra Vayalar had inspired us greatly. The formation of the first Communist government in Kerala was another occasion to cherish,’’ she said.
Senior CPI leaders, including Minister C.Divakaran, Pannyan Raveendran ex-MP and CPI district secretary P.Ramachandran Nair attended the meeting.
Veteran Communist leaders were honoured on the occasion.