People's Democracy

THE present union government stands exposed before the country, especially in relation to the country’s defence, has no moral right to stay in office and must quit at once, as any "enquiry" will be only a "cover-up" and not "clean-up" operation. This was the opinion expressed by CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechuri while recently addressing the inaugural function of the Narendra Malusare Trust at Nasik, Maharashtra. The trust has been formed with a view to carrying forward the message of Comrade Malusare and publicise the devoted work put in by him for the cause of the Left movement over the last 50 years. Comrade Narendra Malusare passed away on March 31 last year.

Yechury was of the opinion that the liberalisation of economy, being vigorously pursued by the present union government, and the unrestricted import of over 1400 items are nothing but a legalised way of mortgaging our country and its interests to the imperialist powers. In his speech, Yechuri launched a scathing attack on the communal government led by Vajpayee and said that the people are able to see it in its true colours now. Yechury further said that never since independence had the country ever faced such an all round crisis. The country faces the greatest danger from those whom the available evidence has proved corrupt even in matters like defence. They have proved to be nothing but traitors.

The inaugural function was marked, among other things, by a jam-packed hall. The audience comprised people from all sections of society, and listened to the speech with rapt attention. They were greatly enthused when Yechury concluded his 45 minutes long address by saying that "The real way to pay tributes to Malusare, the valiant fighter, is to build up a strong people’s movement to dislodge the present government and build up an alternative."

Earlier, amidst big applause, he conferred three "Deep-Stambh" awards upon Lahanu Kom, Sitaram Thombre and Datta Saraf for their splendid work in the fields of rural-adivasi movement, worker’s movement and journalism respectively. Each award included Rs 11,000, a memento and a certificate of honour. A school called Nana Malusare Vidyalaya (a branch of Adarsha Samata Shikshan Sanstha, Surgana) was also awarded Rs 25,000. Bhika Raut from Surgana taluka received this award on behalf of the school.

While J P Govit, MLA, Shridhar Deshpande, J P Mhatre and Mrs Vijayatai Malusare spoke about the award winners, former MP Lahanu Kom and Datta Saraf made the replies.

Prabhakar Sanzgiri, who chaired the function, released on the occasion the souvenir that was specially brought about. Mrs Shakuntala Jaybhave spoke on behalf of the souvenir committee.

Earlier, Sitaram Yechuri, Prabhakar Sanzgiri and Ashok Dhawale garlanded late Narendra Malusare photograph and lit the lamp. Mrs Anuradha Malusare made the introductory speech.

In his brief presentation, Ashok Dhawale, yet another guest at the function, emphasised the need to accept the challenges facing us and fight back, as was done by Nana Malusare throughout his life. He urged the people to take a pledge to carry forward the movement that was started by Nana.

Summing up the whole function in his presidential speech, Prabhakar Sanzgiri, a veteran leader of Maharashtra, said the so-called new economic policy was aimed at giving maximum possible concession to the rich and big industrialists while simultaneously burdening the working masses. Enron is an eloquent example of what a liberalised economy means. He said that, like a real leader, Nana has left behind a team of able and devoted workers. To pay homage to Nana was to take his struggle ahead, said Sanzgiri while concluding his speech.

While advocate Jayant Jaybhave ably conducted the whole function, Mrs Sudhatai Phadke proposed the vote of thanks. Others who contributed to the success of the function included Dr L Karad, Sunil Malusare, Sanjay Malusare, Tanaji Jaybhave, S D Patil, Kisan Gujar and Vijay Patil.

At the very outset, adivasi students presented an adivasi dance that thrilled the entire hall and made the function a memorable one.

Before the function started, Yechury addressed a press conference that was attended by a large number of reporters. He also visited the 160 years old General Library after the function was over.