People's Democracy

  Comrade Iva Mehta Passes Away

COMRADE Iva Mehta, national executive member of AIDWA and president of Gujarat Janvadi Mahila Sangh passed away on June 11, 2005 at Bajarangdas Hospital in Bhavnagar. She was 40 years old and is survived by husband Arun Mehta, who is CPI(M) Gujarat state secretary and central committee member of the Party. Comrade Iva Mehta was battling cancer in a determined manner when the death came suddenly on the afternoon of June 11. She had gone to the hospital to get her regular chemotherapy treatment when she collapsed due to blockage of veins. She was a member of the CPI(M) state committee.

The news of her sudden death spread in the district and many parts of the state leading to scores of people and political activists descending on the residence by evening. The mayor and ex-mayors of Bhavnagar, sitting MP, MLA and leaders of various political parties were among those who paid their homage to this prominent women leader of the state.

Scores of people from all walks of life joined the funeral procession on June 12 and bid a tearful farewell to Comrade Iva Mehta. Her cremation took place at Kumbharwada crematorium. Through out the procession, slogans of "Ivaben Ke Armanonko Manzil Tak Le Jayenge" were rendered by activists with determination.

Born on July 14, 1965, Comrade Iva Mehta studied up to graduation in Bhavnagar. She joined the Left movement through SFI in 1981. She was state joint secretary of the organisation and led the three month long PTC college students agitation.  Later, she became a teacher and was elected to the state executive member of teachers organisation. She worked with popular communist leader Late Niruben Patel for nearly 12 years for the welfare and upliftment of downtrodden people, particularly women and minorities and set a personal example. She becam state secretary of AIDWA after the death of Comrade Niruben Patel. She married Arun Mehta in 1982. In the course of her work among women and urban poor, Comrade Iva Mehta was elected to the state committee of the CPI(M).

Comrade Iva Mehta was in the forefront to render help to the victims of State-sponsored genocide in Gujarat during the riots. When many political leaders of bourgeoisie parties were reluctant to venture out, she led teams of AIDWA and CPI(M) workers and promoted peace and harmony. in affected areas of Bhavnagar as well as Ahmedabad, Baroda etc. She was instrumental in rehabilitating more than 275 riot-affected women by creating self-employment for them with monetary help rendered by AIDWA and CPI(M) central committee.

Comrade Iva Mehta also took active part in cultural activities, particularly in street theatre. She played the lead character in Safdar Hashmi’s play "Aurat" in which was staged at 81 places in Bhavnagar district in the run up to the state conference of AIDWA at Bhavnagar She was also a known composer of Gujarati Garba and her team always got first prizes at youth festivals. She brought out a cassette of revolutionary songs in Gujarati titled “Insaniyat Ki Awaz”, which were sung by her and which proved widely popular in the state.

Just a few days back on June 5, a renowned social institute of Bhavnagar, Shishuvihar (of Manbhai Bhatt), bestowed “The Best Women Leader” award on Comrade Iva Mehta. Her contribution and selfless service to the downtrodden were highlighted in the citation.

CONDOLENCE MEETING

A huge condolence meeting was held on June 14 in city’s town hall at Motibag, attended by hundreds of people from Bhavnagar district and other parts of the state. The meeting was presided over by Mayor Narendra Chavda and conducted by ex-mayor Jayant Vanani. Leaders and activists belonging to various political parties and organisations participated in the meeting. CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat’s condolence message was read out on this occasion. Karat stated “Comrade Iva was one of CPI(M)’s promising leaders and we all expected a lot from her. She bore her illness with great courage and fortitude, which is an example for all.” CITU general secretary Chittabrata Majumdar, CPI(M) Bengal state  secretary, Anil Biswas, AIDWA vice president, Brinda Karat and AIDWA president, Subhashini Ali also sent their condolence messages. AIDWA central office bearer Kalindi Deshpande attended the condolence meeting.

The Gujarat state committee of CPI(M) in its condolence to the youngest women wholetimer, Comrade Iva Mehta called upon every communist to follow her life path. “Her life record of revolutionary service, total sacrifice and extreme popularity will remain ever path leading for Gujarat”, stated the Party.