People's Democracy

Special Issues On 1857 Released

THE message of 1857 Revolt, or what is popularly known as our First War of Independence, is of great importance even today in its two aspects. One, it reminds us of the great sacrifices made in the struggle for freedom, which is today under growing threat from the forces of globalisation. Two, it also reminds us of the importance of popular unity, which is today under growing attack from forces of communalism. The continuing relevance of this message is what made the Left to give so much importance to understanding this great national revolt and to popularly observe its 150th Anniversary.

Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member, MP and editor of People’s Democracy stated this in a press conference at AKG Bhawan, New-Delhi on May 12, 2007. He released the copies of special issues of central committee weekly organs People’s Democracy and Lok Lahar (Hindi) brought out on the 150th Anniversary of the great national revolt. CPI(M) Polit Bureau member K Varadharajan and secretariat member V Sreenivasa Rao, were also present at the release function.

Yechury said these special issues were brought out in order to highlight the distinctive Left perspective on 1857. The Left considers it as one of the largest anti-colonial upsurge of those times and a precursor to our national freedom movement. “1857 was a watershed in the making of our nation and it has continuing relevance even today in terms of unity of our country, secularism, fight against globalization etc”, said Yechury.

Referring to the BJP deciding to stay away from official celebrations of 1857 anniversary – excepting parliamentary functions – Yechury said this was perfectly understandable as the legacy of 1857 runs completely against the communal philosophy of the RSS-BJP. “The secular unity displayed by the Indian people during 1857 is a complete anathema to BJP given its communal agenda”, he said.

Yechury informed the media that the special series of articles being carried by both the weeklies from their Republic Day numbers, would conclude with their Independence Day numbers. He said these articles, which were important contributions from many renowned historians, would finally be brought out in a book form.

Responding to a hail of questions from presspersons, Yechury explained that now that UP elections were over and electoral college for presidential elections has become clear, the Left and UPA would start discussing possible names. He further clarified that only individuals with proven secular credentials will be considered and effort will be made to have a name with a maximum degree of consensus. (INN)