The passing of Sitaram Yechury has cast a profound stillness over leftist organizations across India. Renowned as a distinguished politician, columnist, economist, and social activist, Yechury was a staunch advocate for student rights and movements. His leadership skills became apparent early in his academic career, as he was elected three times as the president of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Yechury also endured imprisonment during the Emergency period, underscoring his commitment to political activism.
Born on August 12, 1952, in a Telugu-speaking Brahmin family in Chennai (formerly Madras), Yechury was raised in Hyderabad. His father, Sarveshwar Somayajula Yechury, worked as an engineer, while his mother, Kalpakam Yechury, was a government officer. He attended All Saints High School and pursued advanced studies in New Delhi after the armed communist movement in Telangana in 1969. Following his education at the prestigious St. Stephen's College, Yechury joined the Communist Party of India (Marxist) just before the Emergency was declared on June 25, 1975. He was arrested on the JNU campus during this tumultuous time, hindering his Ph.D. progress. In 2016, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha from West Bengal and was later honored with the 'Best Parliamentarian' award.
Yechury's ascent in the Communist Party of India (Marxist) began in the 1980s, when he was elected to the Central Committee in 1984, eventually becoming part of the Central Secretariat. His role in the Politburo started in 1992, leading to his appointment as General Secretary of the party in 2015, a position he successfully retained in 2018 and 2022. A leading figure in the leftist movement, Yechury also made significant contributions to student activism, notably as president of the JNU Students' Union on three separate occasions.
He officially joined the CPI(M) in 1975 and was arrested during the Emergency for his political efforts. His influence grew within the party, as he served on the Central Committee starting in 1985 and joined the Central Secretariat in 1989. Notably, during the 14th Congress, he played a key role in resolving ideological debates that shaped the party's future direction.
Sitaram Yechury inherited the coalition-building legacy of former CPI(M) General Secretary Harkishan Singh Surjeet
Yechury was instrumental as the head of the Central Committee's International Department, where he actively engaged with international socialist and progressive movements, bolstering solidarity among leftist forces. He served as the editor of "People's Democracy" for over 20 years and was an influential writer, notably critiquing Hindutva in his published works. As a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2005 to 2017 and leader of the CPI(M) group, he earned recognition for his legislative contributions, receiving the Best Parliamentarian Award in 2017.
Yechury was pivotal in fostering broad secular unity within the opposition, culminating in the formation of the INDIA bloc. His amiable disposition and political integrity helped forge connections across various political and social spheres.
He inherited the coalition-building legacy of former CPI(M) General Secretary Harkishan Singh Surjeet, collaborating on significant initiatives such as the Common Minimum Program for the United Front government in 1996 and influencing negotiations during the UPA government over the India-US nuclear deal.
The loss of Sitaram Yechury extends beyond the communist movement; it represents a loss for the nation, as he was an unwavering advocate for the country's welfare. His demise is particularly poignant given the recent resurgence of trust in leftist principles. Comrades can honor his legacy by continuing his unfinished work.
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