A Communist leader, an advocate for unity, against opportunism and sectarianism

By Harsh Thakor*

Dhurva Narayan, a prominent leader from Bihar and a Central Committee member of the former PCC, CPI (ML) as well as the newly merged CPI (ML)-MassLine, passed away on February 12, 2025. He was an influential figure in the Indian Communist revolutionary movement for over five decades, known for his role in opposing Hindutva politics and globalization. Narayan was committed to fostering unity within Communist ranks and advocating against opportunism and sectarianism.

Born on August 30, 1957, to Prof. Jayanarayan Mishra of Patna University and Ms. Shanti Mishra, Narayan was married to Sunita Kumari, a fellow CPI (ML) member and activist, and had two sons. He was known for his analytical mind and proficiency in both Hindi and English.

Narayan's political journey began during the Chatra Yuva Sangharsh Vahini-led students' movement inspired by Jayaprakash Narayan. He later became a key leader of the Bihar Students' Association (BSA) and joined CPI (ML) around that time. The BSA later merged with other student organizations across India to form the Indian Students' Association (ISA) in 1982, where he played a central role.

Following a split in CPI (ML), Narayan remained with the PCC faction and took on responsibilities in its Northern Bureau, relocating to Delhi. There, alongside Comrade Alok Upadhyay, he worked to build a network among various marginalized communities, including Dalits, Adivasis, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians. He contributed to the formation of the Front for a Federal India under the guidance of senior party members.

Narayan was also involved in publishing Marxist and progressive literature as the Managing Director of Rainbow Publishers. His speaking skills were evident at events such as the founding rally of CPI (ML)-MassLine in Khammam in March 2025. He played a role in the unification process of PCC, CPI (ML) with other factions, such as CPI (ML)-R.T. and CPI (ML)-Praja Pandha, and was a key contributor to discussions on caste and class dynamics within the party.

Additionally, he represented CPI (ML)-MassLine at a Communist unity event in Kathmandu, Nepal, addressing a public rally and promoting future collaboration among revolutionaries in South Asia. As a member of the editorial board of Mass Line (in both Hindi and English), he remained actively engaged in party activities until his final moments, reportedly working on translating party documents just before his passing.

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*Freelance journalist

Neville Cardus: The man who turned cricket writing into poetry

By Harsh Thakor* Neville Cardus was one of the most remarkable literary figures of the twentieth century. A prolific English writer and critic, he achieved distinction in two vastly different fields: cricket and classical music. Entirely self-taught, Cardus rose from humble beginnings to become both the cricket correspondent and chief music critic of The Manchester Guardian . His achievements in these contrasting disciplines earned him widespread acclaim and established him as one of the foremost critics of his generation. In February 2025, the cricketing and literary world marked the fiftieth anniversary of his death, which occurred in February 1975.

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