Kozhikode: Prakash Karat, general secretary of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), has said that perspective put forth by E.M.S. Nampoodiripad for the development of Kerala is still relevant for the State.
“His was not a perspective something for the 1950s and 1960s. If you look at the contribution of EMS, the approach was for current requirement,” Mr. Karat said while inaugurating a one-day seminar, “EMS and Kerala development,” organised by the Keluettan Studies and Research Centre in connection with the conclusion of the EMS birth centenary celebrations here on Monday.
“In 1990, when EMS took the initiative to hold the International Kerala Study Congress in Thiruvananthapuram, we saw how he updated his understanding on what is required to ensure a balanced, sustainable and equitable development for the people of Kerala,” Mr. Karat said. Looking back at the life and works of EMS, Mr. Karat said that there was no doubt that he was the most creative Marxist leader India had ever produced. His contribution to the development of the agrarian movement and the practice of Marxism in parliamentary institutions was significant. Touching upon some aspects of EMS and the development of Kerala, the CPI(M) leader said that EMS was the architect of modern Kerala. One of the main issues he dealt with was how to break the fetters of feudalism and the landlord system.
His conception to bring all Malayalam-speaking people within one State was part of an effort of the Communist party in the 1940. The reorganisation of States on linguistic grounds was because of the pioneering works of EMS and other communist leaders at that time.
Mr. Karat said that EMS also focussed on bringing about a material transformation for the people of Kerala. “He also addressed the question of democratic decentralisation, which was not only strictly for Kerala but also envisaged a federal democratic set-up from the Centre to the State and from the State to villages,” he said, adding that one of his last initiatives was to revitalise the whole system of decentralisation of planning.
One of EMS’ major contributions was to conquer communal and caste politics and broaden the base for a secular polity in Kerala.
He said the contribution of EMS in making public policy, be it for land reforms or empowering the working people, was of immense importance. “We find the imprint of EMS through the first Communist Ministry which lasted only 28 months in Kerala, but which has a lasting and contemporary impact even today,” he said.
Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan presented a paper on “Secular politics and EMS” and Industries Minister Elamaram Karim on “Kerala’s industrialisation and EMS.”
(Courtesy : The Hindu)
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