Statement on the Second Death Anniversary of Shri Surendra Mohan
Tags: socialist movement India, solidarity with workers and peasants, social justice, Surendra Mohan
Related Issue: Right to Freedom of Expression, Right to Freedom of Speech, Right to Justice, Right to Equality
On the occasion of observing the 2nd Death Anniversary of Late Sri Surendra Mohan ji, we, on behalf of the Chhattisgarh unit of People’s Union for Civil Liberties (CG-PUCL), would like to remember the creative and critical contributions that he made to the socialist movement in particular, and people’s movements in general. His departure from this world in 2010 was a big loss for all those struggling for the creation of a new society based on peace, justice, equality, dignity, freedom and democratic values. In these trying times of general degeneration of parliamentary politics, and decay of pro-people’s policies and programmes, Surendra Mohan ji was known for his commitment and courage to stand by the socialist principles, personal and public integrity. He was not only a political leader and ideologue of the socialists but an activist who was concerned about the issues of farmers, workers, dalits, tribals and all those living on the margin of current development paradigm and stood in solidarity with people’s movements all over the country. Even at the age of 84, he was mentally alert, physically active and spiritually creative.
In Chhattisgarh, the toiling masses, progressive intellectuals, social and trade union activists remember Surendra Mohand ji for his continuous engagement with various social movements, especially in taking bold and courageous stand during the Emergency Rule in India. And, thereafter, through many of his solidarity statements and actions with the workers-peasants’ struggles under the banner of Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha, and human rights struggles under the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) – of which he was also one of the founder members – Surendra Mohan ji is identified with the people’s hopes and aspirations for the creation of a New Chhattisgarh and for A New India! Needless to say here, his untiring and dedicated life and work inspired many organisations and activists in Chhattisgarh. He is definitely missed by all of us, young and old alike in the movements for providing encouragement and ideas at the time when it was needed most, like the assasination of Comrade Shaheed Shanker Guha Niyogi, and the anti-democratic and un-constitutional onslaught by the State on the human rights defenders like Dr. Binayak Sen, Ajay T G, etc.
We remember the great soul Surendra Mohan ji on the occasion of 2nd Death Anniversary, and express our solidarity with all those who are creatively struggling to keep alive his ideas and actions that would continuously strengthen and inspire our collective struggles for a better world! We are encouraged by these efforts under the leadership of Ms. Manju Mohan ji, who is dedicated to carrying forward his ideas and actions!
Lal Johar!