10 years are over after Com.M.K.Pandhe, the indomitable fighter for the working class, former General Secretary of CITU and former PB Member of CPI(M) passed away. His 10th death anniversary falls on 20th August 2021.

Madhukar Kashinath Pandhe was born on 11th July 1925 at Pune in Maharashtra. He received doctorate from the prestigious Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics. He was very active in the Students Federation and was its Secretary of Sholapur unit. He joined the Communist Party of India in 1943. Later he became the Secretary of the leading trade Union AITUC. He joined CPI(M) after the spilt in the party. He was one of the founding fathers of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and became its General Secretary and continued for a decade. Later he became its President and then Vice-President and continued as such till his death.

Com.Pandhe took initiative and lead in bringing the trade unions together against globalisation and attacks on the working class. He was a respected leader of the working class and guided them both politically and in practice.

His well studied speeches, whether in the party forums or in the trade union front were study classes in fact. They were filled with important details and guidelines. He was a fountain of knowledge. He was simple in living and high in thinking.

During my stay at New Delhi as General secretary of BSNLEU, I had the opportunity to meet him several times and get his guidance. He attended some of the All India Conferences. He was also present in the founding conference of the AIBDPA.

Comrade M.K.Pandhe passed away on 20th August 2011 at the age of 86, but his inspiring memory continues.

Red Salute to Com.M.K.Pandhe on his 10th death anniversary !