42. TRIVANDRUM DAYS

Com.O.P.Gupta, General Secretary, nominated me as member of JCM Staff Side, Departmental Council, after election as Circle Secretary, Kerala. As stated earlier, JCM have three tiers – National Council, Departmental Councils and Regional Councils. All issues regarding concerned department will be discussed in Departmental Council. Though decisions are expected to be taken in meetings, issues were being dragged years without settlement.

First Class in train was eligible for attending JCM meetings. Used to travel from Trivandrum to Delhi by Kerala-Karnataka Express. AC Sleepers not introduced. Neither Kerala Express. Many M.P.s will be travelling in same compartment. Free flight tickets for M.P.s were limited. Got acqauainted with S/Shri M.N.Govindan Nair, M.P., Henry Austin M.P., J.Chitha Ranjan, M.P., Kadannappally Ramachandran and others during these train journeys.

In one JCM meeting, I raised issue of reinstatement of terminated employees in connection with 1974 Railway Strike, though the item was not in agenda. Secretary, Staff Side, OPG, tried to prevent me, but I continued presentation. Since OPG and group were against the strike and did not participate, they were averse to raising the issue. Secretary DOT agreed to favourably consider. But reinstatement took place only after Emergency was over.

Lot of local agitations took place in Kerala Circle during this period. Insufficient staff amenities including recreation club, canteen and dormitory, acute shortage of staff, unjustified victimisation by certain officers were some of the reasons for agitations. It was a long struggle that workers in Kottayam division organised against victimisation.

There were a few incidents ‘gherao’ of officers, who were corrupt, anti-worker and bureaucratic.   Though administration complained that E.III was resorting to ‘wild cat’ struggles, Union was able to convince that such spontaneous agitations took place due to  adamant and anti-worker attitude of certain officers. Arguments of union with full evidence could not be rejected by circle authorities.

There was acute shortage of staff. It was far below sanctioned strength, adversely affecting efficiency. Resulted in non-sanction of leave and imposing of heavy work-load. Issue was discussed with Shri D.R.Mahajan, General Manager, Kerala, demanding that overtime arrangements to the extent of shortage should be made. Agreed by GM after agitation and discussion. Accordingly orders were issued. This resulted in every official, especially telephone operators, mechanics, telegraphists etc. being ordered for 3 hours overtime every day. OT on weekly off days also. Most officials got OTA at least about half of salary and many about salary itself.

But this did not continue for long. After about two years, this arrangement reached notice of Director General P and T, who immediately directed to stop it. By the time, new recruitment has also taken place.

Mahila Convention

There were many special problems of women workers, with a large number employed in P and T Department. In earlier days, telephone operators were prohibited from marriage as in the case of nurses and air-hostesses.  Later, one increment was granted for not marrying. Those days are over, but many other problems remained like getting necessary leave, provision of dormitory, frequency of night duties etc. These issues had to be sorted out. As also, it was necessary to bring women cadres more in union activities.

Considering all these, a Mahila Convention was organised along with Circle Conference of P and T Unions held at Calicut  in May 1978. Was inaugurated by Com. Godavari Parulelkar, firebrand leader of Maharashtra, who fought many successful battles for the adivasis and women. Her speech was inspiring and influenced  women workers.

In continuation, E.III Union, which had maximum number of women workers, decided to hold a Mahila Convention at Trichur. When I proposed holding of the convention in circle working committee, many  comrades ridiculed stating that it will be difficult even to get three – four delegates from a division. Convention was held on 28^th October 1978. More than 500 women workers participated beyond all expectations. Com.V.V.Prasanna Kumari participated with her twin daughters who   were only less than six months old.  (Coms. P.M.Athira and P.M.Arathi). General Manager,  D.R.Mahajan attended along with his wife and daughter.

Convention was inaugurated by Com. Rosamma Punnose and addressed by Coms. Suseela Gopalan, N.P.Padmanabhan, D.R.Mahajan GM and other leaders. I presented objectives and outline for future activities. Many women workers participated in the discussion and gave valuable suggestions. A Mahila Committee with Com. Jyothi Parvathi as Convener was elected. Coms. K.P.Govindan Kutty, N.Madhavan Kutty, A.D.Padmalaya and other leaders from Trichur made all arrangements for successful conduct of the Convention.

Newly formed Mahila Committee met General Manager along with Circle Secretary and discussed Charter of Demands adopted by the convention. Many demands were accepted then and there. When met next day, GM expressed his surprise and satisfaction by telling that ‘ I am proud that there are many lady workers in my circle who can speak English fluently and present their demands in such a forceful and effective manner.’ P and T Mahila Committee was formed in next Circle Conference held at Quilon in May 1999 with Com.K.Leelamma as Convener.  

I am not very sure, but it seems that a Mahila Committee in any union in Kerala was formed first in E.III Union in 1978. Com. Suseela Gopalan gave all support and guidance. Now all unions of employees usually organise Mahila Convention and have got Mahila Committees. (to be continued)

41. COM.E.M.S.NAMBOODIRIPAD – INSPIRING MEMORIES ( CONTD)

 All India Conference of E.III Union at Trivandrum from 9th to 13th April 1994. Com.E.M.S.Namboodirpad, while inaugurating Conference made an important point. He stated that both the workers, who do physical work as well as mental work, are workers and joint efforts are required to improve the industry as well as achieve their demands. It can be seen later that E.III union made all out efforts and was successful in bringing executives and non- executives together in path of struggle.

Another incident comes to my mind. Com.EMS had come to Calicut and was taking rest at Rest House, W.Hill. I went there to meet him. His driver, called me aside and confided that EMS’s shirt is torn, but he is managing with the same. He asked me to speak to EMS for getting a new shirt. Told him that I am not capable for that task. By the time Com.M.K.Kelu ( Keluettan), District Secretary and veteran comrade reached there. Spoke to him about the torn shirt. He went to the room, took the torn shirt from the hanger and told EMS, as a matter of fact ” Com.EM, I am taking your shirt and is going to purchase two shirts”. EMS understood driver has told Keluettan. But he was unable to say ‘ no’ to Keluettan, whom he respected much. We went to town, purchased shirts from the Handtex and gave to EMS.

When I got down at Gauhati Railway Station in early morning of 20th March 1998, comrades who came to receive gave the shocking news that Com. EMS has passed away earlier day. Could not get any information while in train. I wanted to immediately start for Trivandrum to see a last glance of the great leader and my inspiration. But workers were very particular that I attend their conference. Even otherwise, there was no immediate flight. Could do nothing more.

His mortal remains were consigned to flames in the electrical crematorium at Trivandrum in the presence of thousands of leaders and people who loved him as one of them.

Com.Harkishan Singh Surjeet, General Secretary CPI(M) stated : ” Com.EMS was to me what he was to millions of others in Kerala and outside, a dear and near one. He was one of my closest friends and colleagues. To millions of ordinary people in Kerala, EMS as he was popularly known, was an icon. No other single individual has made as immense a cotribution as EMS has in shaping the destiny of both Kerala and the Communist movement in the country. …He was an internationalist in the true sense of the term….” How true!

The international known Communist ideologue and voracious reader, writer and great organiser was no more. Kerala wept for their former Chief Minister, who was an epic himself. It will be difficult to find such an all-round personality easily.CPI(M) had later published his writings in to 100 big volumes.

Red Salute to Com. EMS !

40. COM.E.M.S.NAMBOODIRIPAD – INSPIRING MEMORIES.

While proceeding to P &T House one day, after taking breakfast from Trivandrum Hotel, a car stopped near me. Com.E.M.S.Namboodiripad, former Kerala Chief Minister and PBM CPI(M), who was in car asked me: “I am seeing you here for last few days. What is the matter?”. Told him that shifted to Trivandrum, after being elected as Circle Secretary of union.” “Come to my house next Sunday”.

Went to his house in Santhi Nagar Colony near exchange next Sunday. EMS was reading sitting in his easy chair. He smiled asked about my stay at Trivandrum, told me to go inside. Spoke with Com.Aniyan, son of EMS, had tea and returned. Went a few times more.

When Com.EMS was staying at Delhi as General Secretary of CPI(M), used to meet him at 14, Windsor Place, CC office, whenever went to Delhi for Committee meetings, Conventions etc. He will ask why I had come to Delhi, enquire about my eldest brother, V.A.Kesavan Namboodiri, then return to his work. Not a single moment to lose for him. Once he entrusted me with a cassette to be handed over to party at Trivandrum, which was his speech to be delivered in election meetings, as he was unable to attend personally as agreed upon.

On our request, EMS agreed to address a meeting of NFPTE at Mangalore. He came by train to Calicut early morning. He was accommodated in Railway rest room in the upper storey. All available morning papers were purchased and given. While watching him reading all of them quickly, a doubt rose in me. How is he managing this? Days later, the idea struck me. It might be that he has trained himself to grasp the important and required portion at a glance, just as we look a photo and grasp details. May be right or wrong. But there was some extra-ordinary capacity in him that allowed him to read lot of books and materials and remember all, quote when necessary. It also came to mind how Adi Shankara is reported to have dictacted verses to four disciples at same time one after another on four different matters. Remembered what Com.M.P.Veerendra Kumar, M.P. jokingly told me once: ‘Com.EMS is a human computer’.

Usually, food was being arranged from Kidson Tourist Home. But when tea was brought, owner of Non- Vegetarian Restaurant requested that he may be allowed to arrange breakfast. Agreed and reminded that no salt and oil, as advised by doctor. Within no time he came back with ordered items and went back. While taking breakfast EMS told that little salt and oil are there. With a smile, he said that the restaurant owner might have thought how a person can take food without salt.

After some time, started for Mangalore. He was in First class. Myself in ordinary. When getting down at Mangalore, he entrusted me a cover addressed to Chintha and asked to post. Weekly column for Chintha. Wrote in train.

Large number of P & T workers in meeting held in Post Office. Inaugural speech very educative as usual. There was a photo of Babu Tarapada Mukberjee on the wall. On his asking, we told that it is photo of founder of Postal Union. ‘Good. You display union leaders’ photo in Post Offices?’

A painful incident. Com. EMS addressing a largely attended public meeting at Mudalakkulam maidan, Calicut. All of a sudden large number of lathi wielding police from the nearby police colony came rushing and started beating people. There seemed to be some local trouble there earlier. A few police were climbing to stage also. There was complete pandemonium. I was sitting in maidan with another comrade. We just ran to road when police came running to beat.

Advocate P.K.Kunhirama Poduval stopped his car near me and said in agitation that EMS is not seen. He had gone to stage to take him, but he was not there. People were fully crowded on the road. Then he told, let us go to Rest House, W.Hill, where EMS was staying. When we reached there, EMS was sitting alone in the room.For the first time, I saw him much agitated and probably angry. We came to know that one comrade has immediately taken EMS in car and brought to Rest House and saved him. ( to be continued)

39. TOURS – WITHIN AND OUT SIDE KERALA.

Period after becoming Circle Secretary of E.III Union Kerala Circle was full of organisational tours, within Kerala and outside. Participated in Branch and divisional conferences, even ordinary meetings. It was necessary, specially after restoration of unity. Tours were mainly in trains and sometimes in buses. These tours were used to meet new comrades, encourage them in to union activities.

Went and attended conferences/ meetings in Karnataka and T.Nadu circles on invitation from comrades there. The places include Mangalore, Uduppi, Kundapuram, Mysore, Virajpet, Mercara, Hubli, Hassan etc. Comrades R.G.Bhandari, P.Mukundan, M.Sadanand, N.Balan, B.Narayan Rao, P.Appaji, P.P.Rajan, S.Narayanan and others took initiative for this.

In T.Nadu, attended meetings at Coimbatore, Erode, Tiruppur, Salem, Coonoor, Ootty, Palladam, Mettuppalayam, Udumalpet, Dharmapuri, Pondicherry, Villupuram, Cuddalore etc more than once. Comrades N.Gopalakrishnan, Puthiyavan, P.Abhimanyu, S.Chellappa, Umapathy, Raju, Modandoss, Ramasamy, Babu Radhakrishnan, Easwaran, Ambrose, V.R.Chandrasekharan, E.Gopal, Narayanasamy, Balasundaram, Kuppusamy and many other comrades took initiative for these tours. Many of these Comrades attended Kerala Circle Conferences also.

In one circle conference in T.Nadu, Circle Secretary T.Nadu, Com. S.Jagannathan told that ‘ I am the Circle Secretary of T.Nadu, but Com. Namboodiri, Circle Secretary, Kerala visits here more than me.’

There was a reason for these many tours. T.Nadu and Karnataka were strong holds of OPG group. It was necessary to strengthen our forces there. These tours helped. A lot of young workers rose to leadership, increasing our influence.

Tours were not easy. Trains and buses were main mode of travel. From railway stations and bus stands, our comrades will take me on cycle and luggage on another. Stay will be in lodges where our comrades are staying. Mat and pillow. Workers stayed in simple way. In Ootty, Coonoor etc. our comrades provided me with warm clothes.

I did not know Kannada language and spoke in English. Broken Tamil in T.Nadu. Managed.

Once when visiting Mysore, a meeting of CPI(M) was being held in Town Hall. Com. EM.S.Namboodiripad, former Chief Minister, Kerala and PBM of CPI(M) was in stage. Within minutes of his starting speech, he left there, probably felling unwell. I went where he was staying, which was nearby. The Red volunteer allowed me to enter, when disclosed identity. EMS was feeling very sick. They had arranged medicine, conjee etc. He was happy to meet me there. Sat for a while and returned. ( to be continued)

38. COMRADE A.K.GOPALAN AND P AND T MOVEMENT

Com.A.K.Gopalan, who was rightly called as ‘Commander of the Downtrodden’, was very close with P & T trade union movement. His speeches as an M.P. in Parliament against victimisation in connection with 1960 and 1968 strikes are historic. They made great impact and was able to make much change in government’s attitude. Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru always heard AKG with rapt attention. Com. AKG was in the forefront of struggle against victimisation of 1968 strike in Kerala, not only guiding and advising, but also participating in large number of meetings, making inspiring speeches which gave solace and relief to concerned workers.

Whenever going to Delhi for union meetings, conventions etc. used to visit 4, Ashoka Road, which was his allotted quarters as M.P. and meet him. Once he asked to bring some coconuts on my Delhi visit. Carried about 20 -25 coconuts in a sack and gave to him. When opened many of them were broken. He smilingly asked me, ‘don’t you know that outside fibres should not be completely removed and tusk portion should at least be kept intact?’ Actually, I did not know. Learned a good lesson. It was hot summer and coconuts broke while in train.

When  AKG used to visit Calicut in the 1970s, he mostly stayed at residence of Advocate P.K.Kunhirama Poduval at Chalappuram. Com.Suseela Gopalan, his wife, a leader in her own right and later Kerala Minister and M.P., also will be there, with a heavy plastic basket with various medicines for AKG. Poduval usually entrusted me to go to Railway Station in his car to bring them. I took this as a great honour. Immediately after reaching home, will call Dr. C.B.C.Warrier and Dr. N.S.Venugopal, Principal and Professor of Medical College respectively, who will come and examine AKG. Day’s programme will be decided accordingly.

Once Comrades AKG and Suseela Gopalan came just before a strike of Central government employees. A public meeting was arranged on the day in connection with strike. AKG was not well for some days and was not able to speak clearly. No public meeting for some time. After check-up doctors confirmed he is better. When I mentioned about the meeting in  evening, he agreed to come and address. Doctors also agreed, provided that his speech is limited to 5 minutes only..

Immediately we printed notice that Com.AKG will address meeting and made announcements in car throughout  city. Mudalakkulam Maidan was overflowing with people, eagerly waiting to see and hear their dear leader.   Meeting started in time. Com.M.K.Kelu (Keluettan) presided. After welcome, AKG was invited to speak. He started speaking. People heard with rapt attention and happiness that he was able to speak. Five minutes over, but AKG continued speaking. Com.Suseela touched him reminding that five minutes are over. But he did not stop, continued speaking. All of us were worried. Then Keluettan stood up and requested openly to conclude the speech as advised by doctors. AKG told that since keluettan has asked, he is stopping. He stopped and sat down. He was so fond of interacting with people.

I had earlier mentioned about how Com.AKG intervened in police harassment of families of railway workers during the 1974 railway strike and restored normalcy.

Government was afraid of arresting Com. AKG during Emergency due to his serious health condition. He had come to Calicut during that period. After bringing him from Railway Station, we, (myself and Com.N.Ramesh, Union Secretary), were taking leave, when Com.AKG advised: ‘don’t try to get in jail. There is lot of work outside.’ We could not understand why he told that. Had somebody told him that I used to speak against Emergency in the Union Conferences which were being held that time?

1976. Com.AKG along with Com.Suseela Gopalan, reached Calicut by train in the morning.  Went to  railway station and brought them to Chalappuram residence. AKG was very ill. Dr. C.B.C.Warrier and Dr. N.S.Venugopal came and checked. He took rest. Party leaders came,  met him.

They were to go to Coimbatore that night itself. I was asked confirm the ticket. As an M.P., A.K.G. was fully eligible with one co-passenger for free travel in First Class, but  reservation has to be made at Railway Station with a reservation charge of Rs. 2 or so. Went to station, met Station Master, who immediately made reservation, even without taking any reservation charges. He said it a was privilege for him.

Night train going to Coimbatore side, reaching Calicut about 22.00 hours. We went to  station in time; train was already in platform. With luggage, medicine bag etc. we got in to First Class compartment in which reservation was made. Went through corridor and finding door closed of the particular coupe, knocked. One person opened and told that both berths are reserved from Mangalore. Though told him that the berths are reserved for Com.A.K.Gopalan M.P., but without saying anything he closed door on my face. I was shocked. Coms.AKG and Suseela were standing in corridor behind me. Both of them very tired. They heard what was spoken. I was expecting sharp reaction from AKG, but both he and Suseela Gopalan were standing calm. I was ashamed of myself having put them in such a difficult situation. If I had contacted station master when we reached station, he would certainly have taken it a privilege to accompany Com. AKG to the compartment and no problem.

I rushed out to meet TTE or Station Master, but train started. Helplessly looked at Comrades standing in corridor with  luggage on floor. I was horrified having put them in such an unhappy situation. I ran to station master and informed that AKG has not got reserved berth. He assured to do needful immediately.

Immediately went to telephone exchange and contacted our union comrades at Tirur and Shornur. Asked to go to Railway station and ensure berths for them. They got in the compartment when it arrived and got the information from TTE that as soon as the train left, Railway Officers who were sleeping in the coupe, realised their mistake, came out, apologised to Com.AKG, pleaded to be forgiven and they themselves put the luggage inside and arranged everything.

It was with much apprehension that next day I contacted Com. Suseela Gopalan at Coimbatore. But she calmly told not to worry; they have got berths without delay. It was then and then only that I was relieved. But still, sometime when I remember the incident, I feel guilty and cannot pardon myself.

AKG was admitted in hospital at Trivandrum as he became seriously sick. On 22^nd March 1977 he passed away. He was unconscious for a few days. He, who fought against Emergency relentlessly, might not have known the victory of Janatha Party and withdrawal of Emergency, as he was in coma. When India got Independence on 15^th August 1947, freedom fighter AKG was in Cannanore Central Jail! When ‘Emergency was thrown in to Arabian Sea’, he was unconscious.

Kerala wept as never before. People in thousands waited at every city and roads on the way, when his body was taken from Trivandrum to Peralasserry in cannanore district, his native place. All of us paid our homage and wreath when the body   was kept in Town Hall Calicut. Some of us – Coms. M.C.Raman, M.V.Sadanandan and P.Kunhiraman, accompanied funeral procession in a car. Thousands waiting at Peralassery to see their dear leader. Almost all the PB Members of CPI(M) had reached.

Com.E.M.S.Namboodiripad presided in condolence meeting held and leaders addressed. When Mrs. Kamalam, former minister spoke, broke in to tears. Com.E.K.Nayanar broke down and openly wept when started speaking. EMS concluded meeting without calling more leaders and funeral took place. Most of the audience were crying while paying their last tributes to their dear comrade.

Com.A.K.Gopalan is no more. But his struggles for the downtrodden, the toiling masses, will ever remain in our memory. ( to be continued)

19th January 2021 is the 12th death anniversary of Comrade E.Balanandan, President of CITU, PB Member of CPI(M) and former Member of Parliament. He had passed away on 19th January 2009. From an electric worker he rose to the highest position in the trade union by his dedicated and committed work for the toiling masses. He was simplicity itself.
Personally myself and also P and T Union movement and BSNL Employees Union are indebted to Com. Balanandan for his advise and guidance in framing an ideological base and also strengthening the organisation. At the time of formation of BSNL Employees Union his guidance was inspiring. In all the crises, his advise saw us overcoming the hurdles.
Com. Balanandan is not with us now. But his memory and advise will always be remembered and we will march ahead.
Red Salute to Com. E.Balanandan!

Tens of thousands of kisans are on struggle for the last one and half months demanding repel of the three anti-farmer law amendments and also the anti-people electricity bill. They are sitting on the borders of India’s capital Delhi, facing bitter cold and rain. Women, children, old people -all are there. The co-ordination Committee which leads the struggle includes more than 250 kisans’ organisations. It is a fight for survival of the ‘Annadathas’ of the country. Central Trade Unions except BMS, service unions, political parties, cultural organisations – all have given support and solidarity to the struggle.

We demand central government to concede the demands of the kisans by cancelling the anit-farmers bills.

MY LIFE AND STRUGGLES – 37

AT TRIVANDRUM

It became necessary to shift to Trivandrum after being elected as Circle Secretary. Applied for transfer and got it without delay. Packing dresses and other necessary things in an iron trunk box, left for Trivandrum. Very difficult for wife Pankajam to look after two young children aged 3 and 5 and also to attend duties. One girl was arranged to help.

Reached Trivandrum on 13th June 1977. Went directly to the room in which Com. G.Soman, union leader and T.O., Trivandrum was staying. He was not there. Since I knew where the key was kept, took it, opened door and settled. Soman had gone home at Varkala. This was a place from which it was only minutes to telephone exchange as also to P and T House, the Union Office.

One more comrade staying in the room – Com. P.Balakrishnan, T.O. Both of them used to go home now and then. I will be on tour frequently. So, only very few occasions when all of us will be together. Breakfast, meals etc. from nearby Trivandrum Hotel. Tea, snacks from exchange canteen when on duty. In almost all exchanges, there were departmental or co-operative canteens.

Colleagues and supervisors were helpful. Was given light duties and allotted convenient shifts in order to attend union work. Necessary to go to office of General Manager daily to discuss issues. Walking, bus or autoriksha was mode of journey. Mostly walking, since buses were vey congested and auto riksha costly.

There was no typewriter for circle union. Difficult to work without one. Even as Branch Secretary at Cannanore, I was used to work on typewriter. Very small old portable typewriter purchased from a Typewriting Institute from Trichur for Rs.100/- in 1962, is still at Cannanore Union office, as told by comrades there. There were no funds for Circle Union to purchase typewriter. In fact, it was almost nil balance, when new office-bearers took over.

Com.S.R.K.Panickar, newly elected Asst. Circle Secretary came to rescue. Typewriter purchased for Reception Committee of Circle Conference at Kottayam was given for temporary use. Kept at residence, since work can be done in day and night, without disturbing others. There was no space in the very small room allotted to union in P and T House.

Com.N.P.Padmanabhan, Circle Secretary and Convener, P and T Co-ordinating was staying with family in one small room in P and T House. Offices of all 9 unions were functioning in the small place available there. Everybody somehow managed. P and T House was centre of the town and ideal place. It was near General Post Office, Central Telegraph Office, and Telephone Exchange. RMS office not far away, which was in Railway Station. After some years, the building was purchased by the unions and new building constructed where the offices of NFPE and BSNLEU are functioning now.

A new journal “Teleworker” was registered and published by E.III Union, in addition to common journal “Kampithapal” published by Co-ordinating Committee. Helped publishing specific issues of telecom workers effectively and timely.

Lot of urgent problems pending without settlement due to unhelpful attitude of officers as also due to disputes in union and non-recognition for some years. Circle Working Committee discussed and decided to collect all these issues and submit a detailed memorandum to General Manager. A Committee with Circle Secretary, Organising Secretary Com.K.P.Govindan Kutty and Assistant Circle Secretary Com.N.Padmanabhan was formed to tour all exchanges/ offices in divisions, meet workers, hold meetings and collect all problems. Implemented effectively. Workers were happy that their leaders have come to the spot, discussed with them about their day to day problems. Well for leaders also to understand problems of workers.

These issues included working conditions in offices/exchanges, welfare measures, requirement of office/exchange buildings, space for recreation, dormitory, canteen, requests for compassionate appointments, transfers, delay in promotions, confirmations, departmental examinations, staff shortage, lack of equipment, providing staff quarters, delay in settlement of staff claims and so on. All these were compiled and included in the Memorandum, which ran more than 50 full pages.

Memorandum was submitted to General Manager, Telecom Shri K.V.Srinivasan. He was surprised to find so many problems pending and how they were collected. Serious discussion took place and assurance was given that they will be settled as early possible.

Knew that assurance is one thing and settlement another. In order get issues settled early, a proposal was presented to GM. Many of these issues required approval of Chief Accounts Officer of Circle. Suggested to GM that CAO along with Union Circle Secretary visit all divisions with respective DET and Divisional Secretary of union and take decisions on the spot and approval given, wherever possible. This was agreed. Lot of problems were sorted out in this way. Tours were utilised to organise union meetings. (to be continued). Photos 1. S.R.K.Panickar 2.K.P.Govindan Kutty

36. UNITY CONFERENCE IN KERALA

Unity restored in All India Union. Now the task was to forge unity in Kerala Circle.

As stated earlier, there was serious difference between the two groups. Though in minority, OPG group was functioning with recognition and majority K.G.Bose group without recognition.

Coms. M.C.Ayyappa Kutty and V.Sreenivasan, Circle Secretaries of KG Bose group and OPG group respectively, discussed and decided to hold the two days Unity Circle Conference at Quilon (Kollam) on 27-28 December 1975. First day for conferences separately, next day Unity Conference.

It is tradition of Kerala to hold all Circle Conference together of unions affiliated to NFPTE. But since this was a unity conference of two groups in E.III Union, other circle conferences were not held there. No all India union leaders were present.

As scheduled, both groups conducted their separate circle conferences first day. How to vacate victimisation of terminated and other comrades in connection with 1974 strike was most important issue in KGB group conference. It was difficult to conduct militant struggle in view of Emergency.

Leaders of both factions sat together and discussed about conduct of unity conference and also election of office-bearers. It was decided that Circle President will be from KG Bose Group and Circle Secretary from OPG Group. Other posts will be equally distributed. KG Bose group, though  had good majority, agreed to this unjustified equation in order to restore unity.

Unity session held in evening elected a united list of office-bearers with Com.V.A.N.Namboodiri as President and Com.T.V.Joeph as Circle Secretary. Conference ended with slogans of unity.

Though unity was restored at Circle level, it was more difficult to implement at lower levels, since for last few years there were rifts and quarrels on almost every day on one or other issues between the groups. Both groups wanted important post of Secretary. Circle Union took decision that majority group will take Secretary post and other the post of President. Office-bearers will be equally divided as in circle. It was easy to advise, but difficult to implement.

One after another District Conferences were held. Both President and Circle Secretary participated in all conferences. Circle Secretary spoke supporting Emergency while Circle President sharply opposed it. Though it was dangerous, correct position had to be placed before delegates. For election office bearers, groups as well as Circle President and Circle Secretary used to sit in a closed room and finalise list. Sometimes, it took three or four hours, but certainly settled in the end. Unity had got to be restored.

Kottayam Circle Conference

Next Circle Conference of E.III Union was held at Kottayam on 7-9 May 1977. While delivering Presidential address I became unconscious and fell down. It seems that food taken from a hotel at Alwaye in the night while coming to Kottayam day before may have been poisonous. Managed to attend conference somehow and then got admitted in Medical College Hospital, Kottayam. Com. T.V.Joseph was elected as Circle President and me as Circle Secretary unanimously.

I was in hospital for a few days more. Coms. N.S.S.Nair, District Secretary, Kottayam, M.K.Jacob, S.R.K.Panicker and Com.P.N.Kurup who came along with me from Calicut and other comrades gave all help while I was in hospital. I was advised to be in hospital for a few days more. However, I told that I will go to Calicut and get admitted in the Medical College there. That was what was done. After some days, got better. Joined duty. Being elected as Circle Secretary I had to shift to Trivandrum. (to be  continued).