45. TRANSFER TO KAVARATHI, LAKSHADWEEP

 Shri C.M.Stephen, senior leader of Congress as well as INTUC, took over charge as Communications Minister in March 1980. After losing from Delhi constituency, he contested from Gulbarga in Karnataka, in the vacancy created for him by resignation of the sitting  M.P., and became M.P. and Minister.

 

It seems that somebody has put it in his head that FNPTO, the INTUC affiliated union in P and T to which he was closely connected, can grow only if NFPTE is decimated. NFPTE questioning some transfers made at his instance violating existing norms irritated him. Furthermore, complete participation of P and T workers in Kerala in General Strike of 19^th January 1982, called by the central trade unions, in which INTUC was not a party, made him mad.

 

Attack on unions was swift and drastic. TU rights achieved through continuous struggles were denied. Hoisting union flag, exhibiting union notice boards, holding of meetings in office premises, which facilities were available for years were banned. Union workers were victimised for no reason. Many were transferred.

 

Naturally, union reacted and organised continuous struggles and agitations against these attacks. Even some of the newspapers criticised the victimisation. Opposing attack on their union, workers stood like a rock and fought back. They understood that this was an attack on their existence itself. The Minister and the departmental authorities were on the defensive before the public.

 

P & T workers in Kerala as per call of Circle Coordinating Committee started Non-Cooperation agitation from 1^st May 1982. The entire communications system in Kerala collapsed. Even directions from higher ups to make telephone system functioning failed. The 16 days non-cooperation movement in Kerala is a shining chapter in the history of the movement itself. Considering declaration of general election as also conceding to the advice of the All India Unions, agitation was temporarily withdrawn.

 

As in other divisions, many transfers took place in Calicut Telephone District Circle also. All office-bearers of circle union, except one, were transferred outside their recruiting unit in violation of existing orders. On 10^th May, me, Circle Secretary, was transferred to Kavarathi, capital of Lakshdweep Islands, far away from Kerala.

 

All comrades joined new place of posting. Taking all things in to consideration, I was directed by union to continue at Calicut without proceeding to Kavarathi. Once joined there, it was certain that they would not allow even to come to mainland as permission was required to leave from the Administrator, Lakshadweep Islands, who was having personal grudge against me for  having been gheraoed at Calicut on an earlier occasion on issues of  Lakshadweep administrative employees. Even otherwise, all office-bearers being transferred will result in non-function of the District Union. Hence  was asked stay at Calicut to keep the fort. For not joining duty at Kavarathi, was issued with Rule 14 charge sheet proposing major penalty.

 

 

Since having been transferred, was struck from the rolls of Calicut exchange. No duty, no salary. A proposal was mooted by Circle Union to pay me some relief, which I humbly refused. Further it was very difficult for the union to implement it in the very difficult situation.

 

During this period, went to Ernakulam and met High Court Advocate M.K.Damodaran in connection with a court case. He asked why a case is not filed against transfer to Lakshadweep. He said that he will take full responsibility. Accordingly case was filed against the fully unjustified transfer. Adv. Damodaran was closely connected with the P & T Unions from the time he was practising in Tellicherry courts and continued it till his death.

 

Case dragged on for months and years. Unfortunately no stay could be obtained. When Adv. Damodaran was sick, Adv. K.Chandrasekharan, Socialist leader, M.P. and later Kerala Minister appeared on two occasions.

 

At last judgment was delivered on 6^th February 1985 cancelling the transfer. Advocate Damodaran called me to Ernakulam on the date of receiving copy of judgment. After handing over judgment, he told me that department had already decided to appeal against the judgment and it was necessary that I join duty before that. Otherwise, will have to continue outside as before.

 

Next day itself went to District Manager, Telephones and gave joining report along with  copy of High Court judgment. He contacted General Manager at Trivandrum, who directed DMT not to allow me to join duty, as appeal was being prepared. Situation as envisaged by advocate. Something has got to be done.

 

Went directly to Test Desk in auto-exchange, where I was working earlier, gave joining report to Supervisor and started working after signing Attendance Register and marking duty. Did not tell supervisor about my meeting with DMT and refusal to allow me on duty. Only after about one hour, DMT as well as Supervisor understood what has happened. But no further action was taken against as they were afraid to proceed on that line, since I had already joined duty as per High Court judgment.

 

Department certainly went on appeal against the judgment, but failed there also. Though transfer was cancelled, entire period of about 34 months was treated as ‘dies-non’ , without paying salary for the period. No service, no pay. I went on appeal against imposition of ‘die-non’, but could not get a favourable decision.

 

Decided to go on appeal in Supreme Court for getting the period of 34 months treated as service and payment of salary for the period. Went to Delhi and met Senior Advocate Com.E.X.Joseph, who was a central government employee himself. He was in Audit and Accounts Department and was Secretary General of Audit and Accounts Association as also Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers. Was dismissed for his union activities. After a very long historical legal fight, he was reinstated, but later resigned and started practice in Supreme Court.

 

I knew him well since the period of his dismissal. While under dismissal, he was publishing a monthly by name ‘Labour World’ and I canvassed many subscribers for it. While visiting Delhi, I used to meet him, visit the press and discuss organisational matters. He came twice to Calicut to address union meetings on our invitation. There was another connection. He had married Smt. Kalpana, daughter of NFPTE Secretary General Com. D.Gnaniah.

 

Com. Joseph went through my case in detail and advised me that chance for a favourable judgment was 25% only and that filing a case in Supreme Court is very costly. I accepted his advice and returned without filing appeal in Supreme Court.  (to be continued).

44. AT CALICUT AGAIN

After entrusting responsibilities to newly elected Circle Secretary, Com. P.V.Chandrasekharan, returned to Calicut in first week of June 1981. Two weeks between Circle Conference and shifting to Calicut was utilsed to take farewel of many friends and comrades at Trivandrum, as also introducing new Circle Secretary to GM and other officers of Department and getting transfer order got issued to Calicut.

When joining at Trivandrum after election as Circle Secretary in 1978, had hesitation, how to manage union work in a place, where OPG group was strong and equations were different. But the wholehearted support extended by union leaders and complete faith by workers made my life and work at Trivandrum fully fruitful.

Wife and children very happy at my transfer back. Children were growing. The line room apartment was completely insufficient. We had thought about it earlier and had puchased a plot at Kottuli, near Mavoor Road to construct a house. It was a fertile compound with a good number of coconut and other trees. But no approach road, only a narrow path on which even auto riksha could not go. Considering shift duties to both of us, including night duties, comparatively long distance from exchange etc. house was not constructed.

A 6 cents plot was purchased at Valiyathodi near Gandhi Road from the family members of M/s C.C.Brothers, well known bus owners. Pankajam took house building advance from Department. It was only Rs.30,600 which was completely insufficient. It was paid in instalments also.

Sold the plot at Kottuli and took loans from friends and completed by 1987, a long period of ten years after starting construction. In addition to financial difficulties, there was problem in getting cement etc. Sanction from District Collector was necessary for getting cement. It was short of requirement. My absence at Calicut was another reason.

Of course, compulsion was there to expedite completion. Owner of the line rooms where we stayed on rent, Goray family, had decided to sell these, to meet some urgent requirements. They asked us whether we can purchase. The price was about Rs.50,000 which none of us in a position to pay. It was sold to Shreekandeswara Temple Managent for stay of temple priests. We were allowed to stay till alternate arrangements.

The housewarming was on 8th February 1987. Comrades, friends, relatives – all were there. As was usual at that time, they brought presents, including furniture. The present system of ‘ Presents in Presence only’, ‘ Avoid presents’ etc not started. Every body gave presents and everybody accepted.

When Com.Keluettan, Dist. Secretary, CPI(M) came, he said ‘gate should be larger to enable cars to enter’. I did not take it seriously then. But after years, necessity arose and gate was enlarged.

Advocate P.K.Kunhirama Poduval who came along with his juniors gave a cover as present. Later when I opened the cover, found a big amount. He might have thought about my financial difficulties due to being on loss of pay for about three years after I did not join Kavaratti on punishment transfer. I remembered that he argued all 1968 cases in Calicut and Kalpetta free.

With shifting to our own house, problem of shortage of space was settled. There were convenient buses from beach passing through the front side road of telephone exchange. Providence High School for Mini and Christian College High School for Shaji nearby, walking distance. We can also go to exchange by walk.

At last dream of one’s own home materialised. All of us were happy with the new house. Good neighbours. ( TO BE CONTINUED)

43. PATNA CONVENTION 1978

A massive P & T Convention was held at Patna from 24th to 27th November 1978 as part of celebration of Silver Jubilee of formation of NFPTE. More than 4,000 workers participated.

The Convention discussed various issues including vacation of Emergency excesses and victimisation. It also passed a resolution demanding minimum two promotions during service.

A big procession was organised to the residence of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan and a memorandum on Emergency excesses submitted to him. As a member of the delegation, got opportunity to meet the great leader.

Trivandrum Circle Conference

The Joint Circle Conference of P&T Unions Kerala was held on 14-17 May 1981. I had completed four years as Circle Secretary. Family at Calicut. Very difficult for my wife to manage her official duties and to look after two small children. Taking all things in to consideration felt that a change was necessary. Circle Conference unanimously elected Com. P.V.Chandrasekharan as new Circle Secretary E.III Union. Time has proved that it was the correct choice.

During four years as Circle Secretary, toured almost all places, addressed meetings, spoke with comrades on their problems and organisational matters. Learnt a lot of things as well as problems of workers. Could turn Kerala Circle as a strong fort of progressive section.

Came in concact with many workers – of P & T as also other sections. Worked in co-ordination with leaders of various service organisation like Coms. E.Padmanabhan (Kerala NGO Union), T.Sivadasa Menon, V.V.Dakshinamoorthy (KPTU), P.K.Nambiar (KGPTA), S.S.Potti (AIIEA), N.B.Thrivikraman Pillai, C.S.V.Warrier, T.Narayanan, Pappan (AGs Office NGO Assn) and many others.

A lot of leaders and workers in P& T including Coms. N.P.Padmanabhan, Convener P & T Coordinating Committe, C.C.Pillai, P.S.Raman Kutty, E.N.Nair, K.Arjunan, Bhargavan Nair, P.Balakrishnan, D.C.D’Cruz and other circle secretaries helped in fulfilling my responsibility. Coms.A.B.Nair, G.Soman, G.Sasidharan Achari, Sivaraman Nair, R.Muralidharan Nair, K.Leelamma and many other leaders and workers of E.III gave full support and all help. I may be excused for not remembering / not mentioning many other comrades with out whose whole hearted support I would not have been able to fulfil my task. (TO BE CONTINUED)

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!