Volume 46 No. 3 Organ of the SOCIALIST UNITY CENTRE OF INDIA (COMMUNIST) September 15, 2012 Founder Editor-in-Chief : COMRADE SHIBDAS GHOSH Price : Rs. 2.00 Why did Comrade Shibdas Ghosh accept Marxism in his pursuit of truth [This is the English translation of the speech delivered in Bengali by and organizationally, with every head high. But I cannot put myself Comrade Provash Ghosh, General Secretary, SUCI (C), at the public passing day. The fighting people of up for sale. I may be shot dead. I meeting held at Rani Rashmoni Avenue in Kolkata on 5th August, 2012 on the country are getting attracted know I might die starving and there the occasion of 36th Memorial Day of Comrade Shibdas Ghosh, Founder towards us in large numbers. would be no one to even enquire if General Secretary of the Party and a great leader of the proletariat. The I am living or dying. But what is the responsibility of translation error as well as inadequate representation, if Historic struggle of Party alternative? I might at the outset fail any, solely lies with the Editorial Board of Proletarian Era.] formation in my endeavour. In that event, I At the outset, I would like to would think I lack ability to achieve We have assembled here today a cultivation of his teachings among recall under what an adverse success. The ignominy of inability to pay our deepest of respect to the revolutionaries of Nepal. The situation, Comrade Shibdas Ghosh is one thing. But it is a crime to sell Comrade Shibdas Ghosh, great communists of Pakistan are waged a historic arduous out conscience. I would take it as Marxist thinker and guide to the translating his Works into Urdu. revolutionary struggle to form this my failure but at the same time, I struggle for emancipation of the Revolutionaries engaged in building Party. Let me quote his words. In a would know I have not bent my proletariat. On this very day, the up struggles in Europe, USA, workers’ meeting in 1967, he said: head. Yes, I might have died Party activists as well as supporters- Africa, West Asia and Latin “What did we have in the early days starving. But have I not been able to sympathizers imbued by his America are contacting us with a of Party formation? We had nothing, achieve anything? Every teachings are observing his view to acquainting themselves with neither money nor manpower. Many revolutionary is aware that even his memorial day in 21 states of the Comrade Shibdas Ghosh Thought, had told us: Yes, your theory is death due to starvation would country. Notwithstanding virtual grasping and acquiring his correct. Your logic is sound. But is spread out the message that the absence of his name and thoughts in teachings. In various parts of our it that easy to build a party? You existing system has become the media, at least several lakhs of country, thousands of students- have no leader, no press publicity. obsolete. So this oppressive system the countrymen carry his name and youths, workers-peasants-women So, it is impossible a task. It can must be changed by revolution. This teachings in their heart of hearts inspired by his teachings are never be fulfilled. I did not argue appeal of a revolutionary never goes with profound respect and intense developing class and mass struggles with them much. I only asked them unheard, never is it proved to be emotion. His thoughts are gradually subordinating all the needs and one question: Ok. Let me agree for abortive. Slowly, one or two persons spreading even overseas. It is wants of their personal life. On 14th argument's sake that the task is come forward and respond to his Comrade Shibdas Gosh who of March last in Delhi, they impossible. What should I do then? appeal.” 1 In another discussion in enriched and developed Marxism- successfully organized a mammoth Become a slave or an agent of the 1969, he observed: “I can still Leninism and brought its protest rally of over a lakh of people vested interest and sell out recollect those early days when we understanding to a new height. with signatures of over 30 million conscience? Do I have to act started building up the Party — Based on his thoughts, a powerful countrymen on the charter of contrary to what I have understood there were very few people to proletarian revolutionary movement demands centring on the burning as truth? I would not be able to do support us; we could not even has been growing in the problems of life. The Party is that. If I die starving in the street, I arrange a room as shelter and, day neighbouring Bangladesh. There is gaining strength, both ideologically shall die with honour raising my Contd. on page 2 SUCI(C) strongly opposes the most draconian hike in Diesel price by Rs 5 per litre and restricted supply of subsidized cooking gas to six cylinders per household per year, calls for immediate countrywide resistance movement Comrade Provash Ghosh, General Secretary, SUCI(C) has issued the following statement on 14 September, 2012 : We strongly oppose the most deliberately avoided parliament to the entire burden of accentuating the pseudo-Marxists also are unjust and draconian decision of take such a sinister step making capitalist crisis on them. It goes remaining confined to customary the Congress-led UPA government mockery of their own proclama- without saying that absence of protest in words without taking to steeply raise diesel price by Rs tions. It once again proves that in much needed countrywide organi- any serious effort to build up 5 per litre and restrict supply of the name of so-called reforms and zed sustained powerful democratic necessary people’s movement to subsidized cooking gas to six under out and out fraudulent mass movement on the burning thwart such sinister schemes of the cylinders per household per year pretext of ‘economic compulsion’, problems of life, this pro-rich government. which is bound to push the already the sole objective of this government is daring to hold the We, therefore, call upon the spiralling price line of essential reactionary bourgeois government people into ransom and getting countrymen not to accept these commodities, transport fare and is to secure profit-making as well away with implementation of one fiendish moves lying low and power tariff to a record height, as unhindered prosperity of the oil after another devilish measures come forward to develop the putting bare survival of the behemoths, corporate sector and including limitless fiscal savagery. desired united prolonged move- common people at stake. What is the stock market speculators by While BJP, the other most trusted ment under correct leadership and worth noting is that the squeezing even the last drop of party of the ruling monopolists force the government to bend government which cries hoarse blood of the increasingly besides Congress, is expected to before people’s power and about democracy and sovereignty pauperized wretched toiling make a show of opposition with an withdraw all such atrocious of parliament has glaringly and millions and thus squarely pass on eye on reaping electoral benefits, impositions forthwith. PAGE TWO SEPTEMBER 15, 2012 PROLETARIAN ERA Question arose in Comrade Shibdas Ghosh if mere ouster of British imperialists would beget desired emancipation Contd. from page 1 funds from the people as we do his visit to Russia in 1930 was and practices while on the other after day, in our fierce battle to today. It is in this way our Party is amazed at the phenomenal progress hand the frustrated people finding build up a new party in the midst of advancing guided by Marxism- of Soviet socialism. Netaji no ray of hope in life are severe obstacles and a completely Leninism-Comrade Shibdas Ghosh Subhashchandra also observed that increasingly tilting towards adverse situation, we had to strive Thought. Some of you are aware, in the eighteenth century, the best spiritualism and divinity. That is hard even without food, but we had those who are new might not be, contribution of France was the why, there is a necessity for some no grievance for all this. For years that Comrade Shibdas Ghosh started French revolution. In the nineteenth philosophical discussion. I want to together we shared a grass-mat only, his political life at a very crucial century, the most significant confine myself mainly to that and so many winters we passed like juncture of Indian freedom contribution of Germany towards discussion in this meeting. I have that. Our old friends will bear it out movement. At that time, the country human civilization was Marxist elaborately dealt with the present even today. They will relate that was in ferment. Waves of freedom philosophy. In the twentieth century, political situation in the meeting of never could they trace any lack of movement were sweeping across the Russia had enriched human 24th April last. So, I would not like composure in us. How many days land. A boy of just thirteen, civilization and culture by to enter into that today. we went without food, but we felt Comrade Shibdas Ghosh plunged accomplishing proletarian I would like to focus on why ashamed to tell about it! That we into the freedom movement. The revolution, installing a proletarian Comrade Shibdas Ghosh accepted could not arrange our provisions, we then undivided Bengal was the government and acquiring Marxism and proletarian could not collect even the minimum citadel of revolutionism. He got proletarian culture. Saratchandra, internationalism as philosophy of was considered to be our own associated with that revolutionary the celebrated litterateur, was in knowing the truth in spite of the failing. What was there to be proud trend of freedom movement. Even favour of working class revolution existence of cult of spiritualism, the of? How could it be the height of at his teens, he was immensely and socialism. All these had a great thoughts of Vivekananda-Gandhiji- ‘sacrifice’?” 2 He further added in inspired by the struggle and impact on a section of the Rabindranath and also cult of his speech delivered at the youth teachings of Vidyasagar, revolutionaries of the country then. humanism-nationalism in our conference in 1975: “…when I Vivekananda, Rabindranath, Comrade Shibdas Ghosh was also country. Before entering into the started this party with just a handful Saratchandra, Nazrul, Deshbandhu greatly inspired by that. philosophical questions, I want to of compatriots. Everybody laughed Chittaranjan, Netaji Subhas as well refer to one aspect. Those who at us then. The CPI, then an as Kshudiram, Surya Sen, Religion cannot show path of believe in god think that starting undivided party, ridiculed us. They Chandrasekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh emancipation from the earth, the entire Nature, the taunted, we had sprouted like a and others. Later, in course of his One question can arise why was material world, life, living species, mushroom. They derided: if the penetrating analysis, he showed that he drawn towards Marxism despite animals, human beings all have SUCI is a party, then a bat also is a there were two distinct trends in the existence of other philosophical been created by god. Everything is bird; how is it that they, too, would renaissance movement of our thoughts including idealist ordained by god and whatever is sit with us! The Forward Bloc, RSP country, one compromising and the philosophies prevailing in the happening is as per the divine and RCPI, everybody said that the other uncompromising. Vidyasagar, country? Why did he embrace wishes and dictums. It is god who SUCI was not a party at all, it was Saratchandra and Nazrul in his early Marxism as the guiding philosophy? has created the rich and the poor, just a club. Even sitting with us period represented the I want to dwell on this aspect in a the oppressor and the oppressed. could not be contemplated. I uncompromising trend while bit details today because a malicious Why a poor is poor? It is because of endured all this silently. I ignored Bankimchandra, Vivekananda, campaign has been unleashed the sin he had committed in the all their ridicules and just proceeded Rabindranath and a few others against Marxism both in our country previous birth. Similarly, the rich is along with firm resolve to build up belonged to the pro-religion as well as in other countries. lavished by wealth and prosperity as the party.” 3 In these few lines is compromising trend. Gandhiji was Dismantling of socialism in Soviet reward of all the virtues of his contained a glimpse of the history the representative of the Union and China, setback of world previous incarnation. If the poor and of prolonged, complex, determined, compromising reformist trend in communist movement and the the impoverished bear with all these death-defying struggle to build up a politics while Netaji Subhash and decadence, degeneration of the so onslaughts and repressions with a genuine revolutionary party on this the revolutionaries of the country called communist parties like the smiling face, he would receive soil. like Kshudiram, Bhagat Singh, CPI(M), CPI have, in particular, salvation in his next birth. If we Surya Sen were upholding the raked up this question anew. Such accept these prescripts of religion, Initiation of Comrade Shibdas uncompromising trend. Comrade questions did not arise in such a then we have no other way but to Ghosh towards Marxism Shibdas Ghosh was connected with manner in the 1930s, ‘40s or ‘50s. conclude that unemployment, The Party was founded in 1948. this revolutionary trend and waged During that time, there was a retrenchment, price rise, penury, In my school life, I was initiated struggle. While the objective of the growing emotion and appreciation starvation deaths, death without into the Party in 1950. I had struggle to many was to free the for Marxism, socialism among the treatment — everything is occasion to witness a part of that country from the alien rule, the thinking people as also the common endowment of god. Divine wish is historic struggle. There is so much question that came in the mind of masses. Of late, it is being the ultimate. No one can go against of elaborate arrangement for today’s Comrade Shibdas Ghosh was if propagated with alacrity that all it. Right from the day the concept of meeting—dais, rostrum, mike, mere ouster of the British problems of life can be resolved god arose in the society; such chairs, table and so forth. Despite imperialists would achieve the through spiritual path. Cult of thinking has been prevailing over inclement weather, what a massive desired emancipation of the religion, observance of religious thousands of years. And if one is to turnout of people! But in those workers-peasants-oppressed people. rituals, offering Puja or Namaz and concur to this view then all kinds of days, it was so difficult for us to And if that desired emancipation such other spiritual espousals are exploitations, oppressions and arrange even a table and chair, a has to be brought about, what was being encouraged on a massive injustices are to be deemed as simple microphone for a meeting to be done? In his search for the scale in our country today. These divine acts and hence beyond addressed by Comrade Shibdas correct answer, he came in contact were not so widespread during the questioning, let alone protesting. Ghosh at Hazra Park in South with the lofty revolutionary freedom movement and even for In this connection, it is pertinent Kolkata. We were happy if there scientific philosophy of the time, some time in the post-independence to add that according to the was a gathering of few hundreds of Marxism-Leninism. Already, after days when democratic movement believers in god as also the idealists people. Overcoming all these successful working class revolution was at its peak and communist and spiritualists, the idea of god or hurdles, we have inched forward in 1917, socialism was making bold ideology had a discernible influence spiritualism has been there in without any media backing or stride ahead in Soviet Union under on the people. On the one hand, the human society since eternity and financial assistance by big the leadership of great Lenin and ruling oppressive capitalist class would remain so for all ages to bourgeois houses. That day also, we then Stalin. That message reached and the capitalist state are come. But judged on the anvil of used to resort to street collection of our country also. Rabindranath after deliberately patronizing such cults Contd. on page 3 PROLETARIAN ERA SEPTEMBER 15, 2012 PAGE THREE Idealists think mind is governed by a super-natural power Contd from page 2 before advent of Marxism, the With that objective, he had based on of religion came at a particular science and history, such a belief bourgeois humanists in Europe whatever understanding had juncture of history to meet social would prove to be wrong, during the period of industrial developed in him, used to dance and necessity of that time and based on unhistoric. History has shown that revolution and establishment of gesticulate to tame the natural religion grew religious thoughts and in the primitive society, there was parliamentary democracy in the forces and even chanted mantras to religious scriptures. The religious no concept of god. Even today, if sixteenth, seventeenth, eighteenth appease them. The idea of super- preachers then argued that the you happen to look at the aboriginal and nineteenth century had attacked natural entity or god came much oppressor and the oppressed, the populace in the Andaman-Nicobar theism while fighting the monarchy, later only after agriculture was slaves and the slave master were or the deep jungles of Africa, you perceived to be the accredited invented, stable property had both sons of god. And in that sense, would find no concept of any super- representatives of ‘almighty god’. appeared and centring on that, all were deemed to be equal. So, natural power or entity in them. Spurred on by the necessity to society became class-divided and they urged upon the rulers to govern That was the scenario in the develop democratic thoughts and the slave-master society was by obeying the prescripts of primitive society. Primitive man did establishment of democratic social established. Society was running at religion. It occurred to them based not think of any non-material or order, many philosophers and the order of the slave master. Slave on whatever they could understand supra-matter entity, nor was there scientists like Bacon, Hobbes, master’s order was the law at that in their quest for truth in the then any scope for that. These are not my Locke, Spinoza, Descartes, Diderot, time. When the barbaric oppression period, that all kinds of thoughts words. I am referring to the Kant and Feuerbach had sought to and repression of the slave masters and ideas germinating in their minds observations of Swami promote science, scientific enquiry accentuated beyond endurance, the were divine contemplations, gospel Vivekananda, who is respectfully and scientific reasoning as against question of emancipation from the truths. Since they believed that this obeyed by all the believers of the the doctrines of theology and yoke of this oppression also arose in world was created by god and so country and, despite philosophical religiosity. They believed in either society. Greatly moved by the tears, were the rich and poor, these would differences, is revered by us also. mechanical materialism or wails and woes of the subjugated continue forever. But the ruler Vivekananda himself had said that agnosticism or atheism or secular slaves, a group of thinkers in those should govern his subjects the thinking of primitive man was humanism. Vidyasagar, during days were struck with the thought following religious directives. Later, materialistic, matter-based. To quote sprouting of Indian renaissance in that as there was a master in society slave-master society was replaced his words: “The first was a search mid-nineteenth century, was an while all others were slaves and the by feudalism, monarchial rule based in external nature of the truths of the atheist. Many scientists of this society was being run orderly by the on religion. Monarchy used religion universe; it was an attempt to get country as well other countries were rule or dictate of the master, there as a prop to establish a belief that the solution of the deep problems of protagonists of atheism. But, all of ought to be a lord or super-master at the king was accredited life from the material world.” 4 How them, apart from calling theism as whose behest and conduction, the representative of god. God was the great a man he was to acknowledge untrue, harmful and hence liable for vast universe was running orderly owner of all properties and on the objective truth despite himself being rejected, could not say with systematic outbreak of day and behalf of him, the king or the being a believer of spiritualism. In anything further nor could they night, sunrise and sunset, alternating emperor or the feudal lord was the land known as India today, in throw any light on the origin of this new moon and full moon, ebbs and owning that property and ruling the the dim past, there was cultivation thought in history. It is Marxism tides and periodic change of society. So the decree of the king is of powerful materialist philosophy which first provided scientific- seasons. This super-master ought to the command of god. Thus all kinds of Lokayat, sage Charvaka and historic genesis of theism. Marxism be the lord of the slave-master also. of exploitations, repression and others. Even in the academic has shown that religion or religious Slave master and slave both are oppression by the monarchy and the curriculum of Indian philosophy, thoughts appeared in the society at creations of God. Hence both are feudal lords were sought to be one can find mention of materialist a particular stage of social the God’s children.This is how the sanctified in the name of obedience philosophy of ancient India. development in order to meet the concept of god and subsequently to religion. There was no scope for According to those ancient then social necessity and further the religious thoughts, system of protest because that would have materialistic philosophies, every- concept of morals, ethics and well- worship and such other religious been deemed to be rebellious thing in this world is composed of being of the humanity. For that ceremonies arose in society. That is against religion. In pointing out this four basic ingredients, Kshiti, Apa, reason, the Marxists highly respect why Marx had made a historic role of religion, Marx had opined, Tez and Marut meaning earth, the founders of various religions as statement that “Religious suffering that is “the opium of the people.” 5 water, fire and air. Hindu sage great men of the then society. Based is, at one and the same time, the Referring to religion, the rulers Kanada(600 BC) stated that every on science, we, the Marxists know expression of real suffering and a were convincing the poor and object in creation was made up of that the material condition of human protest against real suffering. exploited to accept their destitution, paramanu (atoms). It was here that thoughts and ideals appears first and Religion is the sigh of the oppressed penury and misery as having been ‘zero’ was discovered to be a digit. then, on that base, develops the creature, the heart of a heartless ordained by god. Any protest In other words, it was held that there world of ideas. Matter or material world, and the soul of soulless against oppression and exploitation was nothing, no existence of any condition is prior, ideas or thoughts conditions.” 5 Thus Marx has given was tantamount to going against the non-matter in the universe. So, even germinate basing on that given due recognition to the positive role command of god and hence a sin. zero has a quantitative value which conducive objective condition. In of religion in the then context of Already he was paying price for his implies that no existence of the primitive society, there was no social progress. Comrade Shibdas sin in previous life. Now if he dared ‘‘nothing’’. The person held in high ingredient in the material world for Ghosh, too, hailed the religious to rise up against the king or feudal esteem as Bhagwan Buddha was a idea of god or religion to appear preachers of stature as men of great lord, he would only multiply his sin non-believer in God. Mahavira, the because there was no private height, outstanding personalities and thus spoil his both earthly as founder of Jainism, was a non- property, no concept of ownership who, in their times, had left well as reincarnate life. So the believer too. Similar non-belief of property, no class division, no unmistakable marks of their genius. advice was to remain as opiated and prevailed in some other parts of the ruler-ruled relationship, no division He had explained that once desist from rising against world also in ancient time. Later, at between rich and poor. In other Christianity fought against the slave oppression-repression. On the other a particular stage of social words, the society was running not system. Islam too took up cudgels hand, the bourgeoisie who in the development, in keeping with the because of any law-giver ruler or against the slave system and period of rising capitalism attacked social necessity and the course of master. So, there was no material injustices. In Hinduism too, there religion and religious backwardness social progress, the idea of God condition or objective situation were concepts of virtue and sin, has itself in the phase of its appeared in the society. I want to conducive to emergence of the justice and injustice, social well- decadence turned utter reactionary allude to one more point in this concept of God. At that time, being, ethics and morality, and and is using religion as intoxicant to connection. Many are of the belief primitive man made efforts to know societal good in the prevailing destroy revolutionary thought and that we, the Marxists, have been the the various forces of Nature, tried to perspective. So, we, the Marxists, struggle. first to propagate atheism. This is propitiate or control those natural do not have any disrespect for I have said earlier that it was the incorrect. The fact is that much forces lest those should harm him. religion. We only say that concept Contd. on page 4 PAGE FOUR SEPTEMBER 15, 2012 PROLETARIAN ERA Slogan of ‘nationalism’ is against interest of the struggle for emancipation today Contd. from page 3 was struggling for freeing human event, there could be no question of directing his acts. He had opposed bourgeoisie who first launched mind from the clutches of protest. Only course left is to please the revolutionaries during the attack on religion. During French spiritualism and setting up a secular god through ritualistic worship and freedom movement, resisted Netaji revolution, European renaissance education system. Why were there pray for salvation in next life. So Subhash and endorsed his ouster and establishment of bourgeois these two trends in thinking? The the fundamental difference is from the Congress. Gandhiji even democracy by overthrowing answer has been provided by between the two outlooks and did not try to stall the hanging of obsolete feudal order, fight was Marxism, by Comrade Shibdas methodological approaches in Bhagat Singh. Because he believed directed against the monarchial Ghosh based on Marxism. Comrade getting to know the truth. This is that armed revolution would spell system sustaining on the belief that Shibdas Ghosh has shown that a where Marxism is distinctively disaster to the country, cause such rule was based on god’s thought cannot appear unless the different from other schools of immense harm. He had even said: command. It is in this way that material condition conducive to its thought. “Even if I was assured that we could renaissance based on modern growth developed prior to it. This is have independence by means of science marked its augury with the one aspect. But that is not all. It is Limitations of idealist violence, I should refuse to have it. announcement that the material immensely important as to how you philosophy It won’t be real independence.” (6) world is only the truth, nature is the are approaching an objective reality. My next point is there are He held that the relation between only reality, nothing exists beyond One might be honest, dedicated and idealist philosophers, spiritual the capitalist owner and the worker nature and there is no super-natural ready to make sacrifices. But if thinkers who even by going to the is like that of father and son. To existence. So, in the realm of one’s philosophical outlook, extent of acknowledging many quote his language: “”the relation thought and human life, there can be methodology of thinking and scientific truths like the world is full between mill-agents and mill-hand no place for god. Thinking is the process of reasoning are erroneous, of matter, the influence of sought to be one of father and contemplation of god—such belief one can never find the truth. Just environment on human thought, children… Connection is of mutual was discarded by the votaries of like a doctor who might be very evolution of animate bodies and love and regard as between father European renaissance. It was honest, extremely caring for his human species in course of change and son.” (6) His claim was that Vidyasagar who first brought this patient but is bereft of necessary in the material world etc. got struck “Having made a ceaseless effort to thought on Indian soil. Many are not medical knowledge. Then, he over the question as to what is attain self-purification,” he had aware that it was Vidyasagar who cannot cure his patient. Same is in meant by mind, what are thoughts “developed some little capacity to first said boldly based on reason the realm of thought. Ramakrishna’s and ideas? Material world can be hear correctly and clearly the ‘still that Veda-Vedanta and Sankhya, the approach was based on the Veda- comprehended with five sensory small Voice within’,” which to him old Hindu religious scriptures, are Vedanta, spiritualism, belief in organs. But thoughts and ideas meant “Voice of God” and whatever false systems of philosophy and super-natural power. So, he cannot be comprehended in the he used to say were not his own hence do not represent the truth of encouraged cult of religion. On the same process. Then where the words but “Voice of God”. He said: life. He wanted to free the thinking contrary, Vidyasagar wanted to thoughts and ideas are coming “My claim to hear the Voice of God process of people from the shackles develop a mind free from religious from? Is it that these are originating is no new a claim….I was not of spiritualism and influence of thoughts because he embraced from any super-natural or supra- dreaming at the time I heard the Vedanta and invoke new secular humanist approach of material source or thoughts and Voice. The hearing of the Voice was enlightened rational scientific Western renaissance, modern ideas are originating from matter preceded by a terrific struggle thought process and rational faculty. science, rational thought process. If through an objective process? Basic within me. Suddenly the Voice came So was his call for new system of we follow spiritual approach today, difference between idealist upon me. I listened, made certain education, secular scientific then we ought to accept the Indian philosophy and materialist that it was the Voice, and the education as against old obsolete capitalist state, the exploitative philosophy lies here. Conduction of struggle ceased. I was calm….this religious tutelage. What is worth capitalist social order, the class the struggles of life by our people is was between 11 and 12 midnight. I noting is that when Ramakrishna division in society, the spate of connected with this question. felt refreshed and began to write the Paramhans, known to be the oppressions, deceptions and Gandhiji was a great and honest note about it which the readers must preceptor of Vivekananda was deprivations all as command of god man. He used to think that he have seen. … I have no further preaching spiritualism, Vidyasagar and hence fate accompli. In that received orders from god in evidence to convince the sceptic. …But I can say this that not the unanimous verdict of the whole SUCI (C) condemns unprovoked police firing on anti- world against me could shake me Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant protesters from the belief that what I heard was the true Voice of God.” 7 Just Comrade Provash Ghosh, General Secretary, SUCI(C) has issued the following statement on 11th September, 2012 imagine, Gandhiji at whose call : We strongly condemn the atrocities on another set of and hence ought to be opposed by all thousands of countrymen had then unprovoked police firing, baton protesters at Koodankulam itself on right-thinking persons. joined non-violence movement charge and bursting tear gas shells the same day. At the same time, we We fervently appeal to the forsaking revolutionism, used to on the peaceful anti-Koodankulam hail the courageous sustained just people of Tamilnadu to firmly stand think like this. How could such be Nuclear Power Plant protesters struggle of the people of by the brave fighters of with a great and honest person like yesterday (10th September) at Koodankulam and adjoining areas Koodankulam and adjacent areas Gandhiji? Because, he also used to Tuticorin causing death of a against the heinous move on the part and exert necessary pressure of believe that thinking was contem- fisherman and grievous injuries to of the Congress-led central united protest on both the central as plation of god, mind is guided by many and demand a high level government to the commission of a well as Tamilnadu state governments what is called, super-mind. judicial enquiry into the incident, highly risky nuclear power plant to abandon the project immediately. You might be surprised to know stringent punishment of the guilty there endangering life and livelihood We also call upon the countrymen to that similar were the views of police officials and adequate of the poor fishermen and other take cognizance of the legitimacy of Vivekananda. I have already told compensation for the families of the sections of the people residing in that this Koodankulam movement, that we have deepest of respect for dead and injured, release of all those area. Setting up of such nuclear regard it as a struggle of theirs him. Comrade Shibdas Ghosh had arrested, dropping of the false power plants at any part of the because of common cause and taught us to respect all greatmen of charges on the protesters, lifting of country is fraught with the danger of extend whole-hearted support to the yester years like Vivekananda, the unlawful imposition of act 144 radioactive radiation, widespread protesters there so that the Gandhiji, Rabindranath and others. and withdrawal of the central and environmental pollution, extensive government does not dare to venture We are of the opinion that after state police forces stationed there. damage to animal and plant lives and any such project anywhere in the Vidyasagar, it was Vivekananda who We also protest brutal police severe health hazard of the people country. Contd on page 5 PROLETARIAN ERA SEPTEMBER 15, 2012 PAGE FIVE No religious doctrine can provide answers to today’s problems Contd. from page 4 abode of eternal knowledge. So the not take any interest in them — each explained.” 4 played a historic role in rousing the knowledge of the entire world is and every one of them I count guilty It means that the person who is people of India, in fostering a spirit stored there from time immemorial. of betraying the country.” 9 This is begging for a morsel is also of human essence in them at the Hence, there is nothing to be called another Vivekananda, who loves the occupying the throne. One who is dawn of Indian nationalism. But, a new discovery. According to poor masses, who is humanitarian. uneducated is at the same time alongside respect, there can be Vivekananda’s line of thinking, the Tears well up in him for the starving educated. Where were such thoughts difference of opinion and stating that theory of gravitation could have masses, for the exploited. On their coming from? Such thoughts were difference boldly is no sign of been discovered even ten thousand behalf he is urging upon humanity’s stemming from the belief that only disrespect whatsoever. This has been years ago. It could have been conscience, he is crying shame upon truth in the world was the Bramha the teaching of Vivekananda discovered by either Plato or the owners of riches, the so called (Supreme Being). And this Bramha himself. As I have mentioned earlier, Socrates. Likewise, Jesus Christ or educated men and women. Even, he is residing in each of us. As a Vidyasagar had clearly said that Shankaracharya could have invented says: “Millions of the distressed humanitarian, one personality of there was no truth in Veda, Vedanta theory of relativity. Only what was masses of this land are asking for Vivekananda was standing by the and Sankhya. He did not believe in needed was a kind of act like the fall bread, just bread, in a voice clamped wail and woe of the hungry, god, never used to go to temple or of an apple from the tree which with hunger. Bread is what they are upholding their demands, perform puja. Ramakrishna had gone struck Newton. Would modern asking from us, and we are doling deprecating the elites and the to his house and after paying due scientific historic outlook endorse out chips of stone. Holding out the affluent while the other personality respect, invited him to visit such an explanation? Since virtues of religion to souls who are of Vivekananda was consoling the Dakshineswar. But Vidyasagar, honest and dedicated as he was to his firm belief in atheism, did not even for the sake of formality go to Dakshineswar, known to be a pilgrimage because of Ramakrishna’s Kali temple there. Later on, Vivekananda had stated that he equally revered both Ramakrishna and Vidyasagar though he was a preacher of Vedantic philosophy which was contrary to what Vidyasagar espoused. Vivekananda had done that without deviating an inch from the respect he had for Vidyasagar. Let me now quote certain relevant portions from the works of Vivekananda. He said: “Knowledge is inherent in man, no knowledge comes from outside, it is all inside. What we say a man ‘knows’, should, in strict psychological language, be what he discovers or unveils. What a ‘learns’ is really what he ‘discovers’ by taking cover off his own soul, which is a mine of infinite knowledge.” (8.) Comrade Provash Ghosh addressing on 5th August From this understanding, what Vivekananda was a believer in suffering angst of hunger, or self by assuming that Bramha was conclusion did he arrive at? We all monotheist Vedanta and his thought explaining to them the high points of within the wretched millions as know that Newton had discovered process was guided in accordance philosophy is to abuse them with much as it was within the one on the the force of gravitation. But therewith, a wise man like him also humiliation.” 9 royal throne. So, there was nothing according to Vivekananda, “We say in his search for truth got enmeshed But you would be surprised at to groan or moan over hunger and Newton discovered gravitation. Was in such kind of weird thinking. This another saying by Vivekananda and starvation. it sitting anywhere in a corner is the limitation of idealism. From wonder if both are utterances of the This is where the idealists suffer waiting for him? It was in his own this idealist thinking, one is prone to same person. In a speech delivered from limitation. Because they think mind; time came and he found it out. believe that every occurrence in at Lahore in 1897, he said:”Whether that mind is governed by a super- All knowledge that the world has society is pre-ordained by the you know it or not, through all hands natural power. Mind is controlled by ever received comes from the mind; Supreme Being, pre-determined by you work, through all feet you move, Super-mind. Soul is part of the the infinite library of the universe is the Supreme Bramha. So these are you are the king enjoying the palace, Supreme Almighty. What is mind? in your own mind. The external is all eternal, absolute and hence could you are the beggar leading that How do ideas and thoughts arise in simply the suggestion, the occasion, not be changed. Nothing new can miserable existence in the street; you mind? Such questions prevailed for which sets you to study your own come by. Again, the same are in the ignorant as well as the quite a long period. In ancient time, mind. The falling of an apple gave Vivekananda, in agony at the learned, you are the man who is the materialists could only say that the suggestion to Newton and he sufferings of his countrymen, speaks weak and you are in the strong; know mind and life were created through studied his own mind. He rearranged out: “I call them simply traitors, who this and be sympathetic. That is why, combination of earthly particles. But all the previous links of thought, in have their education at the expense we must not hurt others. That is why, they could not elaborate any more as his mind, and discovered a new link of earnings by blood, sweat and tears I do not even care whether I have to it was impossible to do so at that among them, which we call the law of millions of downtrodden, poverty- starve, because there will be millions point of time. During the days of of gravitation.” 8 This very stricken men and women, yet, of mouths eating at the same time, industrial revolution, the bourgeois observation of Vivekananda drowned in affluence and luxury, and they are all mine, therefore I humanists and scientists argued that reflected the same idealist they have no time to spare a thought should not care what becomes of me the human body is a machine, so is philosophy as pursued by Gandhiji. for the poor multitude. They rest and mine, for the whole universe is brain and mind. Yet, the moot As per such belief, human soul is a assured of appropriating the income mine, I am enjoying all the bliss at question remained unresolved. part of the divine soul, divine soul is of millions of Indian people as long the same time; and who can kill me, Confusion prevailed all around. the Supreme Being and the Supreme as these people remain plunged in or the universe? Here is morality. Idealist Hegel viewed matter as the Being is the Supreme Brahma and darkness of ignorance, yet they do Here, in Advaita alone, is morality Contd. on page 6 PAGE SIX SEPTEMBER 15, 2012 PROLETARIAN ERA With wrong or false ideas we cannot forge ahead Contd. from page 5 there is a super-natural power, supra- partition of the country, he could not remain forever. He believed that “A dialectical expression of an absolute matter thought and those are eternal. agree to that. He wrote: “My person cannot amass individual idea and assumed that idea was the The truth they have understood struggle has failed. Hindus and wealth without private ownership. ‘original idea’ which had inherent through cult is divine command. So Muslims are engaged in fratricidal Only he has to ensure that this contradiction within itself and it was their gospels are also eternal and bloodbath. No one understood me. wealth is not misused, but used for this contradiction that had led to applicable in all ages. Only one person could, but he too is justice and in right manner.’’ 6 It creation of the material world. It But what is the objective not near. He is Subhas.” “Today, I means private ownership of Tatas means that the material world is an reality? Copernicus, Galileo, Bruno am alone. Even Sardar Ballavbhai and Birlas is a necessity. As trustees image, and in that sense, it is an had to face outrageous assault of the Patel and Jawaharlal also think that of social wealth, they would only expression of an absolute idea. And Churchdom and fight religious my analysis of the situation is take what is ‘legitimately due’ to this material world, to put it simply, thoughts to propel growth and incorrect and acceptance of partition them and give the remainder to the would one day be merged into the development of modern science. of the country will bring back society. But, how would this absolute idea. So, everything Rise of bourgeois democracy in the peace. …They think that with age, I ‘legitimate due’ be determined? occurring in nature and society is Western world was based on have degenerated. … I clearly see Which owner has ever said that he pre-determined. Opposing Hegelian disapproval of spiritual thoughts that dark future awaits is appropriating wealth theory, Marx based on science had and religious fiats. There is no independence earned at this cost. I illegitimately? Every one of them shown that “The ideal is nothing else denying the fact that solution of any pray let not God keep me alive to claims that he is taking what is than this material world reflected by of the modern day problems in see this.” 10 legitimately due to him. This was the human mind and translated into either the economic-political-social But, why did the partition take the limitation of Gandhiji and forms of thoughts.” His worthy spheres or any other walk of life can place? It was also an inevitability of Gandhite philosophy. Similar has disciple Comrade Shibdas Ghosh be found in any of the holy Gandhism. Gandhiji and his been the case with another towering had provided a developed and scriptures, be it the Gita or the Bible followers participated in the personality like Rabindranath. On enriched understanding of this or the Koran. Because, the religious freedom struggle with religious the one hand, he had shed tears for concept based on the latest leaders of the past had no occasion books in hand. As a result, the the oppressed while on the other discoveries of science. He said: to witness the present era and its leadership of the freedom hand, his inability to be freed from “Philosophers debated for long in problems. And they were not able to movement in the main was in the the clutches of idealism caused his the past whether mind came first or understand how ideas develop, hands of the upper caste Hindus. world outlook impede social matter, that is which of the two was thoughts arise or mind is Consequently, vast masses of the revolution. “Throughout the ages, prior. But the point of this ‘priority’ constituted. It is not that they were people belonging to the Muslim and civilized communities have has been resolved by science, once inferior in genius. Rather, in the lower caste Hindu communities contained groups of nameless and for all. That matter is prior to then context, they were amazingly remained out of the mainstream of people. They are the majority—the mind and it exists independently of talented. But they could not get the the movement. Such would not have beasts of burden, who have no time consciousness is now established opportunity of being acquainted been the case if secular humanist to become men. They grow up on beyond doubt. We also know now with the developments of modern leadership was at the helm. The the leavings of society’s wealth, that, through the sense organs, the science. But, right from Marx to demand for partition of the country with the least food, least clothes and external world or the objective Comrade Shibdas Ghosh, all as India and Pakistan arose based on least education, and they serve the reality comes into interaction with Marxist thinkers had that this religion-oriented nationalism. rest. They toil most, yet theirs is the the human brain with its distinctive opportunity. At the same time, As Gandhiji had rejected science, largest measure of indignity. At the power of translation and it is through despite scope for being familiar scientific outlook, what he did not least excuse they starve and are this process that thoughts and ideas with latest discoveries of science, a want had happened because his humiliated by their superiors. They arise.” 14 Thus, he conclusively group of thinkers notwithstanding pursuit of truth was based on are deprived of everything that showed that “the material condition being exceptionally talented did not religion. That is why the question of makes life worth living. They are for human thoughts and ideals accept science as means to know the correct outlook is so important. like a lampstand bearing the lamp of appears first and then, on this base, truth. So, they were gripped by Gandhiji who sincerely longed for civilization on their heads: people develops the world of ideas. Herein spiritual-idealist outlook and hence welfare of the people had believed receive light while they are smeared lies the limit of the relative failed to reflect the truth. These that “God is the creator of both with the trickling oil”, wrote independence of the power of spiritual thinkers had assumed that capitalist owners and the workers. Rabindranath.’’ 11 This shows how thinking of man.” 14 So, no thought society is unchangeable and so the While capitalist has the power of much pain and agony he had for the or idea is eternal. Thought does not gulf between the rich and the poor intellect, worker has the power of oppressed and repressed people. originate from any super-natural or the divide between the oppressor labour of the limbs…..” ‘‘We invite But, immediately after that, he power but is developed through and the oppressed would remain the capitalist to regard himself as wrote: “I had often thought about interaction of the human brain with forever. These are all eternal. So, trustee for those on whom he them, but came to the conclusion the external world. The ingredient of the desired emancipation of the depends for the making, the that there was no help for them.” any thought lies in the objective oppressed people cannot come by retention and increase of his (ibid) Why is there no help? world. But even if the ingredients are following the spiritual line. On the capital…. Earn your crores by all Because, according to him, “If there the same, a difference in the contrary, spiritualism poses stiffest means. But understand that your were no one below, how could there methodology of analysis or of hurdles before the struggle for wealth is not yours; it belongs to the be anyone above, and it is necessary comprehension may lead to different emancipation. It is for this precise people. Take whatever you need for to be there above. If there is nobody conclusions about the same incident reason that Comrade Shibdas Ghosh your legitimate needs and use the at the top, it is impossible to see or occurrence in nature and society. in his quest for truth did not remainder for society.” 6 He added anything beyond one’s immediate That is why, though being embrace spiritualism. further: “In the individual body the ken; mere animal existence can contemporaries, Vidyasagar using As you have already seen, head is not high because it is the top never be man’s destiny. His science and rationality as a tool materialization of the humanist of the body, nor are the soles of the civilization consists in going beyond opposed the Vedanta but aspiration of a person like feet low because they touch the bare subsistence. The most Ramakrishna guided by spiritual Vivekananda could not take place earth. Even as members of the cherished fruits of civilization have thinking eulogized the Vedanta. In because his spiritual thoughts, his individual body are equal, so are the flourished on the field of leisure.’’ 11 the same way, there were differences idealist outlook became the members of the society. This is So, in his opinion, a section of the between Gandhiji and Netaji stumbling blocks. Gandhiji in the Socialism. In it, the prince and the people must live at the bottom Subhas, Rabindranath and last phase of his life had at least peasant, the wealthy and the poor, pending which another section Saratchandra over many socio- repented on one question. He did the employer and the employee are cannot be at the top. Unless there philosophical-political questions. not want partition of the country. all on the same level.” According to are some people at the top, they So, I was telling you that idealists When Nehru and Sardar Patel came him, such division had been there cannot cultivate science- proceed from the assumption that to him with the proposal for from time immemorial and would Contd on page 7 PROLETARIAN ERA SEPTEMBER 15, 2012 PAGE SEVEN Only Marxism can illumine the path to emancipation Contd. from page 6 between ‘I and thou’ is eternal. It only one understanding about each Then came the slave society epistemology, art-literature and such suits all periods, all ages of history. of these aspects if the same is based followed by feudalism and then other necessary social activities, he The man he conceived was an on experimentally verified scientific bourgeois democracy. All these thought. Rabindranath too believed abstract man who did not belong to truth. As a philosopher, it was Marx forms of society appeared following that this gap between the upper and any class, to any period of society. who first said that experimentally a definite law of social lower layers of society is eternal It follows from this understanding verified truth of science is the only development. And in accordance and necessary for civilization. He that the relationship between truth. Everything has to be judged with the same law, socialism under also went on saying: “ I used to capitalists and workers is also a on the basis of experiments, history the dictatorship of the proletariat think that the utmost should be done relationship of love. So, whatever and experience, not on any would replace decadent moribund to improve the education, health and workers get from the capitalists is individual’s notion or idea. After bourgeois democracy. This is the comfort of those who are compelled the expression of love. This is a establishment of capitalism and inexorable law. to labour at the bottom of society concept of a supra-class abstract considerable progress of modern In the mid-nineteenth century, not merely through circumstances man. This humanism is deemed to science, Marxism evolved based on when capitalism had not entered the (meaning not just for pecuniary be eternal. Same was the outlook of science at a particular juncture of stage of monopoly and imperialism, condition), but by reason of their Gandhiji and Rabindranath. As per history to meet the social necessity when industrial crisis and market body and mind.” 11 You can thus see this outlook, individual ownership of accomplishing anti-capitalist crisis had not appeared with so that according to him, the very of property and the urge of an revolution and finding out truth much intensity, massive nature of body and mind of a individual for acquiring property correctly. Marxism, as Comrade retrenchment, recession and such particular section of the people is have been taken as legitimate and Shibdas Ghosh had taught, holds other phenomena of crisis-ridden such that they are suitable as well as logical. This approach, therefore, that on the question of knowing capitalism were not there, when bound to perform inferior jobs. In works in favour of capitalist truth science is far more powerful capitalist economy notwithstanding other words, their physical and ownership only. So, this approach and dependable than the power of certain manifestation of its systemic mental structures are so developed cannot illumine the path of an individual. So, it is only rational crisis was still in the growing phase as to be only ‘fit’ for jobs overthrowing the existing to depend upon science rather than and neither the bourgeoisie nor the considered to be low-grade. Hence, oppressive capitalist system in on the belief or self-realization of an bourgeois economists could dream even to Rabindranath, rich-poor India. This is the reason that individual.At a particular age, there of outbreak of any crisis on such a divide or worker-owner relationship Comrade Shibdas Ghosh had was emergence of religion for the massive scale, Marx, the founder of and division between mental and accepted Marxism as the highest well-being of humanity. Later, the scientific philosophy of physical labour had appeared to be revolutionary philosophy of life nationalist thoughts and bourgeois dialectical materialism said based eternal. This happened because his based on science. humanism appeared in society to on scientific analysis that this outlook was clouded with idealist free people from the tightening growth of capitalism would not be thoughts and hence he failed to Difference between Marxism noose of monarchy and feudalism. sustained. Capitalism would be realize the scientific reason behind and other philosophies And now has emerged Marxism mired in severe crisis. He showed class division in society. Now you Marxism fundamentally differs based on science to take civilization that in capitalism, the capitalists can well understand how imperative from other philosophies over the forward by bringing about anti- invest capital for reaping profit. it is to have a scientific outlook. method of finding the truth. In all capitalist revolution. That is the law of capitalism. In another place, Rabindranath other philosophies, whatever an Motive of production in capitalism observed, ‘‘The attachment to one’s honest great individual thought Marxism is a science is to earn profit. The capitalist property is not a subject of subjectively based on his personal The different branches of owner makes profit by depriving argument: it is human nature. We power of judgement, self-realization science, through their methods of labour of their legitimate dues. want to express ourselves: this is a and intellect was propagated as the experimentation and verification Mathematically, Marx showed that mode of self-expression….But for truth. As against that, Marxism followed by logical objective and capital consists of two parts, an ordinary mortal, personal brought a new methodology of scientific analyses of the facts constant and variable. The plant and property is the language of his analysis, a new methodological gathered thereby, reveal the machinery, land and raw material individuality: he is struck dumb, as approach in searching out the truth. particular objective laws of form constant capital. Investment in it were, if he loses it….private Marxism showed that there is particular domains of the material constant capital comes back to the property will remain but the difference among the thoughts of world. Through the process of capitalist investor in either one shot excessive individualism of its different individuals because the scientifically coordinating, or periodic installments. Constant enjoyment will be circumscribed. thought of an individual, of a genius correlating, integrating and capital does not yield profit or What overflows these limits must be even, is in reality nothing but generalizing these particular laws surplus value. The other one is for the common good….In short, for individual thinking. Hence, there derived from the particular variable capital which he pays the oneself there must be something of could be different realizations of disciplines of science, Marxism or worker as wage to buy the latter’s one’s own: everything else should truth and falsity among different dialectical materialism has emerged labour power. If the worker works be for others. A true solution is individuals. So, there have been as a generalized concept of law- for eight hours, then in four or five possible only by recognizing both differences on this score in different governance of the material world hours, he produces value worth the self and non-self. When one of them ages. For that reason, the and a comprehensive science. wage he is paid by the capitalist is forgotten there is conflict with the methodological approach to Marxism has been first to proclaim owner for buying his labour power. law of human nature.” 11 examining a particular concrete that the material world is subject to In other words, the owner recovers It means that a person should event or phenomenon to unravel the changes all the time and such the price he is paying as wage in retain legitimate something for his truth must be such as to be changes are law-governed. Right four or five hours of labour own consumption and give the acceptable to all and which reflects from elementary particle like expended by the worker. But the remainder to others. This is the truth. Next question is how do electron to macro-terrestrial bodies worker does not get wage for the humanist outlook, outlook of we know what is truth? Modern like the planets—everything is in remaining four or five hours of his Feuerbach. “Rational restriction for science has shown that such is motion and hence changing. labour. This is what is known as ourselves and love and love for possible only through the process of Nothing is static. There is no way to surplus value. The capitalist owner others” — these were the words of scientific experimentation and stay out of motion. But this motion makes profit by usurping this Feuerbach. His exhortation was that verification. There cannot be two is law-governed. In accordance with unpaid surplus labour. The capitalist there ought to be reasonable self- different understandings about that law, matter is undergoing owner accumulates wealth out of restriction in acquiring property and composition of water or air, about change. In course of this change had this profit generated by in case of self-consumption while the cause of tide and ebb, typhoid or evolved life, living species, men and expropriating the surplus labour of the balance should be given to tuberculosis, about the human society. This human society the worker. Thus Marx unfolded the others out of love and affection. configuration of an atom or electron is also changing. Marxism showed truth that the capitalist owner earns According to Feuerbach, love or the nature of light. There can be that first there was primitive society. Contd. on page 8 PAGE EIGHT SEPTEMBER 15, 2012 PROLETARIAN ERA Decadent capitalism is breeding crisis in every walk of life Contd. from page 7 common people to borrow money from providing any public service. population is either unemployed or profit by depriving the worker. He and spend for housing or acquiring In the name of pursuing reforms, underemployed. Strangely, the further showed that the term consumer durables now and pay they are shamelessly advocating for government report is saying that ‘market’ in capitalism denotes the back the loan with interest later. wage cut of the workers, trimming there is no unemployment among purchasing power of the people Because, if purchasing power is workforce, diverting pension and the poor. Only a section of the which depends on their income. The boosted a bit with borrowed money, provident fund money to speculative educated is without job. What is the working people constitute the that would somehow stimulate the stock market, entry of Foreign yardstick of their measurement? It is majority of the market. But the very market and trigger some activity at Direct Investment (FDI) in retail incredible indeed! The government working people are denied their the production front. And if there is sector, deregularization of diesel- is arguing that since the poor work legitimate wage. So, a day would increase in the number of buyers, kerosene-cooking gas prices and so as domestic aids, porters and street- come when the workmen having there will be marginal improvement forth. All these anti-people hawkers, are engaged in either been ruthlessly exploited would in credit off-take from the banks by schemes are on the anvil. Whatever selling vegetables or making paper- have no purchasing power. At that the capitalist investors. Thus little of public welfare activities bags for somehow eking out a time, market crisis would demand-driven economy today is were hitherto undertaken by the livelihood, they are deemed to be accentuate. When Marx made this replaced by credit-driven economy. capitalist state is being dispensed employed. This is the contention of prognosis, the bourgeois economists As against normal demand, there is with. A harrowing crisis has the Labour Bureau. In that event, rubbished it as delirium. But see artificial creation of demand engulfed the entire capitalist there is no unemployment in the how the prognosis is vindicated through offer of credit. But when world. country. They might of well even today. The entire gamut of capitalist the debtors or loan-takers because argue that there is no needy or crisis round the world can only be of falling income are becoming Slogan of nationalism—a indigent person in the country since explained on the anvil of this defaulters, the banks are getting privilege in the hands of the millions are surviving in a starved, historic prognosis of Marx. By bankrupt. The industries are also bourgeoisie today semi-starved condition for days applying the science of dialectical shuting down. In order to rescue the It is pertinent to note that during together. So, there is no necessity to materialism, Marx analysed the banks, the state is injecting fresh the period of its rising, capitalism sit in an air-conditioned chamber to social laws, the law of capitalism capital to their kitty from public fought against feudalism and later work out the definition of poverty and showed that capitalism would exchequer. The capitalists are also it fought against imperialism- line and calculate the percentage of plunge into an insurmountable complaining of incurring loss. So, feudalism for national independence Below Poverty Line (BPL) people crisis. When he made this the state is also giving them huge and sovereignty. The nationalist because, as per their view, there is prediction, capitalism had not financial assistance in the name of thoughts then had a progressive no poverty in the country. Had the reached its decadence and turned ‘fiscal stimulus’, and resorting to role. In that fight against colonial people been poor, how could they out and out reactionary. This was no waiver of their loans. Whose money rulers, on the basis of nationalism, be living then? But, what is the prophecy but a forecast based on is thus used by the state for there was a necessity for broader reality? Reality is that millions are science. The horrendous crisis did salvaging the ‘insolvent’ banks or unity of the national bourgeoisie, street beggars. There his huge influx not unfold at that time but he could the capitalists? It is public money the working class, peasantry and of the rural poor into the city see the inevitability of the same. deposited with the government other sections of the common everyday in search for job. These History has proved him right through taxation route. The people. But once the national people have no home, no hearth. because he based himself on government is supposed to use this bourgeoisie is installed in power They stay on the footpaths, along science. fund for various public welfare and turned into the main exploiter, the sides of the railway tracks in Later, Lenin had shown that measures like education, healthcare, there is historic necessity for united makeshift shanties. Millions of capitalism has passed the earlier irrigation, road construction and so struggle of the workers-peasants- children are born on the streets, phase of its development and forth. Now the same very fund is toiling masses against it. Now, in dying by the roadside. So many entered the decadent reactionary diverted to revive the banks and any capitalist state, the interest of people are dying because of phase. After giving birth to compensate the capitalists for their capital is being projected as national starvation and lack of medical care. monopoly and then finance capital reported loss. Even the government interest. In this situation, any slogan Lakhs of hapless debt-stricken and imperialism, it had become is resorting to market borrowing to of ‘national unity’ or ‘nationalism’ peasants are committing suicide. ridden with market crisis. The secure funds for saving the banks is against the interest of the Thousands of children are being imperialist powers like England, and the capitalists and the corporate struggle for emancipation of the sold. Father is selling daughter. France, Germany, America and later sector. Because of this huge market workers-peasants-toiling millions. Women-trafficking is soaring. Even Japan were engaged in limitless loot borrowings, all capitalist-imperialist So, historically, nationalism is seven or eight year old girls are and plunder of their colonies and countries like US, UK, France, Italy, exhausted today. Moreover, in the initiated into the flesh trade. This is semi-colonies in Asia, Africa and Greece, Spain are now burdened present moribund stage of the harrowing spectacle of the Latin America because their with huge debt known as ‘sovereign capitalism, a few Multi-national country. But the leaders of the domestic markets were squeezed. debt’. Scenario in our country is no Corporations (MNCs) are parliamentary parties are not He showed that imperialism different. Budget deficit is dominating the world and virtually bothered. They are busy in generates war for the re-division of increasing by leaps and bounds. transcending all political-territorial submitting the details of the market for plundering. Stalin India too is a heavily ‘indebted’ boundaries to carry out unbriddled ‘development’. Whose development had shown that after Second World country. Both the central as well as loot and plunder, run steam-roller of they are talking of? Is it of the War, capitalism had become further the state governments are laden with ruthless exploitation. Abandoning people or of the giant industrial crisis-ridden so much so as to have enormous debts running into several all concepts of erstwhile national houses, financial oligarchs and lost whatever relative stability of hundred billions of rupees. As a independence and sovereignty, the MNCs? Profits of the Tatas, Birlas, market it had earlier. Comrade result of this, there is savage national bourgeoisie of various Ambanis, Jindals and Mittals are Shibdas Ghosh said that capitalist economic onslaught on the people. capitalist countries have become swelling. Huge black money of crisis has become an hourly crisis. To meet the yawning budget deficit, either partners or lackeys of these theirs is being stashed away in Earlier, as per law of capitalist the government is increasing taxes, MNCs. Long back, Marxism had foreign banks. So, they are economy, supply depended on raising prices, withdrawing shown that not nationalism but developing. Prospering alongwith demand. But now there is almost no subsidies and massively curtailing proletarian internationalism is the them are the blackmarketers, demand in the market because there allocations towards public welfare only way to emancipation. hoarders, ministers and bureaucrats. are very few buyers. Even there is activities like education, health- Salary and perks of the ministers hardly any demand for bank loan. care, irrigation, transport etc. The Indian context and legislators are soaring. Pay The capitalist owners too are not value of rupee as currency is falling. Look at our country today. packets and other facilities of the investing capital as they used to do A section of bourgeois economists Crises have penetrated into every big officials are increasing without earlier and hence are not eager for and columnists are advising the walk of life. Millions are limit. Besides them, a small bank loans. Banks are asking government to totally withdraw unemployed. Two-third of the Contd on page 9 PROLETARIAN ERA SEPTEMBER 15, 2012 PAGE NINE Honour is in taking active part in revolutionary struggle for social transformation Contd. from page 8 regaining power. This is one kind of life should be enjoyed in drinking, changing life and must be privileged section is making politics which is practised by the drug-addiction, eve teasing, lurid concretized in a concrete situation fortune. Two third members of parties in the corridors of power to discussions, rape and such other of Russia. Following the teachings Indian parliament boasted to be the cheat people. They thrive and things. Is it a civilized society? The of Lenin-Stalin-Mao Zedong, emblem of democracy are survive on hypocrisy, deception and girls cannot move in the streets. Comrade Shibdas Ghosh also billionaires. They are enjoying the debased culture. To them, vote is Indecent remarks, sexual assaults concretized Marxism on Indian soil status of people’s representatives. nothing but a means to grab power. and incidents of outraging of their and contemporary international modesty are rising. Anytime, a girl situation and in the process Politics of opportunism and Higher revolutionary politics can be lifted from anywhere, raped elaborated it further, enriched it and capitulation As against this, there is and even killed. In the capital city of developed it. He has provided us In capitalist India, even the revolutionary politics of the Delhi, a 22-year old boy has raped a with developed understanding of sphere of politics is afflicted with proletariat—politics which calls for 66-year old lady after abduction. Marxism-Leninism in the realm of crisis. Politics has turned into a noble feelings of heart—the politics Even a 6-month old girl is becoming philosophy, politics, epistemology, roaring trade. Like business, aim of illumined by Comrade Shibdas victim of sexual torture. Husband is art-literature, ethics-morality, love ministership is also to accumulate Ghosh Thought. Comrade Shibdas handing over newly-wed wife to his and affection, conjugal life wealth. The power-seeking Ghosh had taught that revolution is friend for money. Who is everything. He has left guideline for politicians can stoop to any level for necessary to overthrow oppressive dehumanizing the youth, the masses our development as true ministerial berth, name, fame, corrupt capitalism. Vote and at large? It is capitalism which is revolutionaries. Here is where our luxurious life and amassing fabulous revolution are not same. Vote can dragging the nation to the dregs of difference with the CPI (M) or wealth. All the vote-based change the government, but not the ruination. Comrade Shibdas Ghosh undivided CPI. While being in the parliamentary parties have no capitalist rule or capitalist state. For could well anticipate this vortex of freedom movement, he concern for ethics-morality or that is needed armed revolution. To inevitability. The pain and sorrow of could realize that despite bearing culture. They receive money from accomplish that objective is this the entire society made such a the name ‘communist’, CPI did not the big monopolists and embezzle revolutionary party of ours. Apart penetrating impact on him that he grow as a true communist party public fund with alacrity. It appears from economic-political crisis, became steeled in his resolve to following correct Marxist process there is a competition of capitalism has bred another deadly make revolution a reality. So was and methodology. So, it could not misappropriation of public money. crisis hitherto unprecedented in his call for taking revolutionary give birth to correct revolutionary Congress, BJP, CPI (M), TMC, SP, history. That is the crisis of culture, struggle ahead being spurred on by leadership. Despite being honest BSP, DMK, AIADMK—all are of human essence. Capitalism is the noble ideology of Marxism. and dedicated, the leaders and sailing on the same boat. There is a excommunicating the country from workers of undivided CPI could not politics of capitulation to the ruling its glorious past. This soil once CPI did not grow as correct develop themselves as Marxists. capitalists. As the capitalists need produced luminaries like revolutionary party They viewed Marxism only as a business managers, industry Vidyasagar, Vivekananda, When Independence Day was political ideology, not as a managers, so also they need political Rabindranath, Saratchandra, Kazi being celebrated on 15th of August, ‘philosophy of life’ covering all managers. These parties act as the Nazrul, Premchand, Subramaniam 1947 with pomp and grandeur, he aspects. All their theoretical political managers of the ruling Bharati, Jyotirao Phule, spent sleepless night. He could formulations and decisions were bourgeoisie. The bourgeoisie installs Deshbandhu Chittaranjan, Netaji realize that the fruits of such a anti-Marxist. That is why, the them in power alternatively. Subhash, Bhagat Singh, Kshudiram, glorious freedom movement, great leadership of the freedom Yesterday only, the CPI (M) leaders Chandrasekhar Azad, Surya Sen sacrifices of countless of martyrs, so movement was usurped by the sat in a dharna (sit-in demonstration) and Pritilata. But they are going to much of bloodshed had been national bourgeoisie. Today, CPI at Rani Rashmoni road to make a the oblivion. With great pain, usurped by the national bourgeoisie (M) is so much hated by the people. show of movement. Ousted from Comrade Shibdas Ghosh had like the Tatas and Birlas. Foreign Comrade Shibdas Ghosh could well power, they are indeed passing observed that the youth today is de- imperialist rule was being replaced understand that CPI (M) would be through bad days. The CPI (M) linked from this glorious past. As a by the rule of domestic capitalists degenerated to this level. So, he leaders and cadres are passing result of that, there is virtually no through compromise. So, he gave developed, reared and steered sleepless nights worrying when and culture, no glow of human essence. call of anti-capitalist socialist SUCI(C) as a genuine communist how soon they could return to power, Human beings are becoming slave revolution in 1948 and founded party. Based on his teachings, our get back the ministerial posts. For of instinct, impulse. This capitalist SUCI (C) to lead that revolution. Party is trying to build up correct that, they need to befriend Congress. society is destroying values, finer You should also know that revolutionary movement. With that So they have voted in favour of the senses, tender feelings and stifling Lenin had said that, “We do not objective, we fight for achieving the Congress candidate in the last conscience. Capitalism is only regard Marxist theory as something just demands of the various sections presidential election. In between, concerned with maximization of completed and inviolable; on the of the oppressed people by there were some cracks in their profit at any cost. The capitalist contrary, we are convinced that it organizing class struggles and relationship with Congress. The owner is unfazed if a worker dies of has only laid the corner-stone of the democratic movements. Though leaders of West Bengal CPI (M) are starvation or a retrenched worker science which socialists must one of the aims of these struggles accusing their central leadership for commits suicide. Crude individual further advance in all directions if and movements is to realize the losing assembly elections. Their interest, interest of profit they wish to keep pace with life. We demands, the other important object contention is that had the central maximization is sole and supreme to think that an independent is to rouse the people based on leaders maintained good relation the capitalist owner. Similarly, elaboration of the Marxist theory is revolutionary ideology, make them with Congress, there would not have bourgeois individualism has reached especially essential for Russian politically conscious and morally been such a poll debacle for them. To such a peak that to the youth socialists, for this theory provides bolstered, involve them in get back the lost power, it was earning money by hook or by crook only general guiding principles, revolutionary struggle, form necessary to support Pranab has become the mission of life. which, in particular, are applied in people’s struggle committees and Mukherjee to presidential post. If Indifferent to others, he is made to England differently from France, in volunteer corps. there is rift between TMC and be concerned only about self, self- France differently from Germany, Congress, they would stand to gain. consumption, self-pleasure. He is and in Germany differently from Clarion call of Comrade The sole objective is to ride to power. tutored not to be bothered about Russia.” 12In other words, he Shibdas Ghosh Without power, their brand of human value, ethics or morality. Let emphasized that Marxism is no It is raining intermittently today. ‘leftism’ does not last. So they are Saratchandra, Netaji, Bhagat Singh, static a theory. It has to be to be Yet, you all are listening so patiently ready to stoop to any low for Kshudiram go to hell—the youth developed in keeping with the Contd on page 10 RNI No. 13932/67 Postal Regd. No. KOL / RMS / /145 / 2010-12 Make the countrywide General Strike on 20 & 21 February, 2013 a grand success A National Convention of workers was paying no heed to our demands even though system but the demands we have raised can be held on 4th September, 2012 at Talkatora we have been conducting movements for the achieved within this capitalist exploitative Stadium, New Delhi under the auspices of the last three-four years. Why this attitude of the system. But for that we have to build up a very eleven Central Trade Union Organizations. government, we have to deeply understand. powerful movement that can compel the The Convention which was addressed by All these problems are there because of the government to concede to our demands. This Comrade Krishna Chakraborty, President, All capitalist exploitative system of our country. is why this time continuous two-day general India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC) All these problems were there from the very strike has been planned so that all the and other Central Trade Union leaders beginning of our independence but after the industrial units, factories, mills get closed for resolved to implement the following action introduction of the policy of globalization, two consecutive days to paralyze the programmes to press for once again the liberalization and privatization, they have economic life. If two days strike is not burning issues facing the working people : aggravated and made life miserable, sufficient to force the government to concede Countrywide two-day General Strike on 20-21 unbearable so much so that more than two to our demands, then we will have to go for February, 2013 and before that Joint lakh poor and middle peasants have been still higher forms of struggle. World capitalism Conventions at different levels during forced to commit suicides. It is not only the is in deep crisis. You have just seen how a September to November, 2012, Satyagraha / peasants, even many unemployed youths are powerful working class movement broke out Court arrest on 18/19 December, 2012 in all committing suicides; also lakhs of highly first in Greece, then in Spain, France, the states throughout the country and March educated youths are not getting jobs. Such is Portugal and other countries of Europe, to Parliament on 20 December, 2012. the miserable situation of the country. These Middle East and finally to the citadel of Comrade Satyawan, member, All India are the results of the globalization. Without capitalism, the USA. If we search the causes Secretariat, AIUTUC was in the Presidium. fighting this policy none of the demands can of these movements, we will find that the In his speech, Comrade Krishna be achieved. But this is a difficult struggle immediate cause of each country’s movement Chakraborty said: This is not the first time that because it is not only the policy of the is different from other countries. But, if we we have assembled in the convention like this. Congress. Whichever party comes to power at deeply analyze, we will find that the basic This convention is different from all previous the Centre or in any state, has been pursuing cause everywhere is one and the same, i.e., ones. This convention particularly is for the same policy. Actually this is the policy of extreme capitalist exploitation and its misrule. bigger and more powerful movements than the the capitalist class — a policy to protect The working class movement in our country is previous ones. This has been necessitated capitalism from its ultimate doom. The also growing. I believe that you will engage because of the most indifferent attitude of the government is defending this system. This is yourselves to organize the struggle that we the Government towards our demands. How why movement is becoming very difficult. It eleven central trade unions are trying to build legitimate our demands are that you all know is true that all the problems will be ultimately up throughout the length and breadth of the and government knows no less. But, it is resolved with the overthrow of this capitalist country.

Comrade Provash Ghosh’s Speech SUCI(Communist) strongly Contd. from page 9 power, replacing capitalism and establishing opposes FDI entry in retail and attentively. I find the sky overcast. So, I socialism.” 13 would not prolong my speech. I would end by If we all can respond to this call of his with trade and disinvestment of reminding you of one of the exhortations of due solemnity and develop ourselves as PSUs in the interest of Comrade Shibdas Ghosh. In 1974, just two years revolutionary fighters, then only observance of before his death, he gave this clarion call: “…you this Memorial Day would be purposive and domestic and foreign will have to travel many a step, arduous and efficacious. With this appeal, I conclude today. tortuous — painful but happier. I say this is the monopolists happier and honourable way. Yes, in this way of Source of Quotations;— Comrade Provash Ghosh, General Secretary, fighting things, it may be painful — sometimes 1. From a speech of Comrade Shibdas Ghosh in SUCI(C) has issued the following statement on even tortuous, but no doubt it is the honourable Bengali in 1967(Free translation) 14th September, 2012 : way to lead a life. Here in this struggle you may 2. “Why SUCI is the Only Genuine Communist The decision of the Govt. of India to open the die, but you will die with honour, raising your Party in India” —Shibdas Ghosh Selected Works retail trade sector for domestic and foreign head high. You shall not die with humiliation just Vol. II monopoly capital and disinvestment of PSUs is as cats and dogs die, rotting in the street. 3. Mass Movement in India and Tasks of the totally against the interest of the people of the Youth—Shibdas Ghosh, SW,Vol. III Remember, we are all mortal beings. So, if to die, country. In fact, the domestic monopolists in 4. Advaita Vedanta, the Scientific Religion: Swami order to come out of the severe market crises don’t die begging, don’t die humiliating yourself. Vivekananda, Advaita Ashrama When to die, die with honour, and you have got through more exploitation has been colluding 5. Karl Marx — Introduction to “A Contribution to with foreign imperialist capital. By the current only one surest way to live and die with honour, the Critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right” policy decision, Govt. of India has now opened that is by taking active part in the revolutionary 6. Socialism of My Conception by M K Gandhi, the public sector industries like NALCO, struggle of the masses to bring about a Bharatiya Vidyabhawan, Mumbai HINDALCO and others for the loot by the revolutionary transformation of the society, and 7. My religion, MK Gandhi Mahajiban Publishing for that purpose you will have to organize House, Gujarat domestic monopolists, and on the other hand, has yourselves in thousands, and close up your ranks. 8. Education, Swami Vivekananda, Ramkrishna opened the retail trade sector for the imperialist Comrades, engage yourselves and take active Math, Madras capital by dint of which the agricultural sector is part in all the just struggles of the masses, 9. Selected Works Swami Vivekananda now opened for their unhindered plunder. This individually and collectively, and all the while 10. Collected Works of Gandhiji, Volume VI will throw away nearly 7 crore of retail traders keep up your political initiative at the fore. Your 11. Letters from Russia —Rabindranath Tagore and crores of poor peasants to streets for begging slogan should be — go to the masses, organize 12. Lenin, Vol. II, p, 492 to survive. them, help them in creating political power so 13. ‘Tasks ahead of students and youths’ — Shibdas We strongly oppose this pro-monopolist, both that people, the toiling masses, can take up arms Ghosh Selected Works Vol. IV domestic and foreign, decision, demand its and bring about a fundamental change of our 14. Some aspects of Marxism and dialectical withdrawl and call upon people to come forward society by overthrowing the bourgeoisie from materialism, Shibdas Ghosh, SW, Vol. II in movement. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF : PROVASH GHOSH Edited & Published by Asit Bhattacharyya from 48 Lenin Sarani, Kolkata 700 013 and printed by him at Ganadabi Printers and Publishers Private Limited, 52B, Indian Mirror Street, Kolkata 700013. Phone : 2249-1828, 2265-3234 E-mail : [email protected], [email protected], Website : www.suci-c.in