Lives of comrades documented in Sreenivasan's ledger

KANNUR: March 8, 1976- protests broke out in town against the custodial murder of comrade Rajan. Many comrades were arrested. August 3, 1976 — after attending a court hearing in Thalassery, comrades were falsely accused by police and brutally beaten.

These incidents are among the many entries recorded in the party’s historic ledger — a massive book that chronicles the struggles, sacrifices, and memories of the CPM in Kannur, often referred to as the land of revolution. Every page carries the sweat and blood of ordinary workers, making it an invaluable treasure for the party.

Next month, when the CPM’s new district committee office with modern facilities is inaugurated, this ledger will also be shifted there, along with comrade Sreenivasan, who has been faithfully documenting the party’s history for decades.

Sreenivasan became the office secretary in 1970. Although he had completed ITI and secured a government job, he gave it up to dedicate his life fully to party work. In an era without telephones, it was his notes that informed the leadership whenever comrades were attacked or leaders were arrested. Initially kept in a rented office and later in the Azhikodan Mandiram, the ledger will now find its place in the new building- continuing its journey alongside Sreenivasan.

From M.V.R. to Ragesh Sreenivasan started his role when M.V. Raghavan was the district secretary. Over the years, he has worked with successive leaders, including Paatyam Gopalan, Chadayan Govindan, Pinarayi Vijayan, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, T. Govindan, E.P. Jayarajan, M.V. Govindan, P. Sasi, P. Jayarajan, M.V. Jayarajan, and currently K.K. Ragesh.

Azhikodan Mandiram When Azhikodan Raghavan was killed on September 23, 1972, a relief fund was collected for his family. Part of this fund was used to buy the building that became Azhikodan Mandiram. The new four-storey building will now house A.K.G. Hall, Chadayan Mandiram, Paatyam Gopalan Research Centre, a library, social media studio, mini-conference halls, and residential facilities.

Buildings may change. But the history, sacrifices, and dreams written in the ledger will remain eternal.

— Sreenivasan