Mangalore: CPM District Convention Culminates with Splendid Rally

Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Dec 14: Attractive march-past, young men and ladies in uniforms who waved red flags, Yakshagana dances, Chende, Dolu, attractive drills, etc were part of a colourful rally taken out by CPM in the city on Tuesday December 13. The rally marked culmination of the three-day Dakshina Kannada district level convention of CPM.

The convention, which was inaugurated on Sunday at Harkishen Singh dais at A K Pandhe Nagar, Kulal Bhavan in Mangaladevi here, ended at Jyoti Basu dias set up at Nehru Maidan, after the rally.

The rally, which was flagged off at Jyoti Circle, comprised uniformed units from Ullal, Gurpur, Moodbidri, Beltangady, Bantwal, Puttur and Sullia. It proceeded to Nehru Maidan, duly accompanied by band, youth in red and khaki uniforms, ladies in red and white churidars and saris.  A contingent of youth in traditional attire, Nasik Band, Chende, Tattiraya, dolls, Ati Kalenja, etc proved to be the major attractions of the rally.

Addressing the meeting held at Nehru Maidan, CPM state committee secretary, V J K Nair, said that he had not seen such a large crowd during the last several visits to the city, and recollected that he had addressed a huge convention of farmers at the same venue 40 years back. He said that the district has witnessed a sea change during the last two decades, taking note of the fact that industries like tiles, cashew, handloom, printing and transport, which used to be the main occupation of the people in the past, have now lost sheen.

“Although new alternative job opportunities in the form of Anganwadi and Asha workers, hot meals scheme etc have come our way, job security, which was enjoyed in the past, has become a thing of the past. Now, there is employment but without proper income, because of globalization.  CPM had opposed globalization in 1991, but many did not properly understand us then. Now people are experiencing problems associated with globalization, and the government is after privatization, which in turn, has given rise to inflation,” he lamented.

CPM district unit secretary, B Madhava, presided. State committee members, G N Nagaraj and K Shriyan too addressed the gathering. J Balakrishna Shetty, K Yadava Shetty, U B Lokaiah and B M Bhat were present.

At the convention, nine persons were chosen to the district board, while 23 were elected to the district committee. Vasant Achary moved the main resolutions that were passed at the convention. The resolutions included taking leadership to end the evil practice of Made Made Snana, demanding the government to provide 25 kg of rice at two rupees per kg every month to poor people, suspension of policemen who assaulted SFI leader, Jeevaram Kuttar, etc. The convention also decided to fight the government if it decides to take disciplinary measures against PU college principals and lecturers, who have struck work demanding better pay.