Today is the martyrdom day of Azheekodan Raghavan, a towering leader of the communist movement in Kerala. He was assassinated on the night of September 23, 1972. At the time of his murder, he was a member of the CPI(M) state secretariat and the convenor of the United Front.
Azheekodan was born into a very ordinary working-class family. His house was near the South Bazaar in Kannur town. He started working as a beedi worker for a living at a young age. Along with making beedis, he also developed political ideals. In this way, he became an active organizer of beedi workers. In 1946, he became the Kannur town secretary of the Communist Party. In 1954, he became the secretary of the Malabar Trade Union Council. After that, he held various responsibilities in the party organization.
Azheekodan was an inspiring presence in the struggles of the people. He made sacrifices to take the party and the movement forward. He united workers, peasants and people from all walks of life and gave them strength on the path of struggle. Azheekodan's leadership and experience were always invaluable to the party in overcoming crises.
As a leader of the common people, Azheekodan is an immortal figure in the hearts of the people. His courageous life and struggle continue to inspire people today.
Azheekodan Raghavan's martyrdom is a black mark on the political history of Kerala. His murder was a political assassination. There is no justification for the right-wing forces and left-wing extremists who murdered Azheekodan. Azheekodan's memory will live on forever in the hearts of the people. His memory will inspire those who fight for justice and equality in this country.
Salute to the memory of Azheekodan Raghavan
