Karnataka - Bangalore   

Imperialism has changed its colours: Kakkilaya

— Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

Going strong: Veteran communist leader B.V. Kakkilaya being felicitated in Bangalore on Sunday.

Bangalore: The multifaceted veteran leader of the Communist Party of India B.V. Kakkilaya, known as much for his prolific writing as he is for pioneering the unification movement of Karnataka, was felicitated on the eve of his 90th birthday on Sunday.

The veteran freedom fighter and scholar, known popularly as BVK, was felicitated by his close associates and well-wishers at an event organised by the M.S. Krishnan Memorial Trust. Comparing people’s movements of the 1940s with those today, Mr. Kakkilaya said: “Earlier, our battle was against feudalism and imperialism. But now there are more challenges. Imperialism has changed its colours.”

One of the biggest hurdles to progressive forces is communalism, said Mr. Kakkilaya, who has been involved in several people’s movements ever since his student days and instrumental in organising the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) in Karnataka. He was general secretary of the Akhanda Karnataka Rajya Nirmana Parishat, member of Rajya Sabha, and legislator in the Karnataka State Assembly.

AITUC State unit president M.C. Narasimhan recollected how Mr. Kakkilaya mobilised workers and spoke of his critical role in formulating legislation for land reforms in the State.

“By synthesising various people’s movements — farmers, factory workers and beedi workers — Kakkilaya created a formidable force against discrimination,” said Mr. Narasimhan.

A book titled “Nirantara” containing a collection of Mr. Kakkilaya’s essays and speeches along with those of eminent scholars was released on the occasion. The former ministers B.A. Moideen and Subbayya Shetty and social activist G. Ramakrishna spoke. The event was presided over by freedom fighter and retired district and sessions judge Ko. Chennabasappa.

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