a contribution for exmening his life and his work
By
Harsh Thakor
Without doubt Jan Myrdal was one of the great revolutionary intellectuals of our time and his writings and works will make a permanent stamp on the democratic and Communist movement worldwide. Myrdal was a master at interacting and relating with the common people, thus giving a very accurate reflection. His style of writing was lucid above all it could make readers decide their viewpoint independently, similar to Brechtian technique in theatre. I may have had important disagreements with him but have deep admiration for his open mindedness and down to earth attitude. Myrdals' personality won the hearts of people worldwide touching the core of their souls with the red flame of liberation. He was a beacon in shimmering light of liberation to extinguish the neo-fascism encompassing the entire globe. Sadly he left us forever a few days ago. However his spirit will live on forever to enable new roses to bloom.
We
must congratulate Myrdal for his death defying courage in touring Dandakaranya
or Chattisgarh, which is the hotbed of Maoist Movement and state proto-fascism.
In Red Star over China with the
daunting courage of a military commander he toured the Indian region of Bastar
and interview leaders of the Communist Party India (Maoist). In spite of being
85 he trudged himself to traverse through the most hazardous regions both
geographically and politically. His voyage was like a resurrection of Edgar
Snow entering
Earlier
in 1963 and 1970 he made visits to
I
can never forget his talk in
Today
in the view of Myrdal
In
1989 erroneously he supported the counter-revolutionary firing by Chinese
troops in Tiananmen Square on the protesting students and was eclectic in not
understanding the reactionary nature of
RED STAR
OVER
The book Red Star Over India is balanced not indulging in hyper praise, romanticism or scathed criticism thus reflecting objectivity.
Very
classically and coherently it refers to anecdotes of events of past history of
the world be it Europe,
In
chapter 'Present Civil War in India" he illustrates how in essence India
negates a truly functioning bourgeoisie parliamentary democracy but still
recognizes certain salient features of liberalism. Ironically he even
critically appraises Mahatma Gandhi, who in many ways
appeased British colonialism. Very boldly as contrary to many intellectuals he
recognized some salient liberal features of
It
deeply delves into
With
deep historical insight he touches on the writings of Karl Marx with reference
to
In
part 'To Dandkaranya in the manner of a novelist he relates how he put his
first foot in the sacred area of Dandkaranya and the emotions and vibration she
experienced. Here he reflected on the roots of Indian culture planted in
Ramayana which the European left forgot about. A reference was made to the
contribution of historian D. Kosamabi. Myrdal felt that Indian history or
culture could never be ignored. Subtle references were also made on Marx on
In
section 'What Independence" he recounts the crystallization of Kali Ghosh
into a full fledged revolutionary in
In
a chapter 'What terror ' very illustratively he explain show the actions of
Maoists were essentially counterattacks to the neo-fascist political and
economic oppression on the Adivasis blessed by the Corporates. It gives even
non -Maoists[3]
a vivid illustration of why the Maoist movement in reaction to the semi-fascist
state that masquerades in being a genuine democracy. In deep depth he has
described the oppressive living conditions of the Adivasis as well as the
monumental democratic revolutionary forms of power installed by the Maoists
Myrdal does ample justice to the relentless spirit of the C.P.I.(Maoist) in
confronting the neo-fascist rulers by organizing armed resistance at the
hardest point
In
chapter 'In the Camp' he touched on how the Maoist redressed the aspect of mass
line and made a subtle comparison with the resistance of the Paris Commune .The
topic of leadership of the party, secret functioning ,work in urban areas and a
unified Communist party was redressed here. Very poignantly he also highlights
the striking similarity of the Indian Maoist party with the Chinese party in
the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, confronting subconscious determining
of reactionary values among the masses as anti-Marxist Freudian approach.
In
Chapter 'The standing wave' the "Geneva Convention' in light of respect of
human rights was discussed. Here Myrdal described how the Indian rulers broke
all it's norms in terrorizing Adivasis and executing Maoist cadre. A striking
comparison was made between the experiences of the Paris Commune and
Myrdal
insists that the Indian revolution should never adopt the Russian or Chinese path
hand must carve out a unique strategy of its own. In his view
Today
in the view of Myrdal
A
heart evoking chapter 'Singing the poetry of the people' was written on
In
'Leaving the Guerrilla Zone 'He describes that his exit of the guerrilla zone
was more arduous than entering it, with many more government patrols. Touching
the core of a reader's soul he revealed the vibrations penetrating within him
longing the red flame to encompass the whole of India. His heart literally did
the talking when he bid farewell to Comrades he would never meet again. He made
a reference to The Iron Heel which
Socialist readers at that time found very pessimistic. The author here
projected Socialism was meeting an impending doom like the suppression of the
Paris Commune. Myrdal felt that India could well be destined to face the same
fate.
In
concluding chapter 'Negative Possibility,’ he summed up the emergence and
extension of proto-fascism and it's roots in colonial or neo-colonial tyranny
of the pas enslaving the proletariat worldwide. He illustrates the coherency of
neo-liberalism world wide breeding fascism. A subtle reference is also made to
the Bhumkal uprising of 1910. Myrdal points out the weakness of the party not
able to organize masses outside its orbit. Otherwise even the 25 % of
population comprising the dalits and Adivasis can face the same fate as those
movements which had reversals.
Arun
Ferreira's review in Economic and Political weekly on Red Star over India in 2012 is a must read for readers .It explains
why the book is a kind of an epic .and does full justice to the Indian
Communist Movement.
WEAKNESSES OF RED STAR OVER INDIA
Still
In my view the book did not sufficiently throw light on the aspect of the 'mass
line' and the development and revolutionary development of base areas. Nor does
it adequately touch upon the question of the Communist party. It is almost as
the leaders of the Maoist party are giving the answers on this with Myrdal
merely being a spectator. Myrdal did not reflect a personal study of how
alternative revolutionary power was achieved and revolutionary democratic
functioning enforced.
Although
highlighting contribution of Charu Mazumdar it makes no mention of the struggle
for mass line of Tarimela Nagi Reddy-DV Rao. The subjective weakness of a party
not re-organized is not highlighted with a view projected that the task is
already accomplished, through formation of the C.P.I. (Maoist).
It
also does not give the reader a clear stand on the nature of Independence in
1947 and is apologetic to Nehru, who was in essence an anti-communist
reactionary. Strangely he had kind words for Jawaharlal Nehru, praising his
support to liberal ideas and terming him as a liberal bourgeois democrat.
However he forgot the tyranny unleashed by the Congress party under Nehru in
the Telangana armed struggle where the Communist forces were literally razed to
the ground, doing a demolition job with no stone unturned. Nehru’s moral pro-Hindu
stance and subservience to colonial masters was untouched before 1947.
A
proper evaluation was also not made of the comparative democracy in the regions
of Dandakaranya and those of the base areas of the Chinese Communist party
before the 1949 revolution.
CHINA: THE REVOLUTION
CONTINUED
In
this book Jan Myrdal returns to village Liu Ling with Gun Kessle which he visited
seven years ago in 1963. In a classic research documentary of meticulous detail
he does justice to how during the Great Proletarian cultural revolution
revolutionary democracy penetrated regions not traversed before in human
history. With living examples he narrated how a new epoch was virtually ushered
in mankind's achievements with illustrations of experiences of various people
in Liu Ling. It was truly remarkable the manner in which he penetrated every
sphere of the people’s lives proving the cutting edge of the line of Chairman
Mao Tse Tung over that of Liu Shao Chi.[4]
LIU LING SEVEN YEARS
AFTER AND THE POLITICS OF THE THRESHING MACHINE
He
discovered how the standard of living rose in the Cultural Revolution. In 1966
stone caves were built learning from the example of the Tachai brigade. Earlier
in 1962 only earth caves existed .The stone cave is an unusually stable and
well insulated stone house. The new buildings were more roomy. It is easier to
plan a family here.
In
1962 drinking water was inadequate while now it was readily available, and good
even when not boiled.
Every
villager now had a transistor set.
A
threshing machine was now running day and night which greatly accelerated speed
of production. Earlier grain was grounded by a donkey pulled mill. Before the
Cultural revolution loans were needed from the state or peoples commune. Now
Investment was made by the peasant's own capital which they attributed to study
of Mao thought. Major expenditure was conducted by the revolutionary Committees
of the Peoples Communes. It is the revolutionary committees that took the final
decisions in public mass meetings on planning a building.
Production
had spectacularly risen from 160 tones in 1961 to 240 in 1965 and 325 in
1969.The brigade's collective funds rose to 160,000 Y.
On
18th October a bi-weekly study meting was held studying quotations of Chairman
Mao. It decided to begin with Song of the
Helmsman. The lesson was used to guide the peasants ideologically in the
Autumn harvest, in relation to imperialism and feudalism.
A
180 degree turnabout took place in the administrative structure. There was a
united and directly elected management .The revolutionary committee which
worked under permanent supervision.
HAIL THE IMMORTAL CONTRIBUTION OF LEGENDARY COMRADE JAN MYRDAL ON PASSING AWAY FEW DAYS AGO- 30 OCTOBER Part 2
TRANSFORMATION
The
Cultural Revolution did not emerge sporadically, or a struggle lasting a few
days or few weeks. It took 2 years and five weeks to form a revolutionary
committee following the guidance of the August 8t 1966 resolution. The
Revolutionary Committee was not formed by purely formal decision but through
protracted process of discussion and criticism.
At
Liu Lung two groups initiated the Cultural Revolution: the literate and
politically active youngsters who compared the words of Mao with what was
really going on in the village, and the older poor peasants and early
communists. These groups mobilized everyone in the brigade to a discussion to
present their criticism.
The
people's welfare reached egalitarian standards never attained before like a new
world created. Everyone in a collective was guaranteed of enough food, enough
clothes, enough fuel, an honourable funeral and education for his children. A
peoples Commune did not only mean simplified administration and broader
democracy but gave greater security. In 1962 grain was distributed to needy
families. Social aid was abolished. The average grain consumption was 21.5 kg. per
person, of this 172 consisted of basic guarantee ,paid out to everyone:
There
were now only 2 households in Liu Ling labour brigade which were in a situation
where they required special help from the Political work transformed people's
thinking to reject concepts like aid when its a question of ensuring the old
and sick daily requirements. At Liu Ling there was no 'free food' or collective
dining halls. Nor was the new reform of distribution system the same thing as
'free; food.
The
Cultural Revolution has been apolitical revolution and meant deeper democracy.
The poor and middle peasants exercise a broad democracy, where the decisions
are all made at public meetings ad a general discussion implement economic
policy and those reforms which are in the interest f the masses. Above all
value of labour was never undermined and the administration was not rendered
inefficient.
TUNH YANG CHEN IN WORLD
POLITICS
Soviet
revisionist propaganda and Liu Shao Chi's rightist line was refuted at its
deepest core. Tung Yan Chen was classical example of someone who at the very
heart participated in the criticism of August 1966. Applying Mao thought the
party secretary Feng, was taken to task for divorcing himself from the masses.
He neglected construction work. In the spring of 1967 a construction team was
formed and those capable of heaviest work joined it. Although chosen as work
leader I received no extra pay. Studying Mao thought guided us to level the
fields in the valley. They had to be surrounded with embankments to prevent
erosion The little fields had to be blinded together into larger ones, and the
earth cleared of stones.
In
the Autumn of 1967 and spring of 1968 we dug 3 wells and terraced 3 slopes. The
terracing stops the erosion and the rainwater is retained wit the harvest
becoming bigger. On the slopes the yields yield about 100 jin per mu. After
terracing the fields yielded 300 jin per MU. Down in the valley where soil is
better the terracing elevates the yield to 300-500 jin per mu. Last winter we
dug three more big wells and irrigated 60 more mu.
There
was nothing dreamy or romantic about Mao's line. It related with historical necessities
and with the needs of the vast majority in the given situation one had to begin
to solve problems by collective effort and organization before mechanization
was possible.
Liu
Shao Chi was still the spokesman of a trend and won the support of the rich
peasants, bourgeoisie and well to do middle peasants. The Cultural Revolution
was not a struggle between Mao and Liu but between different classes and their
representatives in
The
path of Liu Shao Chi would have concentrated capital in a few hands and push
the majority of the population at subsistence level. Light Industries would
have been dismantled. Unemployment and capitalist agriculture would have been
created and millions of Chinese peasants would have been forced to the cities.
Land reform would have perpetrated new class distinctions in the countryside
and the Chinese revolution would have remained a mere peasant
revolution.
Mao
has never been a peasant revolutionary. Mao's line is coherent with the
realities of the Chinese countryside and commands the support of the poor and
middle peasants. This was the view endorsed by Tung Yang Chen. Mao Tse Tung
thought is the fulcrum of the work in Liu Ling. Without it's guidance Tung Yan
Chen would have aspired to be a rich peasant hiring labourers.
Tung
Yang Chen was the perfect mascot of the 2 line struggle supporting Mao thought
waged against Liu Shao Chi's revisionist line, with his very practice
symbolizing it's essence and the demarcation of Mao's ideology from that of Liu
Shao Chi. He began to read during the Cultural Revolution. The progress of Tung
Yang Chen and other comrades is a testimony to the correctness of Mao's line.
NOODLES, PIGS AND
REVOLUTION
In
Liu Ling the brigades ran whole industries. It had its noodle factory. The raw
materials were derived from the village's own agriculture. Now these raw
materials are worked up in the brigade and the noodles are sold as a finished
product in the town. The brigades own households can buy noodles at a special
price. Quoting worker Li Kou Wan "It was only by reading Chairman Mao I
got the right attitude to work and understand the process here at the whole
factory. The noodle factory uses our .own raw materials and gives the brigade
extra income.
Pig
sties were also built in the noodle factories. Thus the brigade could supply
the household with domestic pigs. Now the household waste could be utilized
better and the family's meat consumption increased -each household was now
slaughtering and eating one fated pig a year. The goal was for each household
to breed two domestic pigs a year to enable the village to contribute to the
city's meat supply and obtain extra income from the families.
A
most efficient form of vegetable cultivation was organised. Yield was increased
from 7000-8000 gin to 14000-15000 Jin per mou. Mao Tse Tung thought again was
instrumental in this. Now unlike before, leading cadres participate in
production. Profit is not the criteria for work, but service to the community.
Animal manure can now raised from quantity of 4000 gin per mou to 12000 jin per
mu. Again studying Moa played a crucial role. We increased the available manure
by organizing thing sin such a manner that brigades could supply all households
with piglets. Sties were thus built outside noodle factories. The labour group
for vegetable cultivation credits each household with work points for manure.
Now we use human excrement for the collective good of the vegetable team and
not for our own private plots as before. Work points are accordingly awarded.
HOW WORK IS TO BE
EVALUATED
A
new form of calculating income from work was devised. In the new system of
economic distribution all members whether working or not, should enjoy basic
security in the form of grain. All forms of piece work were abolished. Only
daily work attendance was recorded. Whether one dug or harvested, fetched
manure from town or worked at the noodle factory, the day's work had the same
value. Thus the nature of the job made no bearing on the income.
Earlier
people were victims of Liu Shao Chi's black line which patronized the
opportunists to make money for themselves. People working in collectives were
denied proper incomes while opportunists invested in short term projects. Only
a small group of leading cadres, distributed the work ,bonuses were awarded and
people could obtain money for themselves that in reality ought to have been
used for collective use.
In
Autumn 1969 collectively the red guards launched a criticism against Mau ke Yeh,
chairman of the Liu Ling Labour brigade's supervisory Committee. Mau was a
proponent of the Liu Shao Chi Line and the red guards won the hearts of the
masses. The red guards were critical of Mao not being critical of cadres.
In
December 1966 Mau now mad a self-criticism which the red guards and masses
accepted. Although he had spoken out against wrong practices of cadres his
criticisms were silenced.
A
profound criticism was made at Liu Ling where leading party members were
exposed and dismissed. Soviet revisionist politics was grossly attacked. Most
significant illustrations highlighted were those of
Intellectuals
were re-educated by peasants and workers and transformed through manual labour.
On passing graduation students participated in production of cotton.
The
education system was totally revamped with formal exam s abolished .Race for
high marks essay writings, was smashed by students. Pupils exposed the
pro-landlord nature of the old examination system and how even after the
revolution old ideas permeated in new forms. Youngsters had to learn everything
from the ground by participating in all sorts of work be it in the fruit
Orchard, vegetable growing group, threshing , construction work or even
cleaning latrines.
Mao
Tse Tung thought teachings were taught at the very root and related in relation
to the given tasks.
THE YOUNG INTELLECTUALS
Li
Shiu Mei was twenty five and graduated from
Li
Chi Shen recounted how wrong methods were attacked in schools and the
importance of class struggle against socialism. The manner Soviet revisionism
was combated at it's very backbone was narrated .The students marched into
villages and straight into the administrative organ sin towns to initiate
discussions. An example was given of a meeting on 20th August when all 1000
pupils of their school was organized. It was a result of the August 18th call
where the masses educated themselves and all leaders were elected from below.
The students organized themselves into groups which made long journeys
throughout the country Here comrades from various parts of the countryside were
met and mutual exchanges were made. Students also integrated with the workers
in the factories. Li went to a tractor station in Yenan working in daytime and
making revolution in the evening. There she was elected secretary of the
school's brigade of Red Guards.
Kao
Yu Chin who was an engineer and youth league secretary of his college unit
described the meticulous ideological training among party members. He narrated
how youth went to factories and farms in all parts of the country and exchanged
experiences with red guards. The establishing of a revolutionary Committee in
July 1967 in his college was highlighted. Tow long preparatory marches were
staged to Chengta and
WOMEN
Women
were studying works of Chairman Mao. During the Cultural Revolution nine women
learned to read. The Cultural Revolution raised the age of marriage for girls.
Men now had to support women in household work. When women went to political
meetings men had to undertake the household chores. The daughters now had the
same rights as a son.
HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM
On
13th January 1969 a health insurance fund was formed, which was morally
co-operative medicine. In every brigade it was introduced .All members of Liu
Ling brigade were assured of free services of a doctor and free medicine. In
emergency, peasants could be remitted to nearby hospital.
The
brigade also paid all the salaries of the medical personnel. A health insurance
fund was established contributing basic sum of 2000 y.
The
commonest ailments were rheumatism and influenza. Acupuncture was utilized to
cure rheumatism, painful conditions of various types, stress illnesses, stomach
ulcers as well as types of deafness and blindness.
Wang
Yua Lan who was 39 recounted how she became a member of the revolutionary
committee and was industrious but never spoke up at meetings which was selfish.
She made a self-criticism of protecting her self interests. Studying Mao
created a transformation within her to make up her own mind. In earlier times
women could play no role in the political process, being bound to their homes.
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