Tribute to Sitaram Yechury: A Legacy Remembered
On Thursday, the political landscape of India lost one of its stalwarts, Sitaram Yechury, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM), at the age of 72. After a prolonged illness, Yechury passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, where he had been battling complications from a respiratory tract infection.
A Long Battle with Illness
Yechury had been undergoing treatment at AIIMS since August 19, primarily for a pneumonia-like chest infection. His health had deteriorated in the days leading up to his passing, necessitating the use of an artificial respiratory system. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff, his condition remained critical.
A Noble Act of Charity
In a commendable gesture, Yechury’s family opted to donate his body to AIIMS for medical research and education, reflecting his belief in the significance of learning and research. The hospital issued a statement confirming this donation, a decision that serves as an inspiring legacy.
Final Farewell and Public Viewing
The CPIM announced that Yechury’s mortal remains would be available for public viewing at the party headquarters on Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM. Following this, arrangements will be made for the body to be taken back to AIIMS for donation, aligning with his wishes.
Recognition of Medical Staff
The CPIM expressed gratitude towards the doctors, nursing staff, and the director of AIIMS for their unwavering dedication and care throughout Yechury’s treatment. In a heartfelt message on ‘X’, they stated, “It is with great sadness that we inform you that our dear Comrade Sitaram Yechury… passed away today.”
Personal Life and Legacy
Sitaram Yechury leaves behind his wife, Seema Chishti, who is the editor of the news portal ‘The Wire’, along with three children: two sons and a daughter. Yechury faced the profound loss of his son, Ashish Yechury, who succumbed to a Covid-19 infection in 2021. Yechury’s daughter, Akhila Yechury, contributes to academia as a professor at the University of Edinburgh and the University of St Andrews.
His Political Journey
Yechury’s political career was marked by significant achievements and contributions to Indian politics. He began his journey with the Students Federation of India (SFI) at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). He became a member of the CPIM Central Committee in 1984, later serving on the Politburo starting in 1992. Noteworthy is his tenure as a Rajya Sabha member from 2005 to 2017, and his election as the fifth General Secretary of CPIM during the party’s 21st session in Visakhapatnam in April 2015, succeeding Prakash Karat.
Contributions to Political Alliances
Yechury played a pivotal role in forming and leading the opposition alliance ‘INDIA’, acting as a political mentor to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. His contributions were essential in shaping the collaborative efforts against the prevailing political dynamics in the country.
A Final Message of Remembrance
In one of his last video messages from the hospital on August 22, Yechury paid tribute to the former Chief Minister of West Bengal, Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, demonstrating his deep-rooted commitment to his political ideals and camaraderie.
Conclusion
Sitaram Yechury’s passing is a profound loss for the CPIM and the larger Indian political landscape. His contributions to the party, his role in shaping political discourse, and his dedication to public service have left an indelible mark. As his family and comrades remember him, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of political leaders.
