Netralal Abhagi Memorial sheds light on communist movement

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Aug. 8:The Martyr Netralal Memorial Foundation has published 'Sahid Netralal 'Abhagi' Smriti Grantha' that sheds light on numerous aspects of underground communist politics in Nepal. 

'Abhagi' was an ideal figure in communist politics, progressive literary writing, and teaching. He is also remembered as a symbol of sacrifice, dedication, and unwavering ideology in communist politics. His poem titled 'Satisal Matra Thinga Ubhina Sakchha' (Only a Satisal Tree Can Stand Stiff) powerfully encapsulates his convictions and is widely regarded as his signature poem.

In the times of storms and hurricanes,

When the situation is tough,

At the summit of the mountain,

Engaging in a struggle against storms,

Only a Satisal tree can stand stiff.

(Literal translation from Nepali)

The memorial volume, with Padma Prasad Sharma as the editor-in-chief, includes articles by leaders such as Mohan Bikram Singh, Mohan Baidya, Madan Bhandari, Modnath Prashrit, Amrit Bohora, Ishwar Pokharel, Bamdev Gautam, Madhav Nepal, Jibaraj Ashrit, Keshav Badal, Prakash Jwala, Rekha Sharma, Shankar Pokharel and Pradeep Nepal.

In addition, the volume features personal reflections by 'Abhagi's wife Bishnu Sharma and son Ajay Sharma, along with other relatives, including Anand Paudel, Govinda Pokhrel, Madhusudan Gautam, Ram Kumar Ghimire, Sharad Gautam, and Yubaraj Sharma. There are also contributions by journalists and literary figures such as Narayan Sharma, Amar Giri, Tikaram Udasi, Netra Atom, as well as ‘Abhagi’s comrades, supporters during his underground years, students, followers, and well-wishers, totaling 140 writers.

These articles not only reflect on 'Abhagi's life, political struggle, and creations, but also document the organisation, splits, and disputes within the underground communist movement during the middle to late Panchayat era. Though many who ascended to power by standing on the back of martyrs and tireless leaders like ‘Abhagi’ may have forgotten the sacrifices and struggling days, this volume serves as a reminder of that era.

In a message of best wishes included in the book, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli states that 'Abhagi's contribution to the leftist movement is unforgettable.

'Abhagi' never wavered from his ideals, values, and the dream of people’s liberation.  Ajay Sharma, 'Abhagi's son, writes, 'True respect for him would mean leading the country along the path and principles he envisioned.'

In 1978, the Communist Party of Nepal (Marxist–Leninist) was formed, and in 1979 'Abhagi' became its central committee member. On May 20, 1984, while walking alone to attend a central committee meeting in Siraha, he collapsed near Sukekhola in Dang and lost consciousness. He died there.

He had been involved with the Communist Party since his student days, receiving formal membership in 1966, and going underground from 1973. On January 23, 2018, the then Council of Ministers declared him a martyr. In 2023, a commemorative postage stamp featuring his image was also issued.

The book contains 698 pages and is priced at Rs. 500.