Remembering CPI-M`s `Bhishma`-- Harikishen Singh `Surjeet`

An activist and a comrade

`An activist and a comrade`, these were the words, which my friends and I unanimously agreed upon while discussing Harikishen Singh alias `Surjeet` last month. While discussing, one of my friends called him `Bhishma` of India`s oldest political party CPI-M, which went well with his persona. A leader, a patriot and a kingmaker, `Surjeet` knew well what he wanted from life, whether it was his laudable contribution to coalition politics or his commitment to secularism. A member of the Communist Party of India, Surjeet`s life has been an open book and has set an example for all those who have the will and courage to face the pain and suffering that he suffered as he embarked on his political journey.

The veteran leader, who was recuperating at the Metro Hospital in Noida since July 25, breathed his last after `a cardiac arrest` on August 1 at the age of 92. His wife Pritam Kaur, two sons and a daughter survive him. The nonagenarian leader was cremated on Aug 3.

Harkishan Singh Surjeet, who was perhaps the most authoritative spokesman for the Left and democratic forces in the country, passed after a profound illness, leaving a vacuum in the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI-M, which he had nourished to grow nationally. With his demise it seems as if an era has ended. He was popularly called as oldest comrade or comrade `Surjeet`. He was like a precious diamond among cluster of stones.

`Surjeet` - The veteran leader

Born to a Bassi Jat family in Bundala, Jalandhar district Harkishan Singh Surjeet (23 March 1916 – 1 August 2008) was a communist politician from Punjab, India. He was the General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) from 1992 to 2005 and was a member of the party`s Polit Bureau from 1964 to 2008.

He was a master in the art of backroom operation. Initially known as `London Tod Singh`, Surjeet made a sensational entry into the political scenario during Indian freedom movement. He was one of those who laid the foundation of Indian politics.

He started his political career in the national liberation movement in his early teens, as a follower of Bhagat Singh. In 1930, he joined the movement of Bhagat Singh, Naujawan Bharat Sabha. On the anniversary of the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Surjeet hoisted the Indian tricolour at the court in Hoshiarpur, an action during which he was shot two times. During the proceedings of the case he answered the judge by the name of ‘London Tod Singh’ (he was called by the same name in later years). In 1936, Surjeet joined the Communist Party of India.

In the pre-war years he started publishing Dukhi Duniya and Chingari. When India became independent and partitioned in 1947, Surjeet became the General Secretary of CPI in Punjab.

The seven and a half decades long political life of Harkishan Singh Surjeet began by playing the role of a revolutionary against the British rule and later emerging as a national leader of the Communist Party of India and the All India Kisan Sabha.

`Pappaji`--The pragmatic kingmaker & revolutionary

Like the legendary kingmaker `Bhishma` of the epic ‘Mahabharata’, Surjeet played the lead role in keeping BJP out of power in 1996 and his assistance to Congress helped them to be in power till now. Though today both CPI-M and Congress are sharing bitter relations but `Pappaji` has always been respected and admired for his leadership qualities. He played a crucial role in 1989, 1996 and 2004 in creating political formations and setting up of governments, which excluded the communal forces.

Surjeet`s stand for the country

His firm stance and leadership in fighting against Khalistani terrorism in Punjab and the sacrifice made by over 200 Communists in fighting extremism constitutes a glorious chapter in his life. From the late fifties, Surjeet was involved in tackling the problems of Jammu & Kashmir. He played a role in the evolution of the Assam Accord in the eighties. Imbued with deep anti-imperialism and the values of the nationalist movement, Surjeet looked at all issues of national unity from a democratic and secular standpoint.

Nation loses a dedicated activist in `Surjeet` Singh

As General Secretary of the CPI(M), he became the most authoritative spokesman for the Left and democratic forces in the country. He worked tirelessly for the defence of democratic and secular values and to see that India maintained its non-aligned and independent foreign policy. His views were sought and his advice heard with respect in political circles. After his death, the Party has lost an outstanding leader and the country an authoritative representative of the Left and secular tradition. His death was grieved throughout the country.
Hariskishen Singh Surjeet or our `Bhishma`would always be remembered as a man committed to the welfare of the downtrodden – a real angel for the poor and working class. His ideologies and principles will always be cherished.

FINDING SOLITUDE IS THEIR DESTINY……….

Is success halting the frames of young minds to such an extent that the contrast emerges in the form of newly developed and well furnished Old Age Homes? We agree that the concept of quick success at the ease of individuality has fast taken pace but is it right that we forget and cut down our own roots in this process?

In the last 20 years visionary old age homes have been on a rise. Parents, who instead of enjoying their shares of life together have laid more emphasis on the twist and turns of their young ones, are left behind with remorse and worry. And we the so called Gen Z people in an attempt to concentrate on our promising careers forget all about their sacrifices. Have we become so selfish that in our achievements and glories we forget all about our real families?

The main arching reason today for the growth of these homes is the growing idea of nuclear families, then property disputes and less understanding among family members are the other inviting reasons. One very unique fact have also come up, the parents sometime themselves take decision to live in such homes, to maintain their dignity and also to spend their lives together.

Why we turn our backs towards those people who have nourished us with the ups and downs of their life? Who are we, to leave them all alone in dark corners, in their moments of need and desire for us? One should never forget, History repeats itself and `As you sow so shall you reap`.

I wrote this after seeing the poor conditions of the people and the aged who reside in an old age home named `AASRA`- THE SHELTER as defined by one of my friend.

U r n will remain my ANGEL all my life............

We generally desire things besides what we have. Today i am finding it quite true. Today what i want the most is my mothers arms running smoothly all around me. Her embrace which makes me feel special and her warmth which gives me the joy of being so precious and beautiful. Her kisses assure me that besides being naughty and a hell lot of mischievous she loves me a lot , a lot more than any other wonderful thing on this planet. She mesmerizes me with those beautiful eyes of hers. Her pink smile gives me the vision of a greek goddess who is ready to enshower her love and warmth on anyone. Once i told her that she is my first love and she truly is. I think i worship her. She is my creator , my supporter and she is the one who has always cheered me in my journey of success and failures. Whenever in my moments of sorrow i have turned back i have always found her giving me strength and confidence to fight back the tears and step ahead on a new jouney of success and achivements. I love u mumma a lot n pray that i love you similarly all my life. Thank you for always being there with me. Without you i would have never been here.

Neeru, only for you my love

Urs Parul

Aj main khush hun to puch main khush kyon?

`Zindagi jeene ka maza tab ata hai jab aapko malum ho ki aap kyon zinda hai`
May be these lines hold true for me as today again i have learnt some new things. Who said that compromises leaves your life dull. When you start feeling that nothing is left for you and u r of nobody`s use then its time to shake you up n say come on `Hell is still far off n yet u have dreams to fullfill n ur parents to oblige`. Relationships should never be given that much importance that they become a burden. Anyway today while coming my way back home, i saw two girls each possibly at the juncture of 19 or 20 years who were carying buckets full of water and a man who was not able to move the scooter from its place. But their hardships were not able to falter them off their path. Do you know why becozzzz...... guys they were determined to get their jobs done no matter how hard it was for them to do. I saw them n felt it was all coz they had the will power to do it and this will-power they succeeded through their determination.
So the moral of the story is simple n plain i.e. live life to the fullest n observe even inches of things that cross ur way. This way we all will learn a lot.
So for nw gd nt all the beautiful people of this wonderful world.

loneliness is all yours

Why does it happens that suddenly in one second you are so happy and the next moment you are all alone and lonely. People say that family and friends are for forever but is that the truth? I dont think so why? Yes, I do agree on the terms that your parents always try to remain on your side but they cant stay always as someday you grow up and the world becomes ready to explore a new deal and the others who come in your life has some or the other motto. Love exists there where you sacrifice for the person, he/she derives the best of you. You feel that you are probably the happiest on earth but then you realise that everything is fake, everyone simply want to cherish your emotions, use them and throw you like a bag of rubbish in the dustbin. I just dont understand the complexity of relationships. Sometimes i thank god that I am born in a nuclear family where I dont have to bear up with the burdens and tantrums of those with whom I dont want to relate.
If anybody have some suggestions for me do give me................................

इस पार उस पार

प्रिय बहन देविका अच्छा लगा कि तुमने ख़ुद ब्लॉग बनाने का प्रयास किया ..यह तुम्हारी रचनात्मकता को दुनिया के सामने लाएगा ........ बस ब्लॉग बनाने की बधाई और उसके लिए बच्चन की यह पंक्तिया ,

इस पार, प्रिये मधु है तुम हो, उस पार न जाने क्या होगा!

यह चाँद उदित होकर नभ में कुछ ताप मिटाता जीवन का,
लहरालहरा यह शाखाएँ कुछ शोक भुला देती मन का,
कल मुर्झानेवाली कलियाँ हँसकर कहती हैं मगन रहो,
बुलबुल तरु की फुनगी पर से संदेश सुनाती यौवन का,
तुम देकर मदिरा के प्याले मेरा मन बहला देती हो,
उस पार मुझे बहलाने का उपचार न जाने क्या होगा!
इस पार, प्रिये मधु है तुम हो, उस पार न जाने क्या होगा!

जग में रस की नदियाँ बहती, रसना दो बूंदें पाती है,
जीवन की झिलमिलसी झाँकी नयनों के आगे आती है,
स्वरतालमयी वीणा बजती, मिलती है बस झंकार मुझे,
मेरे सुमनों की गंध कहीं यह वायु उड़ा ले जाती है!
ऐसा सुनता, उस पार, प्रिये, ये साधन भी छिन जाएँगे,
तब मानव की चेतनता का आधार न जाने क्या होगा!
इस पार, प्रिये मधु है तुम हो, उस पार न जाने क्या होगा!

प्याला है पर पी पाएँगे, है ज्ञात नहीं इतना हमको,
इस पार नियति ने भेजा है, असमर्थबना कितना हमको,
कहने वाले, पर कहते है, हम कर्मों में स्वाधीन सदा,
करने वालों की परवशता है ज्ञात किसे, जितनी हमको?
कह तो सकते हैं, कहकर ही कुछ दिल हलका कर लेते हैं,
उस पार अभागे मानव का अधिकार न जाने क्या होगा!
इस पार, प्रिये मधु है तुम हो, उस पार न जाने क्या होगा!

कुछ भी न किया था जब उसका, उसने पथ में काँटे बोये,
वे भार दिए धर कंधों पर, जो रोरोकर हमने ढोए,
महलों के सपनों के भीतर जर्जर खँडहर का सत्य भरा!
उर में एसी हलचल भर दी, दो रात न हम सुख से सोए!
अब तो हम अपने जीवन भर उस क्रूरकठिन को कोस चुके,
उस पार नियति का मानव से व्यवहार न जाने क्या होगा!
इस पार, प्रिये मधु है तुम हो, उस पार न जाने क्या होगा!

संसृति के जीवन में, सुभगे! ऐसी भी घड़ियाँ आऐंगी,
जब दिनकर की तमहर किरणे तम के अन्दर छिप जाएँगी,
जब निज प्रियतम का शव रजनी तम की चादर से ढक देगी,
तब रविशशिपोषित यह पृथिवी कितने दिन खैर मनाएगी!
जब इस लंबेचौड़े जग का अस्तित्व न रहने पाएगा,
तब तेरा मेरा नन्हासा संसार न जाने क्या होगा!
इस पार, प्रिये मधु है तुम हो, उस पार न जाने क्या होगा!

ऐसा चिर पतझड़ आएगा, कोयल न कुहुक फिर पाएगी,
बुलबुल न अंधेरे में गागा जीवन की ज्योति जगाएगी,
अगणित मृदुनव पल्लव के स्वर 'भरभर' न सुने जाएँगे,
अलिअवली कलिदल पर गुंजन करने के हेतु न आएगी,
जब इतनी रसमय ध्वनियों का अवसान, प्रिय हो जाएगा,
तब शुष्क हमारे कंठों का उद्गार न जाने क्या होगा!
इस पार, प्रिये मधु है तुम हो, उस पार न जाने क्या होगा!

सुन काल प्रबल का गुरु गर्जन निर्झरिणी भूलेगी नर्तन,
निर्झर भूलेगा निज 'टलमल', सरिता अपना 'कलकल' गायन,
वह गायकनायक सिन्धु कहीं, चुप हो छिप जाना चाहेगा!
मुँह खोल खड़े रह जाएँगे गंधर्व, अप्सरा, किन्नरगण!
संगीत सजीव हुआ जिनमें, जब मौन वही हो जाएँगे,
तब, प्राण, तुम्हारी तंत्री का, जड़ तार न जाने क्या होगा!
इस पार, प्रिये मधु है तुम हो, उस पार न जाने क्या होगा!

उतरे इन आखों के आगे जो हार चमेली ने पहने,
वह छीन रहा देखो माली, सुकुमार लताओं के गहने,
दो दिन में खींची जाएगी ऊषा की साड़ी सिन्दूरी
पट इन्द्रधनुष का सतरंगा पाएगा कितने दिन रहने!
जब मूर्तिमती सत्ताओं की शोभाशुषमा लुट जाएगी,
तब कवि के कल्पित स्वप्नों का श्रृंगार न जाने क्या होगा!
इस पार, प्रिये मधु है तुम हो, उस पार न जाने क्या होगा!

दृग देख जहाँ तक पाते हैं, तम का सागर लहराता है,
फिर भी उस पार खड़ा कोई हम सब को खींच बुलाता है!
मैं आज चला तुम आओगी, कल, परसों, सब संगीसाथी,
दुनिया रोतीधोती रहती, जिसको जाना है, जाता है।
मेरा तो होता मन डगडग मग, तट पर ही के हलकोरों से!
जब मैं एकाकी पहुँचूँगा, मँझधार न जाने क्या होगा!
इस पार, प्रिये मधु है तुम हो, उस पार न जाने क्या होगा!

- बच्चन

life`s a dream n faith is d bst alternative

sometimes u feel that is there a road ahead where u will find a path of ur wishes n can experience the sayings of all your elders and loved ones but troubles always seems to come in ur way that is there is tryst wid destiny n u sit down feeling depressed but frnds that is the real time to rise coz with every fall there comes a rise n thats the true time to rise from ur ashes n rise like a phoneix and shoot like a shining star in the sky full of oppurtunities.
wish u all there the beauties of ur wonderful dreams and the lucks of ur challenging mind.
AMEN-DEVIKA
A REQUEST
do guide me if i commit any mistake and a warm welcome to all those who find my blog worthy of a visit.