Sitaram Yechury: A tall leader and friend who bridged political divides | Obituary
PTC Web Desk: Veteran political leader and CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury died Thursday afternoon at AIIMS, New Delhi, following a prolonged illness. He was 72. Yechury, who had been receiving treatment in the intensive care unit for a severe respiratory infection, breathed his last after battling the illness for nearly a month. His death has left a void in Indian politics, with condolences pouring in from across the political spectrum.
Born on August 12, 1952, Sitaram Yechury emerged as one of the most influential leaders of the Indian Left. A man of formidable intellect and eloquence, his contributions to both parliamentary proceedings and grassroots activism earned him a reputation as a leader with deep convictions and exceptional organisational skills.
He began his political journey in the 1970s as an active member of the Students' Federation of India (SFI) during his student years at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where he was elected president of the JNU Students' Union. His leadership and activism during the turbulent period of the Emergency in 1975 saw him arrested alongside several other leaders who would later become prominent figures in national politics. Despite his incarceration, Yechury’s commitment to the cause never wavered, and he continued to play a vital role in India's political landscape for nearly five decades.
A graduate of St Stephen's College and JNU, Yechury’s academic pursuit of a doctorate in economics was cut short due to his political activism. Yet, his sharp analytical mind and deep understanding of economic and social issues made him a prominent figure in the Communist Party of India (Marxist), where he rose to become its general secretary in 2015.
Throughout his career, Yechury was known for his pragmatism and his ability to reach across political divides. His voice resonated not only within the leftist movement but also found respect among political rivals. His charm and oratory skills, combined with his strategic acumen, helped CPM remain relevant in the ever-shifting political landscape of India. He was a key figure in bridging the gap between traditional leftist ideologies and the digital age, effectively using modern platforms such as social media to engage with the youth and the public at large.
Despite his illustrious career, Yechury was no stranger to personal tragedy. In 2021, he lost his 34-year-old son Ashish to Covid-19, a loss that deeply affected him. Yechury is survived by his wife, senior journalist Seema Chishti, his daughter Akhila, and his son Daanish.
In one of the many viral moments of his career, a photograph of Yechury with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from 1977 was widely shared, though often misinterpreted. The image, falsely associated with events during the Emergency, actually captured Yechury demanding Gandhi’s resignation as Chancellor of JNU following her defeat in the 1977 Lok Sabha Elections. This moment symbolised Yechury's fearlessness and principled opposition to authoritarianism, a hallmark of his long career.
As a politician, activist, and intellectual, Sitaram Yechury has left behind a legacy of integrity, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to the cause of social justice and equality. His absence will be deeply felt, not just by his comrades in the CPM, but by all those who have been touched by his work and ideals.
The nation mourns the loss of a towering figure whose dedication to public service and progressive politics will continue to inspire future generations.
- PTC NEWS
