Monday, March 18, 2019
Biography of E. M. S. Namboodiripad:
E. M. S. Namboodiripad, whose full name was Elamkulam Manakkal Sankaran Namboodiripad, was a prominent Indian politician and theorist, best known for his role as a leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and as the first Chief Minister of the Indian state of Kerala.
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| E. M. S. Namboodiripad |
Here is a brief biography of E. M. S. Namboodiripad:
E. M. S. Namboodiripad's Early Life:
E. M. S. Namboodiripad was born on June 13, 1909, in Perintalmanna, Malappuram district, Kerala, India. He was born into an aristocratic Nair family, traditionally known as Namboodiri Brahmins. His early education took place in Calicut and Malabar.
Political Activism of E. M. S. Namboodiripad:
Namboodiripad was drawn to political activism at a young age and became associated with the Indian National Congress during the Indian independence movement. However, his political ideology underwent a transformation, and he became influenced by Marxist thought.
In 1934, E. M. S. Namboodiripad joined the Communist Party of India (CPI) and was actively involved in the peasant and workers' movements in Kerala. He played a key role in the formation of the Kerala unit of the Communist Party.
Influential Leadership in Kerala:
After India gained independence in 1947, E. M. S. Namboodiripad became a prominent political figure in Kerala. In 1957, the Communist Party of India won the state assembly elections, and E. M. S. Namboodiripad became the first Chief Minister of Kerala. This marked the first time in India that a communist party came to power through the electoral process.
During his term as Chief Minister, E. M. S. Namboodiripad implemented several progressive measures, including land reforms aimed at redistributing land from landlords to tenants. However, his government was dismissed in 1959 by the central government led by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
E. M. S. Namboodiripad's Later Political Career:
E. M. S. Namboodiripad continued to be a prominent leader within the Communist Party of India (Marxist) after the split in the Communist movement in 1964. He served as the General Secretary of the CPI(M) from 1978 to 1992.
Namboodiripad returned to power as the Chief Minister of Kerala in 1967 when the Left Democratic Front (LDF) won the state elections. He served in this role until 1969, focusing on social and economic reforms.
Author and Intellectual:
In addition to his political career, E. M. S. Namboodiripad was a prolific writer and intellectual. He wrote extensively on political theory, Marxism, and Indian history. His notable works include "The History of Indian Freedom Struggle," a comprehensive account of India's struggle for independence.
Death of E. M. S. Namboodiripad:
E. M. S. Namboodiripad passed away on March 19, 1998, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a key figure in Indian communism and a leader who contributed significantly to social and economic reforms in the state of Kerala.