On 17 December, a memorial meeting for Comrade Meena Rai, Managing Editor of Janmat, was organized at Anjuman-e-Rooh-e-Adab, Allahabad. The event showcased the vibrant life of Comrade Meena Rai, who was a friend, mentor and comrade to many young activists. On one side of the venue there was a book stall and on the other side, excerpts from her incomplete autobiography ‘Samar na jite koi' along with various photographs of her. The memorial event cherished her life and work that continues to be an inspiration and strength for all.
Speaking at the memorial meeting, Dipankar Bhattacharya, General Secretary of CPI(ML) said that Comrade Meena had dedicated her life and work to connect to the people and building a collective. In politics, we talk about socialisation of capital, but there can be socialisation of life also, the example of which has been set by Meena ji.
She was steadfast in ensuring continuous publishing and distribution of Samkaleen Janmat magazine, and making it available to the people. She was the backbone of the whole process. The sudden demise of Comrade Meenaji has left a vacuum, but as she envisioned the power of collective efforts we as a group will have to try to carry froward her work and legacy. The period when Meena ji joined the party was the time of re-organisation of CPIML. In that difficult period, she showed how socialism is not only a goal but also a journey. Her solace was in collective work.
Fighting today’s fascism is not just a matter of one or two elections, it requires change in consciousness and a strong organisation and movement. Perhaps it was at this very moment we needed Meena ji the most. Therefore, it is our responsibility to remember her and to be dedicated in our effort to connect people in a creative way. This will be a perfect tribute to her life and legacy.
Devi Prasad Mishra, prominent Hindi poet, remembered her memory as revolutionary in both her work and life. Poet Rupam Mishra, while remembering Meenaji said that she was a vital link that connected the old world and the new generation. Professor Awadhesh Pradhan shared the memories how Meena Rai, a girl from a farming family, became Comrade Meena Rai, recounting her memoir and excerpts from her autobiography. Professor Ashutosh Kumar remembered her as the one who carries party in her heart, Jan Sanskriti Manch in her conscience and respected opinions of comrades. He described her autobiography as an unique documentation of the struggles an Indian woman goes through. Writer Neelam Shankar remembered the many hats that Comrade Meena Rai wore. Comrade Shashi Yadav spoke about multiple roles and responsibilities that Meena Rai was carrying. Her dedication is a source of inspiration.
Dr. Padma Singh, Preeti Sinha, Secretary of the Progressive Writers Association, Poet Sandhya Navodat, school teachers Ruchi, Sneha or young teacher and chorus partner Ruchi Dixit or Shivani, Parveen of the locality- for all of them Comrade Meena Rai was always a friend, mentor and comrade who was always there when needed. Professor Gopal Pradhan said she played a crucial role in nurturing generations of students in Allahabad with the vision to change the world and build an egalitarian future.
In the second session of the memorial event, an Audio-Visual story about Comrade Meena Rai, prepared together by Sanjay Joshi and Ankur was shown in which she talked about her dreams, importance of collective and desire to create a better world. The event ended with a resolve to collectively carry forward her ideas, work and legacy.
