A Meaningful Dialogue on Simplicity and Struggle: Comrade M.A. Baby Responds with Clarity
Madurai:Kumareshan Asak
In a thought-provoking training session for the editorial comrades of all language publications run by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), senior leader M.A. Baby responded with remarkable clarity to a challenging question about the relevance of a “simple life” in today’s context.
The question posed to him was this:
“We often speak of a simple life. But isn’t the very struggle of the working people — their labour, their savings — all aimed at improving life’s comforts? Isn’t science and discovery meant to reduce hardship and enhance comfort? Isn’t that a just and natural desire? In that case, is it right to preach an austere, renunciate lifestyle that shuns comfort? Can that be called Marxist? I cannot agree with the old saying that a content mind is the magic medicine for all.”
After a pause, Comrade M.A. Baby responded:
“That’s a good question. And it’s true — the people’s desire to make life easier and their effort to gain comfort cannot be undervalued by communists. I too do not agree with an imaginary, impractical renunciation. When we talk about a simple life, we do not mean it for the general public. We refer to those comrades who choose a life committed to the movement and work for society. Even they need comforts, but in seeking them, they should not become distant from the people. Our struggle is to ensure that all facilities are available to all people. Thank you, comrade, for this important question.”
This exchange was one of the highlights of the session.
M.A. Baby is not just an eloquent speaker — he is a comrade who entered people’s movements during his student days, played key roles in the Students' Federation of India and the Democratic Youth Federation of India, and later served as Member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, Minister, and Rajya Sabha MP. Today, he has been elected as the General Secretary of the CPI(M).
A leader who combines political commitment with a deep cultural and Marxist perspective, his words resonate with clarity and purpose.
Red Salutes to Comrade M.A. Baby and the newly elected Central Committee and Polit Bureau members — may your leadership steer the movement through challenges, overcome shortcomings, and carve new paths of victory, shining as a beacon of hope for the people.
